How to Replace RV Wall Art: 7 Lightweight Decor Ideas for Travel

The Rundown

Absolutely, many RV owners do change out the factory artwork that comes with their motorhomes, and you're spot on that this is more common in motorhomes than travel trailers. Since you mentioned you're looking at this mostly in motorhomes and considering whether to make changes even though you only camp 20-30 days per year, I'd say it's definitely worth personalizing your space if the current artwork doesn't speak to you. Full-timers almost universally replace factory art since they're living with it every single day, but even weekend warriors like yourself often find that swapping out a few key pieces makes the RV feel more like home rather than a generic hotel room.

The factory artwork in most RVs is chosen to be inoffensive and appeal to the broadest possible market, which often translates to bland landscapes, generic coastal scenes, or abstract pieces that lack personality. These pieces are typically lightweight prints in basic frames, designed more for mass appeal than artistic merit. The good news is that most RV artwork is mounted using standard picture hanging hardware, making replacement straightforward. However, there are some RV-specific considerations you'll need to account for, particularly regarding weight, mounting security, and vibration resistance that don't apply to stationary homes.

Many RV owners start with just one or two pieces in high-visibility areas like above the dinette or in the bedroom, then gradually replace others as they find artwork that better reflects their personal taste. Since you're only in your RV 20-30 days per year, focusing on the pieces you see most often when relaxing inside makes the most sense from both a cost and impact perspective. The living area artwork typically has the biggest visual impact and is where most people start their replacement journey.

Why It Happens

RV manufacturers choose artwork based on several practical and economic factors rather than artistic merit. The primary driver is cost - they need pieces that can be mass-produced cheaply and shipped efficiently to multiple production facilities. Weight is another crucial factor since every pound matters in RV construction, so you'll typically find lightweight canvas prints or thin poster-style prints rather than substantial framed pieces. The artwork also needs to survive the manufacturing and delivery process without damage, which rules out anything fragile or with protruding elements.

From a design perspective, manufacturers select neutral themes that won't clash with their standard interior color schemes and will appeal to the widest demographic range. This is why you see so many generic landscapes, seascapes, and abstract patterns - they're safe choices that won't offend anyone but also don't excite anyone. The artwork needs to work with beige walls, brown furniture, and the limited color palettes typically used in RV interiors. Manufacturers also avoid anything too personal, religious, or culturally specific that might alienate potential buyers.

The mounting considerations in RVs are significantly different from homes, which influences artwork selection. Pieces need to stay securely mounted while traveling over bumpy roads, through high winds, and during the constant vibration of highway travel. This requirement favors lighter pieces with simpler frames and mounting systems. Traditional heavy frames with glass are impractical because they can break during travel and pose safety hazards if they fall. The artwork also needs to fit through RV doorways during manufacturing, which limits size options.

Additionally, RV interiors have unique space constraints and viewing angles that affect artwork placement and selection. The curved walls and limited ceiling height in many RVs mean that artwork needs to work in cramped spaces with different proportions than home walls. The viewing distances are typically much shorter, and the lighting conditions are often more challenging with fewer and smaller windows. All these factors push manufacturers toward safe, generic choices rather than bold or interesting pieces that might work better in specific situations but cause problems in others.

Gather These Items

Before you start shopping for replacement artwork, you'll need to measure your existing pieces and assess your mounting hardware. Get a tape measure and note the dimensions of each frame you're considering replacing, including height, width, and depth. Pay special attention to the mounting system currently in use - most RV artwork uses picture wire and hooks, but some might have hanging brackets or other systems. Take photos of the back of the frames to reference later when shopping for replacements.

For the artwork replacement itself, you have several options depending on your budget and preferences. Canvas prints are excellent for RVs because they're lightweight, won't break if they fall, and can handle vibration well. Look for canvas prints with wrapped edges that don't require frames, or choose thin floating frames designed for canvas. Photo prints on metal or acrylic are another modern option that works well in RVs - they're lightweight, durable, and have a contemporary look that can really update an RV's interior. If you prefer traditional framed pieces, look for frames made from lightweight materials like plastic or thin metal rather than solid wood. For maximum safety and weight reduction, consider avoiding glazing entirely, but if glazing is necessary, always choose acrylic instead of glass.

You'll also need appropriate mounting hardware that can handle RV travel conditions. Standard picture hanging wire and hooks work for lighter pieces, but consider upgrading to heavy-duty steel picture wire for anything over a pound. Earthquake putty or museum wax applied to the bottom corners of frames is essential for preventing artwork from shifting or falling during travel - this is a critical safety requirement that should not be skipped. For larger pieces, consider adding security cables that attach the frame to wall-mounted anchor points. Heavy-duty picture hanging strips can work well for lightweight pieces and don't require wall penetrations.

Don't forget about storage considerations when selecting new artwork. Unlike a house where you can lean extra pieces against a wall in the garage, RV storage is extremely limited. If you're planning to rotate artwork seasonally or store pieces you're not currently displaying, make sure they can fit in your RV's storage compartments. Canvas rolls take up minimal space, while framed pieces need careful protection during storage and transport.

The Fix

Start your artwork replacement project by carefully removing one existing piece to understand the mounting system and wall construction. Most RV artwork hangs on small finish nails or screws driven into the wall studs or furring strips behind the interior paneling. Remove the hanging hardware carefully and examine the wall behind it - you may find that the factory artwork was covering minor imperfections in the paneling that you'll need to address with new pieces. Clean the wall area thoroughly since dust and grime can accumulate behind artwork over years of use.

When selecting replacement artwork, consider the unique challenges of RV living. Colors should complement your existing interior but also work well under both LED interior lighting and natural light from windows. Since RVs have more limited viewing distances than homes, detailed pieces that look great from three feet away work better than artwork designed to be viewed from across a large room. Consider how the artwork will look from different positions in your RV - what you see from the driver's seat, the dinette, and the bedroom might all be different viewing angles of the same piece.

For mounting your new artwork, start with pieces in less critical locations to test your installation technique before tackling prominent wall space. If you're reusing existing mounting points, make sure they're still secure and appropriate for your new artwork's weight and size.re still secure - RV walls can shift slightly over time, and screw holes can enlarge with vibration. For new mounting points, always try to hit a wall stud or use appropriate hollow wall anchors rated for the weight of your artwork. Toggle bolts work well in RV walls but create larger holes, so use them judiciously.

Consider creating a cohesive theme throughout your RV rather than just replacing individual pieces. This doesn't mean everything has to match exactly, but having a consistent color palette or style creates a more intentional, designed look. Many RV owners choose a theme that reflects their travel interests - national parks, coastal scenes, or regional artwork from places they've visited. This approach makes the RV feel more personal while maintaining visual harmony.

For full-timers or frequent travelers, invest in artwork that can handle the constant vibration and movement of RV travel. Test your installation by gently shaking the RV to simulate road conditions - artwork should stay in place without rattling or shifting. Use bumper pads or felt strips between the artwork and wall to prevent marking or noise during travel. Consider removable pieces for areas where you need access behind them for maintenance or storage.

Know Your Limits

While replacing RV artwork is generally a straightforward project, there are some situations where you should proceed with caution or consider professional help. If your RV has built-in artwork niches or custom mounting systems integrated into the cabinetry, modifications can be complex and might affect structural integrity or warranty coverage. Some higher-end motorhomes have artwork that's part of coordinated interior design packages where changes might look out of place with the rest of the decor.

Weight limits are crucial in RV artwork replacement, and it's easy to underestimate the cumulative effect of multiple pieces. While one heavy piece might not cause problems, replacing several lightweight factory pieces with heavier alternatives can affect your RV's weight distribution and potentially push you over axle weight limits. This is particularly important in motorhomes where weight distribution affects handling and safety. Keep track of the weight difference between old and new pieces, and consider having your RV weighed if you're making extensive changes.

Electrical considerations can complicate artwork replacement in some RVs. If your existing artwork is in areas near electrical outlets, light switches, or built-in lighting, make sure new pieces don't interfere with access or create safety issues. Some RVs have accent lighting built into artwork alcoves that might not work with different sized pieces. Never attempt to modify electrical systems yourself - this work should always be done by qualified technicians familiar with RV electrical systems and safety requirements.

If you're not comfortable working with tools or don't have experience hanging pictures securely, consider having artwork professionally installed, especially for larger or heavier pieces. RV walls are different from home walls, and improper installation can cause damage that's expensive to repair. Mobile RV service technicians often handle this type of work and understand the unique requirements of RV mounting systems. The cost of professional installation is usually modest compared to the potential damage from failed mounting hardware.

Finally, consider the resale implications of your artwork changes. While personalizing your RV makes it more enjoyable for you, highly specific or personal artwork choices might not appeal to future buyers. If you're planning to sell your RV in the next few years, stick with broadly appealing pieces or keep the original artwork to reinstall before selling. However, if you're planning to keep your RV long-term or you're full-timing, don't let resale concerns prevent you from making the space truly yours - the enjoyment you'll get from personalized artwork far outweighs any minor impact on resale value.