Do you love the idea of living in a van, exploring wherever you feel like at the moment?
If you are getting ready to live in a van, you should have some ideas to make the most of this experience. One area that a lot of people overlook is lighting when they are designing their vans.
There are many van lighting ideas available, but how do you choose the perfect combination for your travels? Below, we’ve created a few handy van life lighting tips to help you get the most out of your van. Continue reading to learn more.
1. Utilize Natural Light
If you are planning to utilize natural light in your van, then you have a few different lighting ideas that you can use. One option is to install windows in your van that will allow natural sunlight to come in. This will help brighten up the van, but you still may need some additional lighting if the sun isn’t strong enough.
You can also consider putting reflective surfaces on the walls or ceiling to help bounce the light around your van so you don’t need to rely as heavily on artificial lighting. Another option is to make sure all the interior elements that absorb light are minimized. This can be done by using light-reflective paint and reducing clutter in the van.
2. LED Reading Light
LED reading lights are a great way to brighten up a van. They are energy-efficient and provide more light than conventional bulbs. They also last longer than other types and are easy to install.
When choosing LED lights for your van, look for ones with adjustable brightness levels so you can switch the light intensity for different tasks or dim the lights for evening activities.
These come in varying colors and are typically mounted to the van’s ceiling, walls, or even floorboards. When installed in the right places, they can make a huge difference. Be sure to research the right type of lights and installation techniques for your specific model of vehicle to ensure the best performance.
3. String-Fairy Light
String fairy lights are a fun and creative way to light up your van and add a cozy vibe. They can be used inside or outside.
For an inside installation, use an adhesive strip to attach the lights on the sides, roof, or floors of your van. String them around the edges of your bed, hang them from the ceiling, or weave them around the furniture to give your van a charming, unique touch.
Outside, the string just a few strands along the edges of your windows or along the outside walls. The options are endless! If you don’t want to commit to a permanent installation, you can use removable adhesive strips and easily move the lights around or take them down whenever you feel like it.
For a more dramatic effect, plug-in string lights with remote controls can be placed around door frames or on shelves. By playing around with different color schemes, shapes, and strands, you can create a unique look that’s both stylish and inviting.
4. LED Light Bar
LED light bars are great for adding a modern, urban, and futuristic feel to the van. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be installed using brackets designed specifically for them. Options range from long and wide to short and curved, depending on the look you are aiming for.
Additionally, they are available in a multitude of colors and finishes including chrome, black, and white. You can also use the bars to add dramatic light to areas outside the van, such as the hood or the rear for decoration.
The lighting options are almost limitless, and the design possibilities are endless. Whether you’re looking for a simple and subtle solution or a bold and eye-catching design an LED light bar may be the perfect solution for you.
5. LED Strip Lights
LED strip lights for vans are becoming increasingly popular due to their affordable, eco-friendly, and stylish lighting. These versatile strips come in multiple colors and sizes, perfect for adding a splash of color and ambiance to any van interior.
They are straightforward and easy to install using double-sided tape and are flexible enough to mold around whatever shape you desire. They come with a controller which allows you to choose from a variety of colors and animations, giving your van a unique appearance.
Some LED strip lights even come with smartphone and voice control functionality, adding another level of convenience. With so many features and benefits, LED strip lights for your van are definitely worth considering.
6. Recessed Van Spotlights
Adding spotlights to the van is a great way to improve lighting levels while using minimal space. They can offer bright, directional lighting with a modern look. They can be installed on ceilings, walls, or even in furniture to create a sophisticated atmosphere.
When choosing spotlights, it is important to consider the Color Rendering Index, wattage, and temperature. Different bulb types produce different levels of brightness.
Having a good shade included in the design of the spotlight aids in maximizing its lighting potential. With the right kind of spotlights, you will be able to get everything more illuminated in your van for a more enjoyable ride.
7. Surface-Mounted Puck Lights
Surface-mounted puck lights are ideal lighting for vans. These small, bright lights can be easily mounted on the ceiling, walls, and exterior of your van. Depending on the size of your van, you can install multiple light fixtures to provide maximum visibility throughout the entire interior.
Puck lights come in a variety of colors and wattage options, so it’s easy to choose the exact look you want for your van. The efficiency of puck lights is also a bonus as they don’t require a lot of electricity to operate.
In addition to adding visibility, puck lights also add a distinctive, modern look to your vehicle. With the use of puck lights, you can create the perfect atmosphere for your van.
8. Solar-Powered Camping Lights
Lighting doesn’t have to be a hassle when you’re camping. Investing in solar-powered camping lights can provide extra ambiance and plenty of illumination for your van and site. The solar energy can be stored in a battery and then used for lighting inside the van. This energy is clean and renewable, and it won’t cost you anything to use.
If you’re short on space, downsizing the size of the lights is key. Find small solar-powered lights that come in a variety of colors to fit your needs. Next, place the lights strategically around your van’s living area, depending on whether or not you have a ceiling or roof and where you need the most lighting.
If you have a roof-mounted fan or vent, hang some for a cool glow. Place solar-powered lamps with mason jars and lanterns for an atmosphere that is relaxing and inviting. Finally, use rope or outdoor zip ties to attach your lights to keep them safe.
If you need help installing these types of lights, you contact a van conversion company. They have the knowledge and experience to take your van’s capabilities to the next level with the upgrades it needs.
9. Hand Crank Lanterns
These lanterns are perfect for camping, hiking, fishing, or just adding light to your outdoor setup. The lights are short and compact, making them easy to carry. They run on three D-Cell batteries which provide plenty of power in a long-lasting package.
The hand crank shines bright with its rotary generator, boasting up to 35 minutes of operation after just one minute of cranking. The clear, bright krypton bulb casts a broad light that allows you to see around you, making this a great tool for any emergency or outdoor situation.
The durable, lightweight construction makes them easy to pack and light enough to carry in your pocket or pack. These lanterns are the perfect choice for any outdoor enthusiast who wants convenience and reliability.
10. Motion Sensors Lights
Motion sensor lights are an excellent way to provide lighting for your van. They are inexpensive, energy efficient, and incredibly durable.
Motion sensors have the capability to sense movement in an area, and activate the lights when they detect it. This is great if you are away from your van for long periods of time, as it may deter potential break-ins.
It also provides convenience, as the lights will be ready and waiting when you arrive. Additionally, you can mount them inside or outside of your vehicle, depending on your preference and needs. Whatever the purpose, motion sensor lights will reduce energy costs and offer security for those needing a little extra lighting in their van.
11. Dome Lights
Choosing the perfect van dome lighting can take your vehicle from drab to chic. Whether you’re looking to outfit a recreational vehicle, camping van, or a simple delivery van, the possibilities are endless.
Start by assessing how bright you want your van’s interior dome lights to be. LED dome lights can give off a bright glow that can brighten up the entire cabin, whereas halogen and xenon bulbs emit a warmer, softer light.
Some dome lights come with features such as a colored lens that can be versatile when it comes to mood lighting. If your van is predominantly white, opt for a warmer color, such as orange or yellow. This will give you a cozy and inviting feel.
For a more modern look, try a blue or white light. Once you’ve chosen the type of dome light and the color, make sure you secure it into the dome of your van with adhesive or screws so it doesn’t come loose while driving.
12. Strobe Light
Using van strobe lights inside your van can make a huge statement. They are available in various colors that you can use to create a bold effect, and they can add extra lighting.
Additionally, you can use automatic-timed strobe lights with a start-stop timer. This kind of system is great for highlighting the beauty of your van’s interior by alternating from a bright, flashing light to a dimmed one, depending on the time of day.
Adding a spinning effect could be really cool. You could choose the colors of the flashes and customize the speed of the flash as well. If you have the capability of doing so, you could create different patterns or even have animations like waves, spirals, circles, etc.
13. Camper Awning Lights
These enhance the look of the vehicle and add a bit of extra light to make nighttime activities easier. They give off a soft, relaxing light, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have a durable, water-resistant design and are easy to install, so you can get up and running in no time.
The lights also come in battery-operated variants, which can be easily transported and used anywhere. Some even feature modern features, such as dimmable lighting, remote control capabilities, and multi-color LED technology. With camper awning lights, travelers can stay cozy and well-illuminated on their escape from the everyday.
14. Fiber Optic LED Lighting
These lights use optical fibers to transfer their light from one end of a cable to the other, producing a beautiful and glittery effect. They are energy efficient and consume less electricity than other lights used in cars. This makes them a great option for those looking to keep their electric bills low.
Fiber optic lighting is also very durable, meaning it can be an ideal choice for those who drive in tough and rough conditions. The lights come in different colors and sizes, so they can provide that perfect interior or exterior design to vehicles. Furthermore, the lights can be installed in virtually any location, offering up flexibility when considering the lighting setup for a van.
Van Lighting Ideas You’ll Love
Van lighting ideas can be an easy, cost-effective way to add a modern, customized touch to your van. From installing a professional-looking ceiling with light panels to trying out fun, colorful lighting options down the side of your vehicle, the possibilities are endless.
Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy, night-sleeping atmosphere or a bright light to show off your dazzling decor, there are plenty of ways to take your van lighting to the next level. Go ahead and create the perfect oasis and enjoy the light!
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