Planning your campervan interior for furniture is about more than looks. It’s about how space and comfort come together to create a layout that feels natural to live in. Every decision from bed placement to cupboard depth determines how practical the van will be on the road.
With this ind mind, our guide looks at how Volkswagen and Ford vans differ in interior design and space, then explores the most common campervan layout types, comparing how each one performs in real use, to help you understand how these shapes influence storage, comfort and the way you move inside the van.
What’s Different About VW & Ford Campervans?
The VW Transporter is the most common van conversion. It’s balanced footprint makes it nimble and compact, ideal for smaller drives, narrow roads and city parking. Its interior feels car like, and its consistent dimensions make cabinetry installation straightforward. It is a perfect fit for people who want a practical, stylish camper that does not feel oversized.
The Ford Transit Custom, by contrast, provides more width and headroom. This extra space allows for wider beds, deeper storage units and slightly taller seating without compromising headspace. It is well suited to families, longer trips or anyone who prioritises interior room over exterior compactness.
Here is a closer look at how they compare when it comes to conversions.
| Feature | VW Transporter | Ford Transit Custom |
| Body Width | Slightly narrower | Wider by around 10 cm, allowing deeper furniture |
| Cab Height | Lower profile, more car-like | Higher cab and roofline for roomier interior |
| Driving Feel | Agile and compact, ideal for city or coastal driving | Smooth and stable for long-distance travel |
| Interior Shape | Squared walls, easy for cabinetry alignment | Slightly curved side panels, more depth but needs tailored fit |
| Ideal Use | Short breaks, daily driving, compact touring | Longer trips, families, larger sleeping area |
Both make excellent bases for conversions. The choice comes down to personal travel style, efficiency and agility in the VW, or generous comfort in the Ford.
Understanding The Layout Of A Campervan
Campervan layouts generally fall into three main categories which are the standard side kitchen, the slimline configuration and the U shape lounge. Each layout influences how you cook, sleep and store belongings, as well as how spacious the van feels when you are inside it.
Standard Side Kitchen Layout
This classic layout is the most recognisable and practical arrangement across both VW and Ford vans. The kitchen unit runs along one side, fitted with a sink, hob, fridge and storage. Beside it sits a three quarter width bed system that folds flat at night, creating a reliable day to night setup.
The design allows clear movement through the centre of the van, keeps cooking and living areas separate and provides generous under bed storage. In a VW, the slightly narrower cabin makes this layout compact and efficient. In a Ford, the wider body gives you extra countertop space and a bed closer to full width.
Slimline Layout
The slimline approach refines the standard side kitchen by reducing furniture depth. This opens up the central walkway, making the van feel wider and airier. It also creates space for a slightly larger bed, which is ideal for families or taller users.
While you lose a little storage inside the cabinetry, it can be balanced with clever design such as drawer systems or storage pods under the bed platform. It is an excellent middle ground between function and openness, especially if you want to carry three passengers in the back.
U Shape Lounge Layout
The U shape layout transforms the rear of the van into a social living space. Benches wrap around three sides, forming a comfortable seating area that converts into a large, flat bed.
It is best suited for couples or travellers who spend more time relaxing inside than driving. With the absence of a fixed rear seat, it maximises floor space and creates a more homely feel. Both VW and Ford models can adopt this layout, though the Ford’s extra width makes for a particularly generous sleeping area.
Hybrid Campervan Furniture Layouts
Beyond the standard, slimline and U-shape variations, there are hybrid designs that blend ideas from multiple setups. Some conversions use an L-shaped kitchen that extends slightly towards the rear doors to improve countertop space and separate the cooking zone from the seating area. Others incorporate removable pods for flexible setups that can switch between day trips and overnight camping.
Twin or opposing bench layouts are another option, particularly in long-wheelbase vans, providing two single beds that double as sofas with a central aisle for storage or pet space. These are less common but can work well for specific travel needs.
The growing popularity of CNC-cut modular furniture systems also allows for far more variation than before. Components like bed boxes, overhead lockers and wardrobes can now be shaped precisely to fit each van’s curves, optimising every centimetre of storage without feeling cramped. Using materials such as Vohringer ply and marine-grade boards ensures strength and weight balance, while still giving a clean finish in custom colours.
Comparing Layout Types
To make it easier to visualise, here is a direct comparison of the most popular campervan furniture layouts and their strengths.
| Layout Type | Sleeping Capacity | Passenger Seats | Ideal Van Type | Best For |
| Standard Side Kitchen | 2 or 4 berth | 2–5 seats | Works well in both VW and Ford | Everyday usability, storage balance |
| Slimline Layout | 2 or 4 berth | 3 rear seats | Ideal for VW and Ford models | Families or those wanting more sleeping width |
| U-Shape Lounge | 2 or 4 berth | No rear seats | Best in long-wheelbase models | Couples and long-term touring |
| L-Shape or Hybrid Layouts | 2 or 3 berth | Flexible | Works best in Ford LWB or VW LWB | Flexible living and cooking space |
| Twin Bench Layout | 2 berth | Optional middle aisle | Long-wheelbase or high roof vans | Adventure use and custom builds |
Furniture & Practical Design Choices
Whichever layout you choose, thoughtful furniture design makes all the difference. High quality materials such as marine grade ply and Vohringer lightweight panels keep the van solid yet light. CNC precision ensures furniture fits perfectly to the body contours of both VW and Ford models.
Good design also considers how you will move and store things daily. Bed boxes with front and rear access make packing easier, while soft close drawers prevent rattling. Lighting plays a role too, as subtle LED strips under cabinets add warmth without draining the battery.
Both VW and Ford conversions benefit from electrical systems built around Victron components, allowing efficient power management through solar panels or hook up. Combining this with lithium batteries, diesel heaters and integrated blinds makes the van self sufficient for travel year round.
Choosing The Right Layout
The right layout depends on how you intend to live in your camper rather than how you imagine it might look.
- Couples who tour regularly often favour U shape or L shape layouts for their open feel.
- Families tend to choose the slimline layout for its balance between seating, sleeping and access.
- Solo travellers or weekend explorers usually prefer the standard side kitchen for simplicity and compact storage.
Short wheelbase vans are perfect for nimble driving and easy parking, while long wheelbase versions offer extended kitchens and larger lounges. Each decision comes down to how you plan to use the van most of the time.
Get In Touch With Our Team
Choosing between them and between layout types comes down to your priorities, space versus agility and simplicity versus comfort. With well designed furniture, practical electrics and good use of materials, either van can become a home on wheels that suits the way you live and travel. For more information, contact Templer Way Campers for professional advice and interior installations.
