You won't believe how this $7 Ikea hack can totally transform your caravan in minutes!
By
Gian T
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If you’ve ever spent a night in a caravan, you’ll know that while they’re brilliant for adventure, they’re not always the most stylish or homely of spaces. But what if we told you that with just $7 and a quick trip to Ikea, you could give your caravan a designer touch—no handyman skills required?
That’s exactly what one clever Aussie caravanner has done, and the results are so impressive, the internet can’t stop talking about it!
A Simple Hack That Anyone Can Do
Let’s be honest: most of us love the idea of a good DIY project, but when it comes to glue guns, power tools, and hours of fiddling, it’s easy to lose interest. That’s why this hack is such a winner—it’s quick, easy, and genuinely transformative.
Scarlet Mihan, 23, and her partner Caiden Deckert are currently living the dream, travelling around Australia in their caravan. Like many of us, Scarlet wanted to make their home on wheels feel a bit more inviting. She stumbled across a nifty idea online: turning a $7 rattan plant pot from Ikea into a stylish lamp shade.
‘A week or two ago, I saw an idea online about using an Ikea plant pot as a lamp shade, and I thought, 'I’m so doing that!'’ Scarlet shared.
A Hit With Caravanners Across Australia
Scarlet’s hack quickly went viral after she posted it in a popular Facebook group for caravanners. The response? Overwhelmingly positive!
‘That makes such a difference and so nice,’ one member wrote. ‘I have an ugly shell-shaped sconce I can’t figure out what to do with.’
Another chimed in: ‘Absolutely gorgeous van, love your styling.’
Even Aussie TikTok star Dave, known for his hilarious 'Crap my wife buys for the van' series, got in on the action. He admitted that while the original black reading lights did the job, they were a bit dull. After his wife added the Ikea shades, he had to concede: ‘It tarts the van up a treat. Not a bad one, wife.’
Customise Your Caravan Lighting Even Further
Scarlet also mentioned another clever tip: using coloured tape to soften the light. ‘A bit of amber tape so the light isn’t so hospital-like,’ she suggested. This is a great way to create a warm, cosy glow—perfect for those chilly nights on the road.
And don’t worry about the lights getting too hot. Scarlet reassures us that the globes don’t heat up much, and they’re rarely on for long periods anyway.
A Little Style, A Lot of Personality
Of course, not everyone is immediately on board with the new look. Scarlet’s partner, Caiden, is a bit sceptical—mainly because he’s worried about bumping his head on the new shades. But as Scarlet says, ‘He’s going to have to suck it up. It’s all about the look!’
We couldn’t agree more. Sometimes, a little style is worth a minor inconvenience—especially when it makes your home (or caravan) feel that much more special.
Why Small Changes Make a Big Difference
It’s easy to overlook the impact of small changes, but in a compact space like a caravan, every detail counts. Swapping out a plain light for a stylish shade can instantly elevate the whole room, making it feel warmer, more inviting, and uniquely yours.
Plus, with so many of us embracing the caravan lifestyle—whether for a weekend getaway or a lap around Australia—these little touches can make life on the road feel just as comfortable as home.
Have You Tried a Clever Caravan Hack?
We love seeing how our members personalise their caravans and make the most of small spaces. Have you tried this Ikea plant pot hack, or do you have your own DIY trick to share? Maybe you’ve found a way to make your van feel more like home, or perhaps you’ve had a decorating disaster you can laugh about now!
Share your stories, tips, and photos in the comments below—we’d love to see how you’ve transformed your space on wheels. And if you give this $7 Ikea hack a go, let us know how it turns out!
Credit: TikTok
Happy caravanning, and remember: sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest difference.
Read more: Is your caravan safe? 'We thought there was going to be an accident'
That’s exactly what one clever Aussie caravanner has done, and the results are so impressive, the internet can’t stop talking about it!
A Simple Hack That Anyone Can Do
Let’s be honest: most of us love the idea of a good DIY project, but when it comes to glue guns, power tools, and hours of fiddling, it’s easy to lose interest. That’s why this hack is such a winner—it’s quick, easy, and genuinely transformative.
Scarlet Mihan, 23, and her partner Caiden Deckert are currently living the dream, travelling around Australia in their caravan. Like many of us, Scarlet wanted to make their home on wheels feel a bit more inviting. She stumbled across a nifty idea online: turning a $7 rattan plant pot from Ikea into a stylish lamp shade.
‘A week or two ago, I saw an idea online about using an Ikea plant pot as a lamp shade, and I thought, 'I’m so doing that!'’ Scarlet shared.
A Hit With Caravanners Across Australia
Scarlet’s hack quickly went viral after she posted it in a popular Facebook group for caravanners. The response? Overwhelmingly positive!
‘That makes such a difference and so nice,’ one member wrote. ‘I have an ugly shell-shaped sconce I can’t figure out what to do with.’
Another chimed in: ‘Absolutely gorgeous van, love your styling.’
Even Aussie TikTok star Dave, known for his hilarious 'Crap my wife buys for the van' series, got in on the action. He admitted that while the original black reading lights did the job, they were a bit dull. After his wife added the Ikea shades, he had to concede: ‘It tarts the van up a treat. Not a bad one, wife.’
Customise Your Caravan Lighting Even Further
Scarlet also mentioned another clever tip: using coloured tape to soften the light. ‘A bit of amber tape so the light isn’t so hospital-like,’ she suggested. This is a great way to create a warm, cosy glow—perfect for those chilly nights on the road.
And don’t worry about the lights getting too hot. Scarlet reassures us that the globes don’t heat up much, and they’re rarely on for long periods anyway.
A Little Style, A Lot of Personality
Of course, not everyone is immediately on board with the new look. Scarlet’s partner, Caiden, is a bit sceptical—mainly because he’s worried about bumping his head on the new shades. But as Scarlet says, ‘He’s going to have to suck it up. It’s all about the look!’
We couldn’t agree more. Sometimes, a little style is worth a minor inconvenience—especially when it makes your home (or caravan) feel that much more special.
Why Small Changes Make a Big Difference
It’s easy to overlook the impact of small changes, but in a compact space like a caravan, every detail counts. Swapping out a plain light for a stylish shade can instantly elevate the whole room, making it feel warmer, more inviting, and uniquely yours.
Plus, with so many of us embracing the caravan lifestyle—whether for a weekend getaway or a lap around Australia—these little touches can make life on the road feel just as comfortable as home.
Have You Tried a Clever Caravan Hack?
We love seeing how our members personalise their caravans and make the most of small spaces. Have you tried this Ikea plant pot hack, or do you have your own DIY trick to share? Maybe you’ve found a way to make your van feel more like home, or perhaps you’ve had a decorating disaster you can laugh about now!
Share your stories, tips, and photos in the comments below—we’d love to see how you’ve transformed your space on wheels. And if you give this $7 Ikea hack a go, let us know how it turns out!
Credit: TikTok
Key Takeaways
- An Aussie caravanner, Scarlet Mihan, shared an easy DIY hack using a $7 Ikea rattan plant pot as a lamp shade, quickly transforming her caravan’s reading lights into stylish features.
- The simple trick involves slipping the pot over the lamp and using the plant pot's plastic insert—modified with a cut—to keep the shade in place, making it accessible to anyone without special tools or skills.
- The hack received widespread praise online from fellow caravanners and even featured in a popular TikTok series, with many saying it made a noticeable difference to the van’s appearance.
- Scarlet also suggests customising the lighting with coloured tape for a warmer effect, though her partner jokes about the practicality, showing not everyone’s on board with caravan decor upgrades.
Read more: Is your caravan safe? 'We thought there was going to be an accident'