7 Fantastic RV Dinette Replacement Ideas

If you’re like most RVers, you spend a lot of time in your RV’s dinette. It’s the perfect spot for eating meals, playing games, and relaxing. But what if your dinette isn’t quite right for you? Maybe your Airstream dinette or camper dinette is too small or not comfortable enough. Or perhaps it just doesn’t fit with the rest of your décor. Regardless, we have some RV dinette replacement ideas that would be a great match for you.

When you want to upgrade your dinette for camper trailers, the sky is the limit.

We’re going to explore seven different options for replacing your RV dinette and give you a fresh look and feel in your home on wheels. So whether you’re looking for something functional or stylish, we’ve you covered.

When looking for a ideas for a replacement table for camper trailers, or you’re going for a DIY RV dinette, you’ll like what we have to show you.

Don’t replace your dinette – upgrade your dining table!

We’re starting with one of the most straightforward and practical options: upgrading your existing dinette or dining table.

This is an excellent option if you’re happy with your dinette’s overall size, layout, and maybe the RV dining chairs, but you want to make it more comfortable or stylish.

One way to upgrade your dinette is to simply replace the seating.

Most dinettes have padded cushions on the benches, but these can get old and uncomfortable. Consider replacing them with new cushions or getting new upholstery. It can be as simple as updating the back cushions. There’s a wide variety of materials on the market, so you can find something that fits your style.

Another way to upgrade your Airstream travel trailer or recreational vehicle dinette is to replace the dining table.

Again, there are many different options for your dinette table, from simple folding tables to more elaborate designs.

If you want to save money, you could even build your dining table.

One of our favorites is finding a solid piece of oak or elm around 1.5″ thick with live edge wood and finishing it. You can leave the live edge on it and coat it with epoxy for a cool look. You might even want to add in a drop leaf table to give you extra living space.

Why we love this dining space idea.

This is not only simple, but it’s a quick project as well. If you are happy with your current set up but want something a little fancier, this is the way to go.

Install a custom-built bench.

Bench Install inside RV — Make a comfy and cozy nook out of your dinette area with a bench. Photo courtesy of Lone Oak Design.

Maybe you’re handy with power tools and wood. This is an excellent option for those who want something a bit more substantial than just upgrading the existing dinette. You can tear out the old dinette and build a custom bench to take its place.

This is great if you want to add extra storage underneath the bench and booth dinettes. You could build some simple cabinets or drawers or even install a shelf for storage bins. Although most RV dinettes are around 7′ wide by 4′ deep, the amount of space you have will vary depending on the make and model of your RV or travel trailer.

If you’re not ready to tackle a big project like this, or have little experience modifying travel trailers, plenty of plans are available online.

Or, if you’d instead leave it to the professionals, many companies will build a custom bench, and they don’t even have to specialize in RVs.

Most carpenters or cabinetmakers should be able to do it for under $500, depending on what you’re wanting.

Why we love this dinette space idea.

We’re big fans of DIY and putting some elbow grease into our projects. So this is definitely one of the more fun options of the group. You also get to fully customize how you want your bench to look. Maybe you want extra seating or the extra storage, it’s completely up to you.

Go conservative with a table and chairs.

Table and Chairs in an RV — Going with a table and chairs is a conservative but timeless approach.

There’s a good chance you’ve seen these in plenty of RVs before.

In fact, a table and chairs is one of the most popular RV dinette replacement ideas we come across in our adventures. They’re simple, they’re functional, and they’re easy to set up and take down. Plus, they don’t take up a lot of space when they’re not in use.

One thing to keep in mind with this option is that you’ll need to find a table and chairs that fit well in your RV.

Not all tables and chairs are created equal; some will be too big or too small for your space. Measure twice; buy once!

You’ll need to pull out your existing dinette, which may require some new interior flooring or paneling, but once you open up the space, you can add in your RV table and chairs.

Remember that these aren’t like the table and chairs you have in your home. The ones designed for RVs can usually strap them into place while you’re moving.

Why we love this dinette space idea.

Sometimes simplicity is the best answer. When you want to give your small table an upgrade, just throw in a generic table top with two chairs. Again, we like this because it’s simple. However, you might lose that additional storage you once had.

RV recliners are a great addition.

RV Recliners Where the Dinette Use to Be — Recliners are comfy and easy to install in an RV. There are even electric recliners with built-in USB charging. Photo courtesy of Forest River Forums.

Just like the table and chairs, if you’re going to pull out your existing dinette, you might as well take advantage of the extra space and add in some recliners. These are becoming increasingly popular in RVs, and for a good reason. They’re comfortable, look great, and don’t take up a lot of space.

If you have more room to work with, you could add a loveseat or sofa. This is a great option to create a more home-like feel in your RV. Just make sure that whatever furniture you choose is comfortable and easy to get in and out of.

One of the best things about the loveseat or sofa is that you can get the style that folds out into a bed. This is perfect for when you need to sleep just a few more guests than what your RV can typically accommodate. Hanging out in your Airstream or RV will never be more comfortable than this!

Why we love this dinette space idea.

We love comfort so we love this idea. What’s more comfortable than throwing two reclining chairs in the space. For the most comfortable options, this is it. You’ll lose your dining area, but you’ll expand your RV living space.

Mobile office space for the full-timers.

Turn your RV dinette area into a mobile office — Remove the dinette and replace it with a luxurious desk and chairs for an office that follows you wherever you go. Photo courtesy of The Crazy Outdoor Mama.

Since COVID, more employers are allowing their employees to work remotely. With that, who says you need to work from your home? Maybe your RV is your home. If you work from your RV more often, why not create a space dedicated to getting things done?

You can start by ditching the dinette and setting up a desk and chair in its place. This is great if you don’t have a lot of space to work with.

Add a desk (we recommend mounting it to the floor if you’re moving around a lot) and a small office chair. You can get a non-slip pad for your laptop to stay put even when traveling the country.

Can you imagine getting work done at your computer while enjoying the beautiful sight of a lake out your RV window? Working from an RV has never been more popular and will only become more common in the future.

Why we love this dinette space idea.

This RV renovation project is fairly simple and great for the workampers or the full-time RVers that need a place to work. You can put a free standing desk in or a whatever fits in that space. If you’re not into dining at the table, this is definitely a better use for the living space.

Something for your pets.

This is probably one of the best RV dinette replacement ideas for dog or pet lovers. If seating for people isn’t a concern, you can replace your dinette with a kennel or sleeping and play area for your pets. You’ll lose out on seating options or a table, but your pets will love it.

You can find all sorts of kennels and pet beds specifically designed for RVs. This gives your furry friend their own space to sleep, play, and relax while you’re on the road.

They might prefer a small climbing tree or condo if you have a cat. These can be easily placed in the corner of your RV and don’t take up much space.

We recommend getting a kennel that can be quickly taken in and out of the RV for your pup. This way, they can have their own space to sleep and join you on all your adventures.

Why we love this dinette space idea.

This option is great for those that camp or full-time with their pets. They need a place to stay as well, and if you’re not using your dining booth or dining area, why not convert it for something more functional for them?

RV interior open space concept.

Remove the dinette for an open concept — Having open space for activities can transform your RV. Photo courtesy of Mountain Modern Life.

Last on our list, maybe you want to eliminate the dinette and have one ample open space.

This is great if you don’t do a lot of cooking in your RV or if you find that you never use the table. It’s also perfect for those who want to use their RV for working out, yoga, or other activities that require a lot of open floor space.

Perhaps you have a little one that joins you on your glamping adventures, and you want the space as a play area.

Whatever the reason, getting rid of your dinette and opening up the room can give you much more flexibility in how you use your RV.

Let’s change out that dinette table!

So there you have it, 7 RV dinette replacement ideas to help you make the most of your space.

Whether you’re looking for a new dinette table, add more seating, create a dedicated office space, add an entertainment center, or just want to open up the floor plan, there’s an option for you.

Just remember to measure your space and choose comfortable and easy furniture to get in and out of.

Of all of our RV renovation ideas, we think RV owners can make the biggest improvement by updating their dining space. So on your next RV remodel, think about ways you can make more storage or even add a new table to make your RV feel more like home.