Window coverings for nomadic living keep your windows performing the way you want: let light in to reduce lighting requirements, let views in, maintain your privacy when parked, etc. Window coverings include curtains, blinds, and panels.
Window panels
Window panels are a type of removable window coverings that some nomads use for their vehicles for the purpose of privacy, stealth, keeping cool on hot days by blocking sunlight, keeping warm by insulating against cold outside temperatures, and controlling light levels inside. Window panels can be purchased for some vehicles, especially those that are in common use as campers. Many nomads make their own panels. How to create and attach panels …
Curtains
Privacy curtains
Privacy curtains (or divider curtains) are placed just behind the front seats of your car or van to prevent people from seeing into your living space while parked. They are a more temporary, flexible, and removable option than a fixed bulkhead wall. The curtain can prevent light inside your vehicle from escaping at night, making you less noticeable, and provide some insulation.
Blinds
Sun shades
Window tint
Rain guards
Rain guards (also called rain protectors, rain blades, wind deflectors, or window deflectors) are custom fit window covers designed to allow your window to be opened slightly without letting rain in. This is very beneficial for ventilation in all weather.
Permanently covered windows
Some nomads permanently cover windows with walls or shelving. If you do this, keep in mind how much work will need to be done if it becomes necessary to replace the window or perform other work in the enclosed space.
If you know you will never need or want to look out of a specific window, such as window on the driver's side near the back of the vehicle, one option is to paint the inside of the window black. One user coated their windows with Plasti-dip:
Use painters tape and neatly mask off the interior trim around the window. Get the tape between the trim/seals and fold it back to create a crisp line for easy peeling when you want to remove it down the road. This will also prevent gaps that light can get through. Tape down paper to cover anything you don’t want overspray on. Open all the doors/hatches. Spray light even coats until the window is opaque enough you can’t shine a flashlight through it. Let. It. Dry. The windows will still be functional without the coating peeling and condensation won’t be visible from the outside. When you want it gone it’ll peel off. Removed mine after 4 months with no damage to the tint.[1]
Window coverings gallery
See more in the Window coverings category. For image credits, open image and click More Details.
Resources
| Resource | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Installing curtains and screens | How to install various types of curtain and privacy screens in your vehicle. | |
| Search Amazon | Search Amazon for related products. | |
| Search forums and groups | Search van life discussion groups for "window coverings" | |
| Search related sites | Search van life sites for "window coverings" | |
| Search NomadLife.wiki | Search other pages on this wiki for "window coverings" |