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By Kate Doherty
Do you have that special picture or piece of art that doesn’t seem to fit anywhere in your RV, but you want it anyway? What if you transformed your dashboard into an inviting entryway? That’s what I did.
I chose not to part with an original art piece after selling our house. It was the perfect size for the front against the backdrop of the windshield, but too large to sit on a stand. Letting the picture lean against the curtains wouldn’t work. Then the idea struck: Why not turn our dash area into an entryway? So how does one create the illusion of an entryway or hallway table? Create a faux wall. We crafted a faux wall by gluing thin vinyl material to aluminized bubble wrap cut to fit our windshield. An added benefit? Thermal insulation for excessive heat and cold, and it gives the look of a table against a wall versus curtains or just the dashboard. Next, we added a wood tray to accommodate a lamp and accessories to complete the impression of an entryway.
We’ve seen dashboards lined with plants, many with stuffed animals and some just become a catch-all. Some use the steering wheel as a table covered in a fashionable tablecloth hosting a lamp as the first thing you see when entering their coach. Elegant and practical. We’re still contemplating that. The only thing left is to hang the picture from the overhead cabinet.
It looks very nice. My issue is I love looking out the windshield to see the outdoors!
same here. being able to look out creates a sense of space. no way we’d ever give that up. we have a external sunscreen on the windshield that keeps folks from looking in during the day. the rest…clutter to us. besides…where would you store all that c***?
NICE!
Just when I think I have seen it all and can’t be inspired! This is so beautiful and I salute you for your creativity and thank you for sharing. Now as soon as I finish my coffee I must measure our dashboard!
Like. I build up our steep dash area so it can be assembled and disassembled easily. Six little legs near the windshield support two pieces of plywood I cut to the curvature of the windshield. Tricky. We’ll use it for a Christmas display. After that, a collection point at the entry. It’s painted black. I remove it when we are on the go, so I have use of the defroster ports. The steering wheel is also rigged as an “18” table”.
Ken, would love to see pictures.
Beautiful!
Very nicely done, Kate! I’d love to do something similar….as soon as I figure out how to create a supported level area. Our dash is steeply sloped down toward the windshield. So while I can’t yet do what you’ve done here, ideas are swirling!
Very nice feel. I wouldn’t have thought to turn it into a home entrance like that. What can you tell us about that unusual picture? It’s an interesting piece of art. You did a good job at keeping the wall colors all the same so the picture could stand out.
The artist, a fifth grade teacher, apparently didn’t realize how talented she was. Spoke at a gallery in NY and told the audience she had this dream and was inspired upon waking to draw this piece. After she completed the piece, reports she has a different dream now and then about the same individual. The more you gaze at her work, the more intense the facial features become. She was amazing.
I love the idea AND the look you’ve created! Where do you store all of the items while underway? I’d love to create something similar. It’s so warm, inviting and calming.
We roll up the faux wall windshield and store behind our couch. The lamp is disassembled and laid on the bed, as is the picture behind a pillow when we move. Everything else lays under the table.