Decorate the Interior of a Car

You use your car for everything from running errands, to commuting, to leisurely activities. Since it's a place that you spend a lot of time in, you want to make sure you feel comfortable while driving and have a space that feels like your own. Whether you have an older vehicle that needs an update or a newer car that just needs to be spruced up a little, it doesn't take much to make your car interior look and feel awesome.

Steps

Organizing Your Vehicle

  1. Attach hanging door pockets to organize your belongings. These organizers have multiple pockets and hang on the inside of your car door. Use the door pockets to keep everything in one place so your car stays neat and you never have to worry about losing anything.
    • Use it to hold your cell phone, sunglasses, hand sanitizer, chapstick, gum—anything that you use regularly.[1]
  2. Add seat organizers for extra storage space. This is especially useful if you travel with children. Use the seat organizer to store books, coloring supplies, tissues, and snacks. Some even come with a slot for holding a portable DVD screen or tablet for back seat passengers to watch a movie.
    • Choose a basic color or design that matches your style, or choose one with a kid's theme or in the shape of a cartoon character to keep your children entertained.
    • Seat organizers typically range from $10.00 - $40.00. Basically, the more pockets and compartments it has, the more you can expect to pay.
  3. Buy a car trash bin to easily throw away garbage. Having a specific place to throw away trash will help keep the interior of your car organized and looking neat and tidy. Buy a basic bin that coordinates with the interior of your car, or get one with a fun design to add a pop of color.

Protecting Your Vehicle

  1. Add a steering wheel cover to protect your wheel and add comfort. A wheel cover will save your wheel from the wear and tear from constant use. More than that, some covers offer a better grip than the factory wheel, and more comfort if you choose one with memory foam.[2] This small addition will make a big statement, especially if you choose one that's fuzzy or blingy.
    • Expect to pay between $5.00 and $25.00 for the cover, depending on the style and quality you choose.
    • The cover should fit snugly against your wheel. Most steering wheels range from {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} in diameter, so get a cover that matches the size of your wheel.
  2. Buy seat covers to update the look and protect your seats. You can purchase universal seat covers, but be aware that the look and fit may vary, or you can buy custom-made covers which will fit perfectly. You'll need to know the make, model, style, and year of your vehicle to be sure you get covers that fit properly.[3]
    • Fabric seat covers will be your most affordable option. You'll also have a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from. If you have a favorite sports team, you can easily find covers that feature their logo.[4] To clean the covers, you'll just remove them and throw them in the wash.
    • Leather seat covers will cost you more, but they have a high-end look which is an especially good choice for luxury vehicles. You will be limited in your color options, usually they only come in tan or black, but cleaning is a breeze—simply wipe down dirt and spills.[5]
  3. Purchase new floor mats to protect your flooring. The mats can be purchased as a set, to include both the front and rear mats, and come in a variety of colors and styles. You can purchase custom-fit mats, which will cost a little more, or cheaper universal mats that you can trim down to size.[6]
    • Rubber mats are very durable and easy to clean, but are more expensive than fabric mats.
    • Fabric mats have the benefit of blending in with the car flooring, making for a more seamless look.

Adding Accessories

  1. Buy decorative air fresheners to deodorize your vehicle. These can range from vent clips in the shape of flowers, animal-shaped visor clips, or fun canisters that you place in your cup holder. Select a scent that won't be too overpowering in the small space.
  2. Hang something flashy from your rearview mirror. Popular choices are graduation tassels, Hawaiian leis, dream catchers, or beaded necklaces and charms. Go old-school and add a pair of fuzzy dice.
    • Be careful not to add anything that will be too distracting or obstruct your vision while driving, as this can create a safety hazard. Check your local laws as well—in many places it is illegal to hang items from your mirror.[7]
  3. Install LED light strips under the dash for a fun atmosphere. Depending on your budget and how much time and energy you have, you can purchase adhesive rope lighting that is battery powered, or a more elaborate type that requires some wiring.[8]
    • Rope lighting typically comes ready to use, and is applied simply by sticking the strip to the desired area. Wired lighting may require you to remove pieces of your dash and glove box to attach the lights with zip ties and connect to fuses.
    • You can purchase the basic kits online or at your nearest department store for as little as $14.99. The wired kits can cost you upwards of $100.00.
    • The light strips come in a variety of colors and some are even color-changing. Use the included remote or an app on your smartphone to control the lighting.

Tips

  • Consider banning food and drinks in your vehicle. One of the best ways to keep your car clean is to avoid eating and drinking in it. This way, you won't have to worry about crumbs, spills, stains or extra trash being left behind. If this isn't an option for you, invest in a car trash bin or keep a plastic bag handy, so you can immediately throw trash away.

References