When choosing a motorhome, layout is one of the biggest decisions. For many UK buyers, especially couples or those planning longer trips, an island bed layout offers clear advantages. At Southdowns Motorhomes, we often recommend this layout for its comfort and practicality. Here are five reasons why an island bed motorhome might be right for you.
Still weighing your options? See how island beds compare with other motorhome layouts in our bed layout guide.
1. Easy Access on Both Sides
An island bed is positioned in the centre of the bedroom area, so you can access it from either side. This makes it far easier to get in and out of bed without disturbing your partner, ideal for people who get up at different times or need a bit more independence during the night. It’s also a safer and more comfortable option for older travellers or anyone with limited mobility.
In contrast, French beds or corner beds are often positioned against a wall, requiring one person to climb over the other to get in or out.
Touring as a couple? Here’s why island bed layouts work so well for two people.
2. A More Spacious Bedroom Feel
The central placement of an island bed allows for more floor space and a better sense of separation from the living area. It creates a more defined bedroom space that feels less like a compromise. Most island bed layouts include bedside tables, wardrobes, and lighting on each side, making the room more functional and comfortable.
Some A-Class models go a step further with sliding doors or separate en-suite areas, giving you a true home-from-home experience.
3. Extra Storage Space
Island bed models typically include generous under-bed storage compartments, which are often accessible from outside the vehicle as well. You’ll also find overhead lockers, side wardrobes, and cubby holes for extra belongings. This layout is great if you plan on touring for extended periods or need room for clothes, bedding, and personal items.
Storage isn’t just about space, it’s about convenience. Island bed layouts make it easier to keep things tidy and find what you need without constantly rearranging your motorhome.
4. Easier to Make the Bed
Making the bed is a surprisingly big part of motorhome life, especially if you’re touring for weeks at a time. With an island bed, you can move freely around both sides, which makes fitting sheets, fluffing pillows, or straightening the duvet far easier. No more struggling to tuck things in while kneeling on the mattress or twisting in a corner.
This daily comfort can make a noticeable difference, particularly on longer trips when little details start to matter.
5. Perfect for Couples Touring Together
For couples, island bed layouts provide the best balance of comfort and space. You each get your own side of the bed, your own storage, and your own lighting. It supports a relaxed routine, even in a compact space. That makes it easier to live together on the road without feeling cramped or compromised.
Many models also offer a separate shower and toilet, giving you added privacy and convenience. This is particularly useful when staying on smaller sites or wild camping where shared facilities aren’t available.
Ready to start comparing models? See our top island bed motorhome picks under £100k — all from trusted brands and available now.
Which Motorhomes Have Island Beds?
We stock a wide range of new and used motorhomes with island bed layouts at Southdowns. Popular models include:
- Hymer B-Class MasterLine – Premium interiors with a fixed island bed and generous storage
- Burstner Lyseo TD – Sleek, well-thought-out layouts ideal for touring
- Burstner Campeo TD – The latest model from Burstner to feature a comfortable island bed layout
- Carthago C2 Tourer I – A-Class luxury with hotel-style bedroom spaces
- Carado T-Series – Practical and affordable options for first-time buyers from Carado (part of the Erwin Hymer Group)
All our vehicles are prepared to the highest standards and backed by expert aftersales support. You can browse our island bed motorhomes here.
Visit Us or Get in Touch
Our Portsmouth showroom has a wide selection of island bed motorhomes in stock. Our team is here to help you find the right model, whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or buying your first motorhome.
Want to speak to a specialist? Contact us today or visit us to explore options in person.
Still deciding on layout? Read our comparison of island bed vs French bed motorhomes to help choose what’s right for your needs.
Written by the Southdowns Motorhomes team. With decades of experience supplying premium motorhomes to UK and European customers, our team understands what makes a vehicle suitable for serious touring.
