Narrowboat interior ideas: smart design & space-saving tips

If you’re thinking of buying a narrowboat (or you already have one), you’ll quickly learn that every inch counts inside them.

Unlike with houses or apartments, space is the prime focus. You’re working with a long, slender floating home that’s usually about 6’10” wide. That means your narrowboat interior has to be cleverly designed and multi-functional, while still providing a comfortable space for you to live. 

Narrowboat interior design: what to consider

A well-thought-out canal boat interior isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about comfort, practicality, and making the most of a small space. 

There are a few key things that can make designing your narrowboat interior tricky:

• Limited space: You need to fit all the essentials. Kitchen, living area, sleeping space, and a bathroom into a narrow tube.
• Odd angles: Boat hulls aren’t always square, so you’ll have to get creative with fittings and furniture.
• Storage struggles: Think about where you can put everything without it feeling cluttered.
• Moisture and ventilation: Boats can get damp, so you’ll need to think about layouts that help with airflow and reduce condensation.
• Legal and safety considerations: Everything from fire safety to power supply needs to be considered.

Don’t worry, though—with some clever planning, you can create a floating home that’s stylish, space-smart, and personal to you.

Maximising space through your narrowboat interior

When it comes to fitting a lot into a small space, the inside of a narrowboat is the ultimate design challenge, but it can be fun too.

One golden rule: If something can double up as storage, make it do just that. Look into things like lift-up bench seats, under-bed drawers, overhead cupboards, and hidden compartments under the floorboards. Make use of vertical space, too—tall, slim cupboards and shelves work brilliantly in a narrowboat interior.

Don’t forget the walls, either. Peg rails, magnetic strips for knives, or even baskets hung from hooks can all add extra storage space without taking up your floor space.

Find foldable, stackable, or convertible pieces of furniture, such as:

• Drop-leaf tables for meals and work stations.
• Sofa beds or Murphy beds to save room during the day.
• Ottomans that open up for storage.

Every piece of furniture inside a narrowboat should ideally be multi-purpose to maximise your options. 

Narrowboat interior design styles

So, you’ve got the layout and storage under control. Now comes the fun bit: styling.

When it comes to styling, think about whether you want to keep it traditional or go for a more modern look. Traditional narrowboat interiors often feature rich wood, brass fittings, and heritage paint colours. Cosy, warm, and full of charm, it’s a classic look that suits the history of the waterways. Modern narrowboat interior design leans more towards light woods, minimalism, and Scandinavian vibes—think clean lines and clutter-free.

Here are a few popular styles for narrowboat interiors:

• Vintage - mismatched furniture, retro appliances, and old-school charm.
• Industrial - exposed piping, raw wood, and metal accents.
• Quirky & eclectic - bold colours, fun patterns, and décor based on your personality.
• Modern rustic - neutral tones, reclaimed wood, and simple furnishings

Key areas to consider when designing a narrowboat interior

Each area of your narrowboat inside deserves special attention:

Kitchen and dining area

Go for galley-style kitchens that line one side of the boat. Space-saving appliances are a must, so compact fridges, two-burner hobs, and pull-out shelves are perfect.

Install a fold-down table for meals that can also double as a desk for working. Create a breakfast bar along one side with stools that tuck underneath.

Living space

This is where you'll spend a lot of your time, so comfort is important. Built-in benches with storage underneath or compact L-shaped sofas work well. Don’t forget a good spot for your stove or diesel heater to make it cosy in winter, too!

Mount your TV on a swivel bracket so you can watch it from multiple angles, and look for a wall-mounted bookshelf or fold-up coffee table.

Sleeping area

Use every nook and cranny in your sleeping space—under-bed drawers, over-bed shelves, and slimline wardrobes. Choose a futon or daybed if you need the bed to double as a living space.

Bathroom

Keep your bathroom compact but functional. A wet room style is often best. Use corner sinks and mirrored cabinets for added storage, and use wall hooks to store anything from towels to toiletries.

Tips for personalisation and comfort

This is where you can make your narrowboat feel like home and personalise it to your tastes.

• Let’s think about colour options first. Light colours make spaces feel bigger. Choose whites, pastels, or soft greys for the walls, but don’t be afraid to throw in deeper tones like navy or forest green as accents.
• Choose moisture-resistant materials where needed, such as waterproof paint and treated wood. Natural textures like wool and linen add warmth.
• The next thing to consider is lighting. Layered lighting is great for narrowboat interiors. Mix overhead lights with wall-mounted lamps, LED strips under shelves, and fairy lights for ambience. Natural light helps, too, so keep window coverings light and breezy.
• Then you can add character with soft furnishings. Rugs, cushions, and throws add warmth and colour without taking up any space. Hang artwork or photos to make it personal to you. Plants (real or fake) can also breathe life into your narrowboat interior.
• Little things go a long way when it comes to making your narrowboat feel like home. A scented candle here, a comfy blanket there, or even handmade mugs can provide a homely feel. Think of ways to reflect your lifestyle, whether that’s creating a reading nook, a mini wine rack, or a music corner.

Budget-friendly upgrades

You don’t necessarily need to gut your boat and start from scratch to give it a fresh feel. Here are some easy DIY upgrades to transform your narrowboat interior:

• Paint it - a lick of paint can completely transform the inside of a narrowboat.
• Change the handles - swapping cupboard knobs or handles is a quick, budget-friendly update.
• Stick-on tiles - peel-and-stick wall tiles are perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Replace cushion covers - this is a cheap and cheerful makeover option.
• Upcycle furniture - give old pieces new life with paint or new fabric.
• Add LED lighting - energy-efficient and easy to install.
• Shop second-hand - Facebook Marketplace and boat jumbles are treasure troves, so explore them!

Don’t cut corners when trying to upgrade your narrowboat interior on a budget. Here are some things to avoid when renovating a narrowboat:

• Ignoring moisture issues (always check ventilation)
• Using the wrong materials (some things unfortunately just don't suit boat life)
• Over-cluttering (less is definitely more)
• Skipping professional help for complex jobs like electric or gas installations

Renovating your narrowboat

Renovating the inside of a narrowboat is a chance to build your dream home on water. From clever storage and the right materials to personal style and practical layouts, your narrowboat interior should reflect your taste and lifestyle.

Whether you’re dreaming of peaceful mornings by the canal or planning a full-time liveaboard lifestyle, these narrowboat interior design ideas will help you make the most of your unique space.

Specialist narrowboat insurance through Craftinsure

If buying a canal boat such as a narrowboat or widebeam, you may want to protect your investment through specialist insurance.  

Craftinsure arranges specialist narrowboat insurance that provides up to £5m third-party cover, and protects your boat against loss or damage from fire of theft. Get an instant online quote today.