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Though the most important element of taking a bath is easily the tub, a stylish caddy is a close runner-up. So we went ahead and found the best bathtub trays that are worthy of a relaxing, spa-inspired experience. If you’re wondering what exactly a bathtub tray is, allow us to explain: It’s a flat surface that rests across the width of the tub so that you can enjoy all of your favorite bathtime must-haves such as oils, soaps, gadgets, and even a glass of wine.
Though they all serve the same purpose, all bathtub trays are not created equal. Some prioritize aesthetics while others are all about function, depending on what you’re in the market for; here are a few things to consider.
If you have a standard-size bathtub (about 60 inches long and 30 inches wide), almost any tray will work, but if yours is custom-made, an unusual shape, or anything in between, you may want to opt for an expandable bathtub tray that can do its job in a variety of tubs. Luckily, most of the picks on our list are expandable.
Feel free to choose the most basic of trays that, like its name implies, is a flat surface on which you can arrange your products or go for something with a few more bells and whistles. We’re talking slots for your phone, perches for your tablet, holders for stemmed wine glasses, and more. You can’t go wrong with either option.
Though all of the bathtub trays on our carefully curated list are made of waterproof materials (metal, wood, and marble, to name a few), some may be better than others. For instance, if your bathtub tray is for in-bath use only, you may want a lightweight material that’s easier to store than, say, a dense marble that weighs as much as a small dog. If you’re more into the way it looks than what it does, go with a slatted metal, which has an old-school feel.
Go ahead and check out our favorite options below, and get ready to have the most relaxing night in.
We don't like to play favorites, but let's just say that we listed this stainless steel and aluminum bathtub tray first for a reason. It's so elegant and minimal in appearance, but it's deceptively functional. For instance, it features several compartments and a perch for a book or tablet. It's also adjustable, so if your bathtub is a funky shape, you can still make this thing work. What's more, it's part of a collection, so if you want all of your bath accessories to match, you can't go wrong with this pick. Plus, the other pieces in the collection, which include a tissue box cover, trash can, and toilet paper holder, among other goodies, can be monogrammed.
Dimensions: 35.5" W x 8.5" D x 3.75" H
Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
Weight: N/A
This looks like something you'd find in a luxury hotel in a rustic setting. It's made entirely of teak wood, meaning each tray boasts unique graining and live edges, so if you're into all things one-of-a-kind, this may be the bathtub tray for you. Though the tray part, which is wide enough to support a glass of wine and a few skincare essentials, isn't adjustable, the tracks under it are, so go ahead and hang those on the outer ledges of your tub and rest assured that the tray isn't going anywhere. One reviewer says, "I bought this a few months ago and it is a nice, sturdy bath tray. I like the adjustable tracks that ensure a snug fit on my tub. The wood color is as pictured and the live edge is subtle. My only complaint is that the wood stain has slightly rubbed off on our acrylic tub ledge, despite the tray never getting wet." So if your tub is painted or delicate, you may want to pop a washcloth between the tray and tub edge.
Dimensions: 31.89" W x 8" D x 2.35" H
Material: Teak wood
Weight: N/A
Before we delve into the details of this bathtub tray, we want to acknowledge its best feature, the cloth back that pops up to support your books and gadgets. It is included, so if that's the selling point you're falling for, add it to your cart now. As for the rest of the tray, it can expand to 41.25 inches wide, which can span even the most sizable tubs. One of the nearly 3,000 five-star reviews says, "I love this bamboo bath caddy. It fits perfectly on my tub. I love that it has adjustable side rails. It's very sturdy with adjustable slots for my book or iPad, and most importantly, a safe slot to hold my wine and phone if you should choose."
Dimensions: 8.75" W x 41.25" D x 1.5" H
Material: Bamboo
Weight: Four pounds
Though it's not exactly the most practical, this bath caddy is one of our favorites. Just look at it! It looks like something that one of the Vanderbilts would use in their marble tubs. Because it's made entirely of natural stone, it's durable and fully waterproof, so feel free to get it wet. There is plenty of space for any bath must-haves, like bubbles, an oil, or loofa, but because it's on the narrow side of the size spectrum, you may want to leave your phone on the counter.
Dimensions: 30" W x 6" D x 1" H
Material: Marble
Weight: Five pounds
This is one of the more interesting bathtub trays we've seen. After all, it's not every day you happen upon an acrylic bathroom essential! If we had to guess why that is, we'd assume it's because acrylic tends to show scratches quite easily. This tray is the exception, though. It's so durable and coated in a thick material that makes it pretty indestructible. One reviewer says, "I've been using it for weeks now and it still looks brand new. Excellent durability."
Dimensions: 28" W x 7.9" D x 1.2" H
Material: Acrylic
Weight: Two pounds
You can't go wrong with a traditional bamboo bathtub tray—especially one that has a book holder, phone holder, cup or candle holder, and a spill-proof wine glass slot. It's an easy best-seller on Amazon and comes with more than 3,000 five-star reviews, including this one, which says, "I LOVE this! It fits perfectly on my tub and I’m sure on any tub because of how much it can expand. It gave my bathroom a spa feeling while holding many thing’s without getting wet. Quality is spot on."
Dimensions: 24.5" W x 9" D x 1.4" H
Material: Bamboo
Weight: Four pounds
When this bath caddy debuted two years ago, it came in five finishes and now, there's only one left, meaning it goes fast! It's adjustable, so whether you have a skinny tub or a full-blown jacuzzi, this will work. It's also almost 60 percent off, so take advantage of the deal before it's gone for good.
Dimensions: 24.4 to 31.5" W x 7.8" D x 3.3" H
Material: Brass
Weight: N/A
Choose a white bamboo bathtub tray that features special slots for all of your relaxation and bathtime necessities. Plus, it's rust and mildew resistant, which is always a plus for bath accessories. One reviewer says, "This changed my relaxing bath experiences. Now I can enjoy them to the fullest without worrying about dropping things in the water!"
Dimensions: 20" W x 9" D x 2.25" H
Material: Brass
Weight: 3.64 pounds
This definitely isn't what you'd reach for if you plan on spending hours in the tub, but if you want to unwind with a little jar of essential oil, a loofa, and perhaps a miniature dry brush, this is a good pick. It's basic in terms of functionality, but when it comes to aesthetics, it can't be beat. One reviewer says, "This caddy is worth every penny. It's extremely well made and the details are beautiful. This review has been provided as a part of an incentive program."
Dimensions: 24" W x 6.75" D x 5" H
Material: Brass
Weight: Two pounds
This stainless steel bathtub caddy is rust-proof, so you can soak all your cares away without worry. It features removable wine glass holders, tablet or book holders, and plenty of space to keep other bathtime goodies nearby. One reviewer says, "Fits across our very wide tub with narrow edges. It has never fallen off or collapsed even with our cat who tends to play in the tub sometimes. Love the wine glass add-on pieces. It's a much cheaper [option] than equivalent looking ones. Fits all our shampoos and such that previously cluttered all the space around the tub."
Dimensions: 22.2" W x 3.5" D x 6.3" H
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 2.65 pounds
This white plastic expandable bath tray comes with two small inserts so you can store items like razors without them falling through the slots. It's also self-draining, so it won't hold onto water from any accidental splashes. One reviewer says, "I had wooden caddy from Ikea, but it's not a great idea to constantly keep wood near the water. This one is great looking and the quality is top notch. Look forward to watching next episode of my TV show and not thinking where to put a glass of beer."
Dimensions: 22.64" W x 6.1" D x 1.77" H
Material: Resin
Weight: 1.43 pounds
When it comes to buying the best bathtub tray, the two factors to consider are what you want to use it for and how long you want it to last. Material plays into both considerations. If you'll be splashing around, opting for a tray that won't erode or breakdown after significant exposure to water is key. Plus, long-lasting materials minimize the need to replace your tray every so often. That's why materials like metal and wood are ultimately the best options. Just make sure they're finished in a coating that will keep their appearance in tact. Metal bathtub trays tend to be a bit more costly than their wooden counterparts, so if you're looking to save, you may want to go with wood. Otherwise, metal is your best bet.
The width of your bathtub tray depends on how the accessory fastens to the tub. If it clamps around the edges, than it should be at least an inch or so wider than the tub. If it rests atop the edges, a few inches wider than the top on either side will suffice. If you don't have a measuring tape on hand to find out the exact width of your tub, go ahead and buy an expandable bathtub tray. That way, there's no need for taking measurements, making it impossible to snag the wrong thing.
When it comes to picking out the best (and affordable) pieces for any space, Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner has been reviewing furniture, accessories, and appliances for nearly eight years, having access to more than a few stylish samples, and working with countless interior designers on what makes a product worthy. Not to mention, she's been on a never-ending quest to decorate her own New York City apartment with a budget and size constraint in mind, so you can trust that she has done her homework to find the best and most beloved pieces on the market.
For this story, Cherner spent hours combing through reviews, ratings, and used her design eye to pick out the best bathtub trays on the market right now for House Beautiful readers. Sadly, as is the case with many New York City apartments, hers does not include a bathtub, so she relied on customer feedback.
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