The 11 Best Bathtub Trays That Offer a Spa-Like Experience
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These trays making relaxation easy, keeping bath essentials right within reach
The Spruce / Lecia Landis
If soaking in the tub is your idea of self-care, a bathtub tray can really elevate the experience. While you’re relaxing, you can keep all of your essentials within reach–and safely suspended above the water. From your phone to magazines and books to your favorite sips and snacks, a bathtub tray can hold anything you might need within arm’s reach while taking some self-care time in the tub. Plus, in addition to providing you with plenty of space for your bath must-haves, a tray can also double as decor, giving you a place to place candles, soaps and salts, and other items when you’re not in the tub.
How do you choose a quality bathtub tray? Decorist designer Linzie Merchant says to consider what you'll use it for. "It might be nice to have a tray with a stand for books, iPads, etc.," she says. "If it's used for wine and snacks, you'd want something to accommodate a safe spot for a wine glass." Additionally, you’ll want to consider the style of your tray, its materials, and its fit over your particular bathtub.
We kept all of these critical details in mind as we researched and evaluated various bathtub trays. Our product picks, which are the result of in-depth research and product evaluation, highlight trays that offer standout style, a variety of size options, and plenty of convenience and functionality.
Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy Tray
Best Overall
Made of bamboo with an expandable design and space to hold all your bath-time essentials, there's much to love about this tray.
What We Like
Various stands and cutouts
Expandable
Slip-resistant silicone grips
What We Don't Like
Could be sanded better
Whether you're reading a paperback, watching a show on your tablet, lighting a scented candle, sipping wine, nibbling chocolate, or all of the above, the Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy is the perfect soaking companion. It's got a stand for books and tablets, a phone slot, a cutout for a small candle or cup, a stemmed wine glass holder, and plenty of extra surface area for small towels, snacks, and body-care products—you name it. You'll also get a matching soap dish that you can place on the tray or a nearby ledge.
This bathtub tray is about 9 inches deep and 30 inches wide, expanding up to 43 inches to fit most tubs. It's made of 100 percent bamboo, a naturally water-resistant and sustainable material. While some users have noted that it's not sanded down enough in some spots, the bamboo is coated with a protective lacquer, and the silicone grips on the bottom prevent it from slipping. The Luxury Bathtub Caddy comes in seven colors to complement a range of decor styles, including natural bamboo, black, brown, gray, white, pink, and blue.
Price at time of publish: $51
Material: Bamboo | Dimensions: 29.5 x 9.1 x 2.56 inches (expands to 43 inches) | Weight: 5.58 pounds
Cabot & Carlyle Luxury Bath Caddy Tray for Tub
Best Budget
This expandable, foldable caddy will save you space and money.
What We Like
Expandable
Foldable
Slotted base
What We Don't Like
No tablet/book holder
On a budget? Check out the Luxury Bath Caddy from Cabot & Carlyle. This tub tray is made of water-resistant, quick-drying bamboo and has a slotted base for optimal drainage. It's 6 inches deep and about 30 inches wide, and you can fold it in half when you want to tuck it away and store it in your bathroom. At just a little over 2 pounds, it's conveniently lightweight, too.
This bathtub tray doesn't have all the bells and whistles of higher-end options, like a tablet stand or cup holder. However, there's plenty of surface area to hold whatever you want within reach.
Price at time of publish: $22
Material: Bamboo | Dimensions: 29.5 x 5.9 x 1.8 inches | Weight: 2.09 pounds
Pottery Barn Chinira Handcrafted Bathtub Caddy
Best Splurge
Handmade by artisans, this smooth, durable tray has a modern, sophisticated appeal.
What We Like
Handmade by artisans
Durable and stain-resistant
Wine glass and tablet holders
What We Don't Like
Pricier than alternatives with expandable designs
If you're feeling extra-fancy and can swing the hefty price, the Chinira Bathtub Caddy from Pottery Barn won't disappoint. Handcrafted by South African artisans, this caddy uses synthetic and natural materials to offer a durable and stain-resistant build that's also easy to clean.
This low-profile tub tray has a smooth surface and a versatile white finish that'll work with most bathroom decor schemes. It's got a built-in wine glass holder and a groove in the middle for holding a tablet or book. While it's not expandable, it's wide enough to fit most tubs, and the curved design helps it stay in place.
Price at time of publish: $549
Material: Not listed | Dimensions: 36 x 9 x 3 inches | Weight: 10 pounds
Pottery Barn Nia Stainless Steel Bathtub Caddy
Best for Reading
What We Like
Rust-resistant stainless steel
Expands to fit most tubs
9-inch tall reading rack
Grippy rubber stops
What We Don't Like
Can’t be cleaned with harsh cleaning solutions
May not fit non-standard tubs
Relax with a good book–and keep that book dry while you’re in the bath–with Pottery Barn’s Nia Stainless Steel Bathtub Caddy. This metal tray is specifically designed to hold a book, with a 9-inch-tall reading rack that can hold paperback and hardcover books, e-readers, and tablets. With a comfortable angle and a protective lip, whatever you place on the rack should stay solidly in place. The tray is extendable to suit a variety of tub types and widths, with a length of 26 to 34 inches in total. While it may not fit oversized tubs or unusually-shaped tubs, it should work on most models effortlessly.
We also love the rust-resistant construction of this bathtub tray, which gives you the confidence it’ll last in the wet, humid environment of your bathroom. Added perks, like three different finish colors and protective rubber stops, make it a step above your basic tray. It’ll stay grippy on the edges of your tub, without running the risk of scratches or surface damage. And of course, we love that there’s room for snacks (or your smartphone) thanks to the additional side trays!
Price at time of publish: $119
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 26 x 8 x 2 inches (expands to 34 inches) | Weight: 4 pounds
Text Link:17 Bathrooms Tray Ideas for a Tidier Bathroom
Umbra Aquala Bamboo Bathtub Caddy with Wine Glass Holder
Best With Wine Glass Holder
This expandable bathtub caddy has a soap holder, a reading stand, and a wine glass holder.
What We Like
Various stands and cutouts
Expandable
Five-year warranty
What We Don't Like
Designed specifically for stemmed glasses
If you like enjoying a glass of wine in the tub, consider the Umbra Aquala Bathtub Caddy. This caddy has a built-in wine glass holder to help prevent spills while keeping your vino within reach. Though the stand's wine glass holder specifically accommodates stemmed glasses, you can set a stemless glass on the soap dish cutout. The Aquala Bathtub Caddy also includes a fold-out stand for a book or tablet and a groove for your phone.
This natural bamboo and metal caddy is available in a medium wood stain or deep walnut. It's 28 inches wide and can expand up to 37 inches to fit most bathtubs. The price is very reasonable, too, especially considering the five-year warranty.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: Bamboo, metal | Dimensions: 28.13 x 8.63 x 1.25 inches (expands to 37 inches) | Weight: 3.68 pounds
Rebrilliant Castelli Stainless Steel Bath Caddy
Best Metal
This utilitarian bath caddy is made of rust-resistant stainless steel, so you won't have to worry about water damage.
What We Like
Durable and rust-resistant
Various stands and cutouts
Expandable
What We Don't Like
Not as aesthetically pleasing as alternatives
The best metal option is the Rebrilliant Castelli Bath Caddy. Its stainless steel construction makes it waterproof, rust-resistant, and exceptionally durable. This bathtub tray is 8 inches deep and 26 inches wide, expanding up to 38 inches, so it fits most bathtubs.
The Castelli includes rubberized grips to help it stay in place and also a book stand, a spot for your phone, two cup holders, and plenty of space for body-care products. Though this tray resembles a dish-drying rack and isn't the most aesthetically pleasing option we found, we appreciate the versatile, utilitarian design.
Price at time of publish: $49
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions: 26 x 8 x 4 inches (expands to 38 inches) | Weight: 3.9 pounds
Text Link:The 11 Best Non-Slip Bath Mats of 2023
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Slatted Wood Bathtub Tray
Best Farmhouse
What We Like
Raised bottom to prevent water damage
Slats allow for airflow and water runoff
Farmhouse-like natural wood finish
What We Don't Like
Not the most durable or protected
Wood can decay with frequent water contact
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia’s Slatted Wood Bathtub Tray is the perfect addition to any farmhouse-inspired bathroom. It’s a natural fit, with its natural-looking wood finish in a medium hue, showing off grains and ripples of texture. The design is simple and straightforward, with slightly raised edges to keep your candles, phone, wine glass, snacks, or other items out of the tub water and slats to allow water to escape easily. A set of feet on either edge lifts the tray off the surface of the tub, encouraging airflow and preventing damage from constant water contact.
While this farmhouse-style bathtub tray is attractive and functional, we also like its solid weight (a detail that can help prevent it from easily tipping or falling off the sides of the tub). However, it is worth noting that because it’s made of wood, it isn’t the most durable choice for wet environments. Over time, and with increasing water contact, it can start to show signs of decay. Fortunately, its reasonable price makes it a worthy investment.
Price at time of publish: $28
Material: Wood | Dimensions: 30 x 8 x 2 inches | Weight: 4.47 pounds
Text Link:The 11 Best Bathtubs of 2023
The Citizenry Hinoki Wood Bath Caddy
Best Minimalist
It's made of solid hinoki wood and features a smooth finish that won't disrupt your bathroom decor.
What We Like
Fair Trade production
Knot-free wood grain
Calming aromatherapy
What We Don't Like
Expensive
No book/tablet holder
Not expandable
For minimalist bathrooms, we recommend The Citizenry's Hinoki Bath Caddy, handcrafted by Japanese artisans in a Fair Trade working environment and made of solid hinoki cypress wood. This material is known for its pale color, knot-free grain, and soft feel.
What's more, when hinoki wood gets wet, it releases a distinct scent that can have a calming effect. The dose of aromatherapy is perfect for relaxing in the tub. While this tub tray isn't expandable and doesn't have a book stand, the pared-down design is beautiful in its simplicity. We only wish it were a bit more affordable.
Price at time of publish: $195
Material: Hinoki cypress wood | Dimensions: 32 x 11 x 2 inches | Weight: Not listed
Anthropologie Symeon Slate Bath Caddy
Best Industrial
Made of solid slate, this bare-bones tray lends to an industrial-modern aesthetic.
What We Like
Durable and water-resistant
Solid slate stone
Bare-bones aesthetic
What We Don't Like
No slots and holders
Not expandable
Very heavy
If you're drawn to industrial design, you might love the Symeon Bath Caddy from Anthropologie. This caddy is solid slate, a fine-grained stone known for its deep charcoal hue and highly durable, water-resistant composition. Although the exact weight isn't listed, you can expect this tray to be pretty heavy based on the material. And while it's not expandable, the 30-inch-wide design will fit most standard bathtubs.
True to industrial-inspired decor, the bare-bones aesthetic doesn't have designated holders for a cup, book, or phone. However, you'll have plenty of space for anything you want to keep within reach.
Price at time of publish: $108
Material: Slate | Dimensions: 30 x 6 x 2.25 inches | Weight: Not listed
Lovery Premium Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Gift Set
Best for Gifting
This designer-recommended caddy adjusts to the width of your tub and comes with nine scented bath bombs.
What We Like
Various stands and cutouts
Bath bombs included
Designer-recommended
What We Don't Like
Bottom isn't grippy
Shopping for someone else? Merchant recommends the Lovery Bathtub Caddy Gift Set. Measuring roughly 29 inches wide and expanding up to 42 inches, the tray is made of water-resistant, quick-drying bamboo.
While it doesn't have a grippy base, the Lovery has various cutouts and slots to hold everything from a book and smartphone to a wine glass and candle. Not only that, but it also comes with nine bath bombs in assorted scents, plus three mini bottles of body wash, shampoo, and bubble bath.
Price at time of publish: $43
Material: Slate | Dimensions: 30 x 6 x 2.25 inches | Weight: Not listed
Yamazaki Expandable Bathtub Caddy
Best Lightweight
What We Like
Holds up to 6.6 pounds
Durable, water-ready plastic
Includes extra storage containers
What We Don’t Like
May not work with certain tub types
This bathtub tray is a bit deceptive: the Yamazaki Home Tower Expandable Bathtub Caddy is incredibly lightweight and airy, but it’s capable of holding quite a lot! Weighing in at just 1.43 pounds, it can hold up to 6.6 pounds of items while in use. Made out of white or black plastic, with built-in airflow to keep moisture, mold, and mildew at bay, it’s durable enough to survive any environment. You can use this tray to stash your shower necessities or to keep your phone, tablet, or snacks dry while you relax in the tub; it’s versatile enough to handle both jobs.
We love that this lightweight bathtub tray is easy to move around and lift out of the way as needed. It also scores extra points for its adjustability, which allows it to work with tub widths from 18.5 to 25.25 inches. However, it’s not designed for all tubs; hot tub style models, or those with unusual edges, may not be able to use this tray with the same level of stability or ease. Ultimately, though, for your typical tub, it makes for a perfect fit.
Price at time of publish: $32
Material: Plastic | Dimensions: 6.1 x 22.64 x 1.77 inches (expands to 25.5 inches) | Weight: 1.43 pounds
Our number-one pick is the Royal Craft Wood Luxury Bathtub Caddy. This expandable bamboo tub tray has various stands, cutouts, and slots to hold all of your soaking essentials, plus silicone grips on the bottom to prevent it from slipping. For folks on a budget, we recommend the Cabot & Carlyle Luxury Bath Caddy, an expandable, foldable tray with a wallet-friendly price tag.
What to Look for in Bathtub Trays
Purpose
"When buying a bathtub tray, people should consider its purpose first," says Merchant. "Will the tray be used for decorative purposes only and moved to the side when the tub is in use? Will it be used for bathtub reading?" Think about how you’ll use your tray most commonly–to store bath and shower essentials, for browsing on your tablet or smartphone, or for holding candles, glasses, or other decorative items, as a few examples–and let that guide your initial search for products.
Regardless of how you plan to put your bathtub tray to use, it’s a good idea to look for a design that has slots, stands, and holders for everything you'd like to place on it. The more available trays, stands, or specific holders (like the Umbra Aquala Bathtub Caddy, which includes a specially-designed wine glass holder!) you have at your disposal, the more useful your tray will be.
Style
When browsing bathtub trays, look for a style that complements your bathroom decor. Natural bamboo finishes and plain white caddies will work with most design schemes, but if your space has a specific theme, play to that aesthetic. For instance, a natural wood tray like the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Slatted Wood Bathtub Tray might be just the thing for a modern farmhouse bathroom. A metal or stone caddy, like the Rebrilliant Castelli Bath Caddy, may be a better choice for industrial-inspired spaces.
Size
Lastly, you absolutely need to consider the size, both of the bathtub tray you’re considering and your tub. These bath accessories are designed to rest atop the sides of your tub, but they vary pretty widely in how far they stretch–and while some models are extendable, others are a fixed size. Before ordering a tub tray, carefully measure your bathtub's width to ensure that it'll fit. And make sure to pay attention to the edges of your tub; if you’re opting for a try that fits with cutouts, you’ll want to make sure those cutouts are a match for the size of your tub’s edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a bath caddy or bathtub tray?
Merchant is a fan of wood for bathtub trays. "I love the warmth it adds to contrast with the white finish of most bathtubs," she tells The Spruce. "Wood tends to last a long time, and it ages nicely."
Many tub caddies are bamboo, which isn't technically wood but looks just like it. Since the shoots regrow very quickly after harvesting, it's considered a renewable resource. The material is also naturally water-resistant and quick-drying.
You can also find options made of porcelain or stone, which hold up well in wet environments. (That's why you see these materials in bathroom floor tiles.) Stainless steel is another good option, as the metal is highly durable and rust-resistant.
How wide should a bathtub tray be?
A bathtub tray should be wide enough to place securely on both sides of the tub. Standard bathtubs are about 30 inches wide, though they can be anywhere from 28 inches to nearly 40 inches wide. Expandable trays fit most tubs, but be sure to measure yours and double-check the dimensions before ordering one.
How do you secure a bathtub tray?
Ideally, a bathtub tray will have silicone or rubberized grips on the bottom to prevent it from slipping. If yours doesn't have a grippy base, the most important thing is that it's plenty wide, so the edges sit securely on the sides of your tub.
You can also cut a piece of wood in the exact width of the basin and attach it to the bottom of the tray. If you plan to keep the tray there permanently, you could use a waterproof adhesive and seal it to your tub. Just remember that you won't be able to slide it around or adjust it once it's attached.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer and product reviewer specializing in lifestyle and home decor. She covers home accents and organizational solutions at The Spruce. You can read more of her work on MyDomaine and Travel + Leisure.
For this story, Theresa interviewed Decorist interior designer Linzie Merchant, who offered product recommendations and buying tips for selecting a bath tray. After considering dozens of models from various retailers and brands, she ultimately chose high-quality, aesthetically pleasing caddies with standout features.
Additional reporting was conducted by Heather Adams, Senior Commerce Editor for The Spruce with a focus on all things bedding, bath, and home decor. She contributed updated product selections and information, along with additional insight into choosing bathtub trays and bathroom decor.
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