A bath tray is one of those small purchases that, once you have one, you will wonder how you managed without it. A candle within reach, a book that stays dry, a glass of wine that is not balanced precariously on the floor beside the tub: a good bath tray turns an ordinary soak into something that actually feels like a proper rest. But not all bath trays are made equal, and with so many options out there, it is worth knowing what separates a good one from one that will warp, rust, or slide off your bath within a month.
Here is what to look for when you are choosing, and a few things worth having in your bathroom organisation setup alongside it.
Material: Wood, Bamboo, or Metal?
This is the first and most important decision. Each material has its strengths.
Bamboo is the most popular choice for good reason. It is naturally water-resistant, lightweight, and far more sustainable than most hardwoods. A good bamboo tray will handle steam and the occasional splash without warping, provided it is dried properly after use. It also looks elegant without being fussy. Most bamboo trays are extendable, meaning they stretch to fit a range of bath widths, which makes them practical for most UK bathrooms. Browse our bamboo bath tray range if you are after this style.
Wood (pine, teak, or similar) can look beautiful but varies enormously in quality. Cheap pine trays will absorb water and swell over time. Teak is more naturally oily and water-resistant, but it is heavier and tends to cost more. If you go for a wooden tray, look for one with a lacquered or sealed finish.
Stainless steel or chrome trays are durable and very easy to clean, but they can feel cold and clinical in a bathroom that is meant to feel relaxing. They are a better fit for minimalist or modern bathrooms where the look suits.
Size and Fit
Before you buy anything, measure the width of your bath at the point where a tray would rest. UK baths typically range from around 70cm to 80cm wide, but older freestanding baths can vary considerably. Most extendable bamboo trays adjust from around 65cm up to 90cm, which covers the majority of standard UK bath sizes. Check the product specifications before ordering.
Width aside, think about the tray's depth. A shallow tray is fine for a tablet or book, but if you want to rest a wine glass or a diffuser on it, you need something with enough surface area that items do not slide off the moment the water moves.
Features Worth Having
The best bath trays come with a few thoughtful extras:
- A towel or flannel bar on one end, which keeps a hand towel within reach without it falling in the water
- A phone or book holder - a slot or groove that holds a tablet or paperback at a readable angle without you having to grip it
- Raised edges or grooves to stop smaller items (soap, candle holders) from rolling off
- Non-slip feet or rubber grips on the underside so the tray does not shift when you reach for something
What About a Shower Caddy?
If you are more of a shower person than a bath person, or if your bathroom needs more general organisation, a shower caddy is probably more useful than a bath tray. No-drill adhesive corner caddies have become very popular over the past few years, particularly among renters who cannot make permanent changes to tiled walls. A good adhesive caddy will hold a full set of bottles without pulling away from the wall, provided the surface is properly cleaned and dried before installation. See our range of no-drill shower caddies and bathroom storage for options that work without tools.
Keeping It Clean
The main enemy of any bath tray is standing water. After your bath, wipe down the tray and leave it somewhere it can dry properly rather than sitting in a pool of water. For bamboo trays, a light wipe with a damp cloth is all the cleaning they need. Avoid soaking them or leaving them permanently in contact with bathwater.
A well-chosen bath tray is a small investment that pays off every single time you have a bath. Get the size right, go for bamboo if in doubt, and make sure it has non-slip feet. That is honestly all you need to know.