A bath tray with a book holder can keep your reading material, tablet, and bath essentials within reach while you soak. The right choice depends on your tub’s width, the material you prefer, and whether you want a simple reading stand or extra spots for accessories. Below, we compare five expandable options, from bamboo caddies to an open-wire metal tray and a clear acrylic shelf.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Bath Tray | Material | Expandable Width | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mxtroml Expandable Stainless Steel Bath Tray | Stainless steel | 24.8–40.6 inches | Book and tablet stand, open-wire sections |
| Royal Craft Wood Expandable Bamboo Bath Tray | Bamboo | 29.5–43 inches | Book or tablet slot, wine glass and candle holders, removable trays |
| Sen Yi Bao Luxury Bamboo Bathtub Tray | Bamboo | Not specified | Three viewing angles, book and tablet holder, removable tray |
| Temple Spring Bamboo Bathtub Tray | Bamboo | 27.6–41.3 inches | Solid book stand, non-slip pads, spa accessories included |
| Yieach Clear Acrylic Bathtub Tray | Acrylic | Up to 41.4 inches | Clear design, book and device holder, drainage holes |
Our Picks: Best Bath Tray With Book Holder reviews
1. Mxtroml Expandable Stainless Steel Bath Tray: An Open-Wire Organizer
The Mxtroml tray is an expandable stainless steel caddy with a raised stand for a book, magazine, or tablet. Its stated adjustment range is 24.8 to 40.6 inches, giving it a wider minimum width than the other trays in this comparison. That may be useful if you have a narrower tub, but measure the space between your tub edges before ordering.
The open-wire design lets water drain through rather than pool on a solid shelf. Several basket-style sections help separate items such as soap, shampoo, bath salts, washcloths, and small bathroom supplies. This makes the tray a practical choice if you want more than a place to prop up a book.
One limitation is that the supplied listing information marks this product as unavailable. Availability can change, so check the listing before deciding. The open structure also offers less of a flat surface than a solid bamboo or acrylic tray, which may matter for small items that need to sit level.
Pros:
- Expands from 24.8 to 40.6 inches.
- Built-in stand supports a book, magazine, or tablet.
- Open-wire construction allows water to drain.
- Multiple sections help organize bath products.
Cons:
- The supplied product data marks it as unavailable.
- Open-wire sections are not as flat as a solid shelf.
Verdict: Consider this tray if you want a metal organizer with a generous adjustment range, but confirm it is available before choosing it.
2. Royal Craft Wood Expandable Bamboo Tray: A Feature-Rich Choice
This bamboo caddy extends from 29.5 to 43 inches and includes non-slip grips intended to help it stay in place on the tub edges. Its book and tablet slot doubles as a hands-free viewing stand. The tray also has a wine glass slot, a candle holder, and two removable accessory trays.
That combination gives the Royal Craft Wood model more dedicated spaces than a basic reading tray. It may suit someone who likes to keep a drink, reading material, and a few bath items nearby. The bamboo construction has a protective lacquer coating, according to the product description, but the wood still calls for sensible care around water.
Its maximum width is the largest stated in this group, though the minimum is also wider than the Mxtroml’s. Check your tub measurements and the position of the edges where the tray will rest. Its extra holders add convenience, but they may be unnecessary if you want a simple, uncluttered shelf.
Pros:
- Expands from 29.5 to 43 inches.
- Includes a book or tablet slot and a wine glass holder.
- Removable trays provide extra space for accessories.
- Non-slip grips are designed to help secure the tray.
Cons:
- The minimum width may not suit narrower tubs.
- Its multiple holders may feel excessive if you need only a book stand.
Verdict: Choose this bamboo tray if you want broad tub-width adjustability and several built-in places for bath accessories.
3. Sen Yi Bao Luxury Bamboo Tray: Adjustable Viewing for Reading or Streaming
The Sen Yi Bao is a bamboo caddy designed to hold a book, phone, tablet, or stemmed glass. Its holder has three tilting angles, letting you adjust the viewing position instead of relying on one fixed stand angle. The product description also lists a ventilated pad for items such as soap, a cup, or candles, plus a removable tray for towels or shampoo.
The bamboo surface is described as water-resistant and easy to wipe with a damp cloth. This design may appeal if you want the look of wood and prefer a viewing stand with angle options. The removable tray adds a place for smaller supplies, but the supplied information does not give an expandable width range, so confirm the dimensions and fit for your tub before buying.
Compared with the Royal Craft Wood and Temple Spring options, this model’s standout feature is its adjustable viewing angle. The tradeoff is less detail about tub-width adjustment and grip design in the available product information.
Pros:
- Book and tablet holder offers three tilting angles.
- Includes a removable tray for bath supplies.
- Water-resistant bamboo is described as easy to wipe clean.
- Holder is designed for books, devices, and stemmed glasses.
Cons:
- The supplied description does not state an expandable width range.
- It provides fewer specified fit details than several competing options.
Verdict: This is a good option to consider if adjustable viewing angles matter most, provided its dimensions work with your tub.
4. Temple Spring Bamboo Tray: A Solid Book Stand and Included Accessories
The Temple Spring tray expands from 27.6 to 41.3 inches and uses four silicone pads intended to grip the tub edges without scratching them. Its 10.2-inch-wide solid bamboo book rest is designed to hold books, phones, and tablets upright. That solid stand may be a useful feature if you prefer a defined backrest over a simple slot.
The tray is made from bamboo with a protective lacquer finish. The product package also includes a matching soap dish, a face cloth, and exfoliating gloves, giving it more of a ready-to-use spa set feel than a caddy alone. The description recommends wiping the tray dry after use, a practical habit for a wood accessory used around bathwater.
Its stated fit range is narrower at the maximum than the Royal Craft Wood tray, and its listed minimum width is wider than the Mxtroml’s. Those details make measuring especially important. The included accessories are useful if you want them, but they may add little value if you already have similar items.
Pros:
- Expands from 27.6 to 41.3 inches.
- Wide, solid book stand is designed for books and devices.
- Four silicone pads are intended to grip tub edges.
- Includes a bamboo soap dish, face cloth, and exfoliating gloves.
Cons:
- Does not expand as wide as the Royal Craft Wood model.
- Bamboo care includes wiping it dry after use.
Verdict: Pick the Temple Spring if you want a solid reading stand and appreciate the included bath accessories, after confirming the width suits your tub.
5. Yieach Clear Acrylic Tray: A Modern-Looking Shelf with Drainage Holes
The Yieach tray is made from clear acrylic and expands from its listed base length of 33.1 inches to a maximum of 41.4 inches. Its center holder is designed for books, phones, and tablets, and the shelf also has room for items such as a wine glass or candle. Drainage holes help water pass through the tray.
The transparent finish offers a different look from bamboo or metal and may suit a bathroom where you want the tray to feel visually light. The product description says the acrylic is thickened and designed to support bath items, but it does not give a weight limit. Avoid loading it beyond what the listing specifies, and measure your tub because the stated minimum length is relatively wide.
Compared with the bamboo options, this tray avoids a wood finish and does not require the same wipe-dry routine described for the Temple Spring model. Its clear plastic appearance is a matter of taste, and the listed details provide less information about gripping or non-slip pads than some competing trays.
Pros:
- Expands to a maximum length of 41.4 inches.
- Clear acrylic offers a distinct alternative to bamboo and metal.
- Drainage holes are designed to help prevent water from collecting.
- Center holder accommodates books and electronic devices.
Cons:
- The stated base length of 33.1 inches may be too wide for some tubs.
- The supplied description does not specify a weight limit or non-slip pads.
Verdict: Consider the Yieach if you want a clear acrylic tray, but check the minimum width and support details before placing items on it.
How to Choose a Bath Tray With a Book Holder
Measure your tub before choosing a tray
Measure the distance between the edges where the tray will rest, then compare it with the tray’s minimum and maximum lengths. An expandable design only works if your tub falls within that range. Also check whether the sides of your tub provide a stable, level place for the tray to sit.
Choose a book stand that suits your reading material
A raised stand can hold a book, magazine, or tablet, but the designs vary. The Sen Yi Bao lists three tilting angles, while the Temple Spring has a solid bamboo rest. If you plan to read from a tablet, consider how the stand holds a device upright and whether the viewing angle feels practical for your bath setup.
Think about material and care
Bamboo, stainless steel, and acrylic each offer a different look and feel. The bamboo models have wood surfaces, and some have protective coatings; the Temple Spring description recommends wiping its tray dry after use. The Mxtroml uses an open-wire stainless steel design, while the Yieach is clear acrylic. Follow the care instructions provided with the product you choose.
Decide how much storage you need
A simple stand may be enough if you only want a place for a book or tablet. If you like keeping soap, towels, bath salts, or other supplies nearby, compare the number and style of storage areas. The Mxtroml has basket-style sections, while the Royal Craft Wood and Sen Yi Bao models include removable trays.
Look for stability features
A tray spans a tub, so the way it rests on the edges matters. Some products specify non-slip grips or silicone pads, such as the Royal Craft Wood and Temple Spring trays. Check the product details for the model you choose, make sure the tray is properly positioned, and keep fragile electronics away from splashes.
Pick extras you will actually use
Wine glass slots, candle holders, removable trays, and included bath accessories can make a caddy more useful, but they are not essential for everyone. Choose extras that match your routine rather than paying attention to feature count alone. A simpler tray may be easier to use if you only want to read in the bath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an expandable bath tray fit any bathtub?
No. Expandable trays have a set minimum and maximum width. Measure the distance between the tub edges where the tray will rest and compare it with the product’s stated range before choosing one.
Can I use a tablet in a bath tray book holder?
These models describe holders intended for books, phones, or tablets, but the exact fit depends on your device and its case. Check the stand design and product dimensions, and keep electronics clear of water.
Which material is best for a bath tray?
That depends on your preferences. Bamboo offers a natural wood look, stainless steel gives you an open-wire organizer, and clear acrylic provides a transparent finish. Compare each product’s care guidance and construction details as well as its appearance.
Do bath trays stay in place on wet tub edges?
Some models specify features intended to improve grip, including non-slip grips or silicone pads. Check the product details, set the tray securely across the tub, and avoid placing it on uneven or unstable edges.
Can a bath tray hold a candle or a drink?
Several trays list candle or glass holders, but not every design includes them. Check the specific model’s features and place items carefully. Keep flames and liquids away from books and electronic devices.
How should I care for a bamboo bath tray?
Care instructions vary by product. The Temple Spring description recommends wiping the tray dry after use, and the Sen Yi Bao description says its water-resistant bamboo can be wiped with a damp cloth. Follow the instructions supplied with your tray.
Which bath tray is best for a narrow tub?
Compare the minimum width, not only the maximum. Of these options, the Mxtroml has the lowest stated minimum at 24.8 inches, but its supplied product data marks it as unavailable. Measure your tub and confirm current availability before choosing.
Final Recommendation
For a feature-rich bamboo caddy, the Royal Craft Wood tray stands out with its stated expansion to 43 inches, book or tablet slot, and several accessory holders. The Temple Spring is a strong alternative if you prefer a solid book rest and want included bath accessories. If you favor metal or acrylic, compare the Mxtroml’s open-wire storage and the Yieach’s clear shelf design, while checking fit and availability details carefully. In every case, measure your tub first and choose the stand and storage features that match how you plan to use it.
