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Bathtub Trays and Bath Pillows: Sizes, Materials and Fit

How to choose a bathtub tray that fits your tub and a bath pillow that stays put: tub widths, extendable arms, bamboo vs teak, suction cups and care.

By the Luxury Bath editorial teamUpdated 3 min read5 sources

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Bamboo bath tray with a book stand resting across a built-in white bathtub under a window

A bathtub tray fits when it is longer than your tub is wide. Measure rim to rim: This Old House gives 30 to 32 inches for a standard alcove tub. An extendable tray such as Umbra’s Aquala runs from 28.13 to 37 inches. A suction-cup bath pillow needs a smooth tub wall and should be washable.

Neither needs to be expensive to feel luxurious. What matters is a tray that sits flat without sliding and a pillow that stays where you put it.

Step one: measure your tub

Tub type Length Width Tray fit
Standard alcove 60 in 30 to 32 in Most extendable trays
Freestanding 55 to 72 in 27 to 32 in Most extendable trays; check curved rims
Corner 60 in on each side Varies Measure where you will sit
Walk-in 48 to 60 in 28 to 32 in Often has a door or ledge: check the maker

Dimensions are from This Old House’s bathtub size guide. Measure across the outside of the rims at the point where the tray will sit, because curved freestanding tubs narrow toward the ends.

Bathtub trays: what to look for

Feature Why it matters Example
Extendable arms One tray fits a range of tub widths Umbra Aquala: 28.13 in closed, 37 in open
Grip on the arms Stops the tray sliding on a wet rim Aquala arms are lined with silicone
Book or tablet stand Keeps pages and screens out of the water Aquala has a middle support bar for a book or tablet
Phone slot Holds a phone upright and dry Aquala has a phone holder
Easy care Wood lasts longer if it is wiped and dried Umbra: wipe with a clean damp cloth

Bathtub trays and bath pillows

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Most trays are bamboo or teak. Teak is the denser, heavier wood; many bamboo trays are extendable. If a tray is a fixed length, measure twice. Keep the load light, such as a book, a flameless candle or a cup of tea, and leave glassware off a tray that sits over the water.

Getting in and out

A CDC study of 2008 emergency room visits estimated 234,094 nonfatal bathroom injuries among people 15 and older, 81.1% of them from falls, most often in or around the tub or shower. It recommends non-slip strips in the tub and grab bars. A tray does not replace a grab bar: never lean on it to stand up.

Bath pillows: suction cups vs neck pillows

A bath pillow supports your head and neck against a hard tub wall. Two things decide whether you will use it: whether it stays put and whether it dries.

Gorilla Grip’s mesh bath pillow is a typical example. It measures 16.5 by 16.1 inches, holds on with six suction cups and is machine washable. The maker says it attaches to smooth bathtub surfaces, so it will not grip a textured tub. Mesh lets air through, which helps it dry.

Care matters more than shape. Take the pillow off the tub after a bath, rinse it, and hang it to dry. A pillow left stuck to a damp tub day after day stays damp.

Setting up the tray

Keep the tray light: a book, a flameless candle, a cup of tea and a bath oil. The bath oils and soaks guide covers what to pour in. The U.S. Fire Administration advises against lit candles in bathrooms, so the luxury candle guide suggests flameless candles by the tub. Keep the floor safe as well: the bath mat guide compares mats for outside and inside the tub.

Bathroom accessory sets for the tub surround

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For the full list of what makes a bath feel luxurious, see the luxury bath at home overview.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a bath tray will fit my tub?

Measure across the tub from outside rim to outside rim, then check the tray's closed and extended lengths. A standard alcove tub is 30 to 32 inches wide, per This Old House. Umbra's Aquala tray is 28.13 inches closed and extends to 37 inches, so it spans that width.

Are bamboo or teak bath trays better?

Both are common for bathroom use. Bamboo trays are usually lighter and often extendable. Teak is dense and heavier. Whichever you choose, follow the maker's care: Umbra says to wipe its Aquala tray with a clean damp cloth.

Do suction-cup bath pillows work on every tub?

No. Gorilla Grip says its bath pillow attaches to smooth bathtub surfaces, so a textured or anti-slip tub floor will not hold the suction cups. Press the cups onto a clean, wet, smooth area.

How do you keep a bath pillow from getting moldy?

Choose a pillow you can wash and dry. Gorilla Grip's mesh pillow is machine washable. Hang it to dry after each bath instead of leaving it stuck to a wet tub.

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