We’ve all had days when getting out of bed feels like the worst idea ever, but you can’t risk ruining your clean sheets either. Well, you might just be in luck because getting the best overbed table is the answer to all such problems. Whether it’s for a relaxing Sunday breakfast in bed or a work from home station in your bed, an overbed table is a handy furniture item that enables you to be functional without even leaving your bed!
If you haven’t heard of overbed tables before, know that these are one of humankind’s greatest creations because they can be used for a multitude of tasks! On top of that, they can be used as medical overbed tables, ideal for people who are bed-ridden due to an injury or illness.
When composing our product list, we considered some important features such as tabletop and base dimensions, height, and weight capacity for practicality and specific uses. Also, we checked the materials and finishes so that your table looks appealing.
More features: spring-loaded locking handle, 4″ swivel casters, T-molded edge
As the name suggests, this overbed table was designed for medical use, but the application area is much wider. It can be quite useful for many tasks, such as a laptop table in bed, as well.
This model has several amazing features, such as its infinite table positions that make it great for hospital and home use. The tabletop dimensions are 15″ x 30″ x 0.75″, with a weight capacity of 50lbs., suitable for food trays along with other stuff like medicine bottles and books. Next, the base dimensions are 15.5″ x 26.5″. The adjustable nature of this table allows its height to be changed from 28″ up to 40″, which is a good length for standard beds as well as hospital beds. Additionally, it’s made from a highly durable pressboard with a laminated top in brown walnut finish and chrome-plated steel base with 4″ swivel casters.
What we liked: The spring-loaded locking handle is one of the most appealing features as it prevents the table from shutting down to its original height. It can be raised and lowered according to the bed height, making it especially useful for hospital use.
What could be better: Unfortunately, this model is that it cannot withstand a lot of load.
More features: height adjustment handle, H-style base with 2″ swivel casters
This versatile model by Drive Medical is a non-tilt style overbed table, excellent for hospital use. It has standard 15” x 30” tabletop dimensions that will help you to keep all your necessary items in close reach. The 40 lbs. weight capacity makes it suitable for various tasks.
The wood-grain pressed board top gives it aesthetic appeal, while the metal base with silver vein finish adds durability to the table. Next, the H-style base has 2” swivel carter wheels that provide stability and make the table easily moveable. The base dimensions are 15.5″ x 26.5″.
What we liked: The adjustable height makes it possible to raise or lower the table in various positions between 28”-45”.
What could be better: The only drawback of this table is that it’s non-tilting, so it somewhat limits its versatility.
More features: split surface design, adjustable height, two-way tilting surface, integrated lip, 2 lockable casters
The Platinum Health Acrobat Professional Overbed Table is exactly what you need for a workstation in your bed. This is a height-adjustable model, with a two-way tilting mechanism and a smaller stationary section. The adjustable 23.5”-38” height makes it perfect for any type of bed or chair.
The easy-to-clean tabletop is made of the pressed board with a brown finish, and the metal base has 2 lockable casters. The integrated lip prevents items from sliding off the table.
What we liked: While slightly bigger tabletop dimensions give this model higher capacity, the tilting design makes it more accessible and user-friendly. It’s easy to store and transport with its completely vertical table surface adjustment option and base dimensions of 22.25″ x 19″.
What could be better: The only thing that can be improved in this table is weight capacity. Although it is not mentioned in the description, you must be careful to avoid damage. This makes it especially unfit for medical use.
More features: tilting with three angle positions, molded edge, casters
This universal overbed table by Invacare is an excellent pick, with amazing features that make it stand out in the market. Its tilt release lever allows the table to be adjusted in angle and height between 28″-40″, making it a great pick for high hospital beds. It has standard tabletop dimensions of 30″ x 15″ x 0.75″ and base dimensions of 26″ x 15.5″. The weight capacity is 25lbs.
It’s made of wood-grain pressed board in an attractive walnut finish laminated top and has a metal base with casters that allow smooth maneuvering.
What we liked: The best thing about this model is its welded steel base that’s firm and provides stability. Also, the molded edge design helps to make this table a convenient and durable purchase. The 3-angle tabletop tilt positions of this model make it popular among several users.
What could be better: As for the cons of this overbed table, it has a very small weight capacity compared to other models we’ve covered.
More features: swivel casters, C-shaped base, cup slot, utensil holder
If you’re searching for a fancy yet practical overbed table, look no further because this model from Carex fits the bill. Its lightweight and durable ABS plastic tabletop with a white finish gives it a breezy aesthetic that fits the look of just about any room. The gray frame with its C-shaped base has swivel casters that make it easy to move even when there’s weight on top of the table.
The weight capacity is an impressive 50 lbs., making this table perfect for an in bed work station that can carry your books and laptop. The tabletop dimensions of 33″ x 16″ provide a wide surface. It can easily be adjusted to various heights between 28”-42”. Its base dimensions are 26″ x 15″.
What we liked: The cup slot makes this table safe for breakfast in bed without risking any spills. The utensil holder is also a unique feature that allows a comfortable dining experience without having to leave your bed!
What could be better: This model could be improved by adding a tilting mechanism that’s well-liked among various users.
More features: 2 swivel, 2 locking casters, slim frame, molded cup holders, slightly raised edge
The Lumex overbed table by Graham-Field is a contemporary-looking model, with its composite gray tabletop that attracts buyers with its improved durability and long life compared to traditional wood-grain models. The slim metal frame has a chrome finish that adds to this tabletop’s modern aesthetic and easily fits under narrow furniture like small-sized beds, chairs, and couches. It has 2 swivel and 2 locking carters that offer smooth maneuvering and help secure the table in place to prevent it from rolling away. The tabletop dimensions of 15″ x 28″ are small, giving it a sleek and dainty feel.
The adjustable table lets you lower and raise it to various heights between 28″-41″ with only a push of a button. Next, its base dimensions are 15″ x 24″, and it has an impressive 50lbs. weight capacity.
What we liked: We adore its extra features such as the molded cup holders and raised edges that add to its uniqueness. The compact and slim design is also an amazing advantage that many models don’t have.
What could be better: As for the drawbacks, its small tabletop surface may cause clutter.
More features: swivel casters, scratch-resistant surface, 1-year warranty
The Roscoe Medical Bed Tray Overbed Table, as you can infer from the name, is designed to be used in hospitals or at home for a bed-bound patient. But this doesn’t mean it can’t be used for other purposes.
The wood-grain laminate top with a walnut finish has standard dimensions of 15″ x 30″, and its weight capacity is 40lbs. The frame is made from sturdy steel, is reliable, and offers increased stability. Next, its swivel carter wheels ensure unhindered movement, and they can be locked once it is in place. The base dimensions are 15.5″ x 26″, so they can easily fit under hospital and most regular beds.
What we liked: The scratch-resistant surface of the table keeps it good as new even after several months. The hydraulic assist adjustment allows you to set the table height between 28”-45” with just a light press. On top of that, the product comes with a 1-year warranty.
What could be better: One notable thing that can be added to this table is a tilting mechanism that will allow you to adjust the angle according to your needs.
More features: adjustable height and width, fits mattress size from Twin to Kingsize
Another option that can work for medical and hospital use is the UNICOO Height Adjustable Overbed Table. However, it’s great for other functions such as working, eating, and even watching movies in bed.
As you can see, it features a four-legged design which might seem like a problem depending on the size of the bed. However, the width is adjustable to cater to all bed sizes, from twin options to king-size beds. The height is adjustable as well.
The top consists of wooden construction well supported by an adjustable metal frame. On the bottom side are wheels that make it easier to position the table however you want. Pulling it closer to make a workstation or pushing it further to act as a movie station are options you can exercise.
Also, we noticed you can tilt the table, although the mechanism for doing so is different compared to some of the other overbed tables we reviewed above. In this case, you just raise the back legs a bit higher than the front ones.
An overbed table allows you to do several things with added comfort, safety, and care, making it a fantastic piece of furniture. Whether it’s for senior living support in old homes, for patient use in hospitals, or for personal domestic use, these amazing overbed tables let you gain a great deal of control and independence from within your bed! People think that overbed tables are only for medical use. However, this is a misconception because they’re excellent for any task such as working on your laptop, reading a book, watching a movie, or kicking back on the weekend and having a late breakfast in bed. Overbed tables add comfort, convenience, and luxury to your life.
To choose the right overbed table, you must establish your motive and see how you plan to use it beforehand. That’s because some overbed tables will serve your needs better than others.
A medical overbed table should have qualities such as adjustable height, while one for eating and chilling in bed must come with a cup holder and utensil slot. You need to acquaint yourself with the several features offered in overbed tables to find the perfect one for you.
There is a variety of overbed tables for everyone’s needs. There are also several considerations when it comes to the types, whether we are talking about the frame of an overbed table, which has to do with base dimensions and shape, or the tilting mechanism.
There are mainly three styles of frame shapes. The tables come with C-shaped, H-shaped, T-shaped, and U-shaped frames, which ensure that whichever one you pick will fit under and over your bed. The shape also adds stability to the table.
Next, it’s quite common to find a product with adjustable height. However, some advanced models, like the UNICOO Height Adjustable Overbed Table, also have width adjustment along with height, which allows the table to fit larger beds.
These are important to consider because they determine the capacity of the table surface. The wider the tabletop dimensions are, the more things you can place on top of it at once. Models with bigger tabletop dimensions are highly useful for medical use because all of the patient’s necessary items and medicines can be in an arm’s reach. It’s also good for home use as you can place other documents and books on the table along with your laptop. Smaller tabletop dimensions make the product lighter and more portable. This is perhaps the most important feature because it directly affects the capacity of the table. For those who need an adequate amount of space, we recommend the Vaunn Medical Adjustable Overbed Table, which has a standard 15” x 30″ surface.
The base size of an overbed table is important to consider with respect to the dimensions of your bed and the space below it. This area generally goes under the bed, so the tabletop is elevated directly over it.
If the base dimensions of the overbed table are wider or bigger than space under your furniture, the frame of the overbed table will not fit under your bed or chair.
Narrow and slim frame models that have small base dimensions are a safe purchase because they can fit under most furniture and even very narrow spaces. If you are looking for something with a smaller base, check the Graham-Field Lumex Modern Overbed Table.
The height of an overbed table is a crucial feature because it has to be in accordance with the height of your bed to be functional. This is why most overbed tables have adjustable height, including the Drive Medical Non-Tilt Top Overbed Table, so the tabletop can be lowered or raised as needed.
This adjustability is crucial when it comes to functionality and comfort because it allows you to find the proper position in bed.
The weight capacity of an overbed table, as the name suggests, determines the weight it can support. This is an important consideration because placing more weight than the tabletop is built to withstand will either crack the top or damage it in other ways. For example, the Carex Overbed Table is a durable model that can hold up to 50 lbs. The weight capacity is generally mentioned in the instruction manual of the table, but some manufacturers don’t specify that. In those cases, you must avoid placing extremely heavy things on the table at once.
Many traditional tabletops, including the Platinum Health Acrobat Professional Overbed Table, are made of pressboard, which is a lightweight and durable material with a topcoat that protects it from damage. Other contemporary options include composite, and ABS plastic, which are also extremely lightweight, and these synthetic materials prove to be more durable.
The frames of overbed tables are usually made of metal and steel for greater stability. Thus, these materials ensure that the table will last for years to come.
The finish is also known as a polish or topcoat of furniture. Usually, overbed tables have walnut or brown finish that blends in well with room décor, such as seen with the Vaunn Medical Adjustable Overbed Table. Some alternatives, such as plastic or composite ones, have other colors such as gray or white finish.
Modern models also might have a high-quality, scratch-resistant finish. The overbed tables’ metal base usually has a chrome or silver vein finish that adds a sleek industrial look to the bottom of the tables.
Finish acts as a protective top coating that prevents the materials from rusting, rotting, and other damages such as water damage while adding to the overbed table’s aesthetics.
All overbed tables have wheels at the base of the frame, which help maneuver the table over the bed with ease. The items on our list of the best overbed tables have high-quality wheels that allow smooth movement. They glide effortlessly, causing little to no resistance when adjusting the table over the bed. Lock carters are quite useful to prevent the table from rolling away on its own accord.
Some extra features make these overbed tables especially suited for certain tasks and offer customization that make them user-friendly and more appealing. One such feature is a molded cup or utensil holder on the tabletop, such as seen with the Carex Overbed Table. This helps you hold your beverage cup in place to avoid spills while you eat or drink in bed.
Next, you can find raised or molded edges that again prevent items placed on the tabletop from slipping off or falling down. Tilting tabletop surfaces allow greater accessibility and let you set the table at a more convenient angle to place your book or laptop on.
Overbed tables, especially for medical or professional use, are an investment, so you must know what you are going to buy. It’s wise to purchase a high-quality item once rather than replacing it frequently. Different overbed tables have various price tags, depending on the quality, construction, and other features. It’s best that you do your own research and determine the budget accordingly.
We have included options from all price categories in our list of the best overbed tables, starting from $40 and going up to $160.00. The cheapest item on our list is our value pick by Drive Medical, and the most expensive product is our premium Platinum Health Acrobat Professional Overbed Table. There are other options as well that range from $80 to $100. With any of those, you will enjoy your time spent at this overbed table.
Even though we can swear by the quality and high-functionality of every item on our list, if we were to pick our favorite product, it would be the Editor’s Choice, the Vaunn Medical Adjustable Overbed Table. We like it because it’s an all-rounder product with a marvelous finish and 50 lbs. weight capacity.
If you are looking for something affordable, we recommend the Drive Medical Non-Tilt Top Overbed Table with an H-style base.
Lastly, the premium Platinum Health Acrobat Professional Overbed Table is a wonderful option with split surface design, integrated lip, and two-way tilting.
We hope that our article helped you find the best overbed table for your needs, and now, you can enjoy its functionality and ease of use!
