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Overbed tables aren't just something you'd find in a hospital – they're helpful pieces of furniture that make eating, drinking and reading easier when you're lying or sitting in bed at home. There are all sorts of styles nowadays, including tables on wheels, ones with storage and those with an adjustable width and height to fit single, king size and double beds alike.
Unsure of what to look for when purchasing an over the bed medical or laptop table? We've put together a buying guide with key information to help you pick the best one for your needs. After that, take a look at our reviews of the 10 best-rated overbed tables to buy in the UK, including top products from Aidapt and NRS Healthcare who supply to the NHS.
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You've probably seen overbed tables in hospitals, but they're also great for the home. You should consider buying one if you have mobility issues, a physical disability or are resting after an injury. They slot over a bed, chair or wheelchair, making it easier to eat, drink and read whilst lying down or seated.
They're not only for medical-related purposes, however – anyone can make use of an overbed table. They're especially good if you like to watch TV on your tablet or laptop in bed, as devices can become hot and uncomfortable if you rest them on top of your covers.
You know why you should buy an overbed table, so now it's time to learn what you should consider before making a purchase. If you follow our advice, you're sure to find the right table for your specific set of needs.
You can either purchase an overbed side table or a full table that fits over the top of a bed. Before you go ahead and buy one, you should check and see whether the table will work with the size and style of bed you have. Here's what to look for.
Some tables are designed to fit over the side of a bed, utilising a C-shaped design where the legs are tucked out of the way and the tabletop fits over your lap. For this design to work, your bed needs to be raised with sufficient space underneath.
Side tables have a set width that's much smaller than a full overbed design and are, therefore, best for those only wanting to set out a few main items. The compact size is perfect for a single bed or a double bed where only one person needs access to the table, as well as if room space is limited.
Full bed tables have lots of benefits, the big one being that they offer plenty of space as their tabletop stretches the full width of the bed. This design is more practical for use over an ottoman, divan or any bed that doesn't have space underneath to fit a side table. They can be used effectively with both double and king size beds.
Plus, they have an adjustable width that you can change to fit your exact bed size. However, you should check the maximum measurement as it can vary between products. All overbed tables will fit single beds, but look for one that's over 135 cm wide if you have a double and over 150 cm if you have a king.
It's important to check the height of your overbed table to make sure that it fits properly and can be easily reached. To ensure that both of these requirements are met, look for designs that can be adjusted – but again, make sure to check the minimum and maximum measurements.
Be careful buying overbed tables with a set height that you can't adjust, as these may not offer a comfortable fit for everyone. If in doubt, measure from the floor to the mid-chest point of the person sitting on the bed to check whether a table's height will be suitable.
Regular, static overbed tables are ideal for serving food and drink, but some designs have a surface that tilts, making it easy to read or use a laptop when lying down. Either the whole surface will tilt, or part of it will while the side/s remain static.
If you want to drink whilst reading or using your laptop, look for a table with part-tilt, as you can safely store a beverage on the static part while tilting the other section to make it easier to see your device. On the other hand, if you plan to eat or drink separately, a surface with full-tilt will do the job.
Do you need to move the overbed table around, or will it be staying in one place? If you want to use it while seated in a chair or on a sofa too, look for a design that's mounted on wheels. They're also useful for easily pushing the table out of the way once you're done eating or watching something.
A design without castors has benefits too, however. They're sturdier, and there's less chance of the table accidentally moving out of position. Or, look for products with the option to choose whether you'd like the table to have wheels or not, which means you can find a specific design you like and better adapt it to your needs.
If you have permanent mobility problems or are on bed rest for a while, look for designs with extra storage space. Some overbed tables have one or two shelves, racks and boxes, so you can keep more things close by to entertain yourself.
You'll even find designs with more creative storage options like a sling or phone slot. Fabric slings can be used for various purposes, but one of them is for a cat! Your furry friend can jump up and rest for a while to keep you company. Whether you just want a basket for a few magazines or you'd like something akin to a bedside table, storage can really come in handy.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Drive DeVilbliss Deluxe Multi Purpose Overbed Table | £99.22 High Mid | Top Marks for Functionality, Design and Looks | ||
2 | Estink Overbed Trolley Storage Desk | £76.09 Mid | A Fully Kitted Out Table for Double and King Size Beds | ||
3 | Days Overbed Table With Castor Wheels | £57.95 Mid | Portable and Easy to Clean Thanks to a Plastic Top | ||
4 | Drive DeVilbliss Adjustable Overbed Table With Tilt Facility | £30.99 Low Mid | A Side Table That Slips Underneath Small Spaces | ||
5 | BuoQua Overbed Laptop Trolley | £79.99 Mid | Extra Sturdy With a Large Weight Capacity | ||
6 | Novhome Overbed Table With Wheels | £63.89 Mid | Modern Furniture Ideal for Longer-Term Use | ||
7 | NRS Healthcare Wheeled and Tilting Overbed Table | £112.46 High Mid | Read and Snack at the Same Time | ||
8 | Seville Classics Height-Adjustable Overbed Medical Table | £119.95 High Mid | Easily Height Adjustable With an Air-Lift System | ||
9 | Aidapt Canterbury Static Multi Table | £37.99 Low Mid | A 45-Degree Tilt Ideal for Laptops and Reading | ||
10 | INMOZATA Storage Overbed Table | £25.99 Low | A Stylish Pick With Lots of Storage Space |
Drive Devilbliss's Deluxe overbed table has earned the top spot on our list for several reasons. Firstly, at 80 cm wide, it offers more space than most of its competitors. It's also the only side design with a part-tilt feature for reading and storing drinks simultaneously. Very handy!
It has everything you'd need from an overbed table, like adjustable height, castors that make it easier to move and a wipe-clean surface. On top of that, it also has a neutral design that looks visually pleasing but will match any space.
This table is a fantastic find, as it comes in a large adjustable size that will fit completely over a single, double or king-size bed. The middle section tilts to make it easier to see a book or computer screen, while the sides stay level. Perfect for propping up drinks and TV snacks safely.
Furthermore, there are some excellent storage features, like a box with a magazine rack and a phone slot to keep your device close to hand. This is a great buy whether you have limited mobility, you need to work while on bed rest or you just want to turn your room into the ultimate relaxation station.
Most overbed tables have a wooden top, but this design has a plastic surface which is much easier to clean and care for. It's also lightweight and easier to carry if it needs to be moved up and down stairs often, for use in both the living space and the bedroom.
Plus, as well as raised edges, it has a handy phone holder indent too. Adjustability-wise, you can change the height to easily and comfortably reach the tabletop while you're seated or lying down. Like all the best tables, it also has a tilt feature to change the angle as needed.
This table will easily slip under wheelchairs or beds with minimal clearance – even divans, according to the manufacturer. It's mounted on two wheels instead of four, so the metal supports are lower but you still get the benefit of a table with castors.
You can adjust the height of the table by turning the knobs on the legs and tilt the tabletop as well, which has a lipped edge to stop papers and such from falling off. If you're on a budget, you should definitely consider this product as it's less expensive than many other options yet it is still from a trusted medical brand, Drive DeVilbliss.
Do you have a divan or ottoman? Most side overbed tables don't work with these styles, so instead, try this version that you can fit over a small double or single bed. It's sturdy with a large capacity that can support over 50 kg of weight, so you can put larger objects on top like a TV to keep you occupied.
Another great feature is the locking wheels that allow you to easily transport the table, push it away, and store it when not in use. Plus, the top is made of MDF which is considered sturdier than other engineered wood types, and it won't pick up ring marks from mugs or glasses.
This table has a particularly nice design that looks smart and stylish as well as two shelves to store multiple books and other items. Both of these features make it a great option as a general piece of furniture as well as for anyone on bed rest for a long time.
Plus, the tabletop is fade-resistant, so the board won't discolour if your bed is positioned by a sunny window, and all of the swivel wheels have a lock to stop the table from unexpectedly rolling out of place. It's also easy to install, with Novhome stating that it should take no more than 30 minutes to assemble.
Here's a handy overbed table made by a company that supplies the NHS. It has a large tilting middle section that makes it easier to watch and read things, with two non-tilting sides for storing drinks and snacks. And don't worry – the support bar in the middle will stop your magazine or tablet from sliding off.
It's on castors too, so it's easy to move if you'd also like to use it with a wheelchair or armchair. Keep in mind that this table is only suitable for a single bed, so opt for a different design if you have a king or a double.
Like the idea of being able to change the height of your table? It's so easy to adjust this design with its air-lift system, which you can lightly squeeze to raise slowly or tightly squeeze for a quick change. You're safe to put drinks on the tabletop too, as it's laminated and thus fully spill-proof and easy to clean.
It also looks great with its modern, all-white design. One thing to note is that the legs are angled and slightly taller than most other models, which means it can only slide under beds that have over 4 inches of space underneath.
It's always nice when you find a product you can customise to your needs. When you purchase this table, you have the option to choose whether you'd like it with or without wheels. It's also height-adjustable and you can tilt the table up to 45 degrees if you want to read or use your laptop.
The table is a lot smaller than some of the others on our list, so it's best for those who don't need to fit a lot on the surface or who are short on space. It's still a great product from a reliable healthcare brand, though, with strong hardwood upstands and chrome plating for extra support and durability.
If the overbed table is going to be a permanent addition to your bedroom, consider this product. It has lots of storage, including a sling, shelf and even a hanging rack so you can keep all your belongings within reach.
It comes in a few different colour options too, including this somewhat less medical-looking dark wood, so you can pick the one that best matches your decor. Unfortunately, you can't adjust the height of this table, unlike the other options on our list, which means it may not be suitable for everyone.
Things can get boring fast if you're confined to a bed, but luckily, there are a few things you can buy to keep yourself entertained! You could purchase a new thriller to read, a radio to play stations from all over the world or even a 3D jigsaw puzzle. Here are our picks of the best you can buy.
We hope you've found our ranking and buying guide informative and that they've helped you to pick out a product. These tables are a lifesaver if you're confined to a bed because of injury or disability, as they make eating, drinking and staying entertained so much easier.
Author: Rosa Fairfield
No. 1: Drive DeVilbliss|Deluxe Multi Purpose Overbed Table
No. 2: Estink|Overbed Trolley Storage Desk
No. 3: Days|Overbed Table With Castor Wheels
No. 4: Drive DeVilbliss|Adjustable Overbed Table With Tilt Facility
No. 5: BuoQua|Overbed Laptop Trolley
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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