The 4 Most Popular Overbed Tables Review
Whether you are limited to a bed for medical reasons or you enjoy spending a lot of time in bed, overbed tables are an excellent investment to help make activities like eating, reading, watching TV, doing crosswords or using a computer easier. Overbed designs generally have a rectangular shaped top that is attached to a four-wheeled rolling base. You can adjust the height of the top to fit your mattress, while the base slides under your bed. Since these models have wheels or casters on the bottom, they are easy to move into position, or away from the bed when not in use. To help you find the best table for the best value, we have rounded up the most popular options for whatever your needs may be.
Top Picks:
Eva Medical Adjustable Overbed Table with Wheels
PROS:
- Wheels work well on carpet
- Height is easy to adjust
- The top has an attractive finish
- Easy to put together
- Works well with most beds
CONS:
- Some users find it a bit wobbly if using with a laptop
Need to Know
The Eva Medical Adjustable Table is one of the most popular budget hospital options on the market. It can suit most users’ needs very well for an excellent price. It is simple to raise and lower the top, making it easy to use for almost anyone to use, and once you have set the height, the top locks in place. Since the base is relatively light and the wheels work well on carpet, it is easy to move from one room to another. This design has a rounded edge and a very sturdy top that can hold up to 25 pounds according to the manufacturer.
- Has a walnut wood-grained laminate top with an edge
- Heavy, chrome-plated welded steel on the base
- H-style base with 2″ swivel casters.
- 1 Year Product Warranty
What users love:
Users love that you can get such a high-quality option for such a low price. Many reviews also note that it is straightforward to assemble; most individuals can probably put it together in less than 15 minutes.
What could be improved:
Depending on how it is assembled, some users may find it too shaky to use with a laptop.
Dimensions:Top: 30″(L) x 15″(W) x 0.75″(D), Base : 15.5″(D) x 26.5″(W), Height adjustment: 28″- 40″
Check Pricing On Amazon
Invacare Tilt Top Overbed Table
PROS:
- Easy to put together
- Has a tilt option
- Moves easily on the lockable wheels
- Very sturdy
CONS:
- The lip that goes around the top could be higher to stop material from slipping off when it is tilted.
Need to Know:
The Invacare Tilt Top Table is one of the few budget overbed designs that has a tilt. It has two levers for adjusting. The top one is to change the angle, while the lower lever is for the height. The inclination has a pre-set that locks securely in place, so you can adjust as you want. It has a weight maximum of 25 pounds.
- The tilt-top has three angle positions in either direction
- Easy to move up and down
- Has chrome-plated steel base
- Can support up to 25 pounds
- 1 Year Limited Warranty
What users love:
Most users feel that this is an excellent product for the price. It is easy to use and is made from high-quality materials.
What could be improved?
The small wheels may make it difficult to move on the carpet.
Dimensions: Top: 30″(L) x 15″(W) x0.75″(H), Base: 15.5″(W) x 26″(L), Height adjustment: 30″ to 45″
Check Pricing on Amazon
Kist Overbed Table
PROS:
- Versatile
- High-Quality
- Swivels
- Blends in well with most decor
- Good customer service
CONS:
- The wheels/casters could be better
Need to Know:
The Kist Overbed table is one of the most popular high-quality designs available. The product is pretty versatile, so people have found quite a few uses for it including as a standing desk, for gaming and for teenagers who like to use computers while in bed. It has a sizeable work surface if you include both the tilt and the side table. The entire top section can pivot 360 degrees, which means that you can push it out of the way when not in use. It has a sturdy base that weights around 60lbs so it won’t topple over. It also has an easy to use height adjustment wheel that you can use with one hand. You can get it in black, white or brown color.
- Can tilt up to 50 degrees in both directions
- The top swings 360°
- It has a vertical up-and-down movement you control with a wheel
- Heavy duty (it weighs 42 lbs)
- One of the largest surface areas
- Lifetime guarantee on all components, except for the finish
What users love:
Users love the quality and durability of this model. The finish on the top is so nice that it can blend in easily with most decors. The split-table that lets you tilt one part while keeping the smaller section flat so you can put drinks, food or TV remotes is a much-loved feature. It is also super easy to assemble and use, even for those with limited mobility.
What may be a concern:
Some users dislike the casters or wheels that come with the table.
Dimension- Top: 42.56″(L) X 17.7″ (W), Base: 37.2″ X 26.37″, Height adjustment: 30.10″- 45.75″
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AmFab Overbed Table with Vanity
PROS:
- Has a simple, light molded plastic drawer that is great for storage
- Is easy to clean
- Automatic spring-assisted left mechanism lets you adjust the height between a 17″ range
CONS:
- Is non-tilt
Need to Know:
AmFab Table with Vanity is one of the only overbed designs that has a drawer that is attached to it. It is useful for users who need somewhere to keep personal items and medication. The table itself is of outstanding quality. AmFab has been producing healthcare related products since 1971.
- Has an automatic spring, so it is easy to move up and down
- The base is chrome-plated Hstyle 1.5 Inch Dual Casters
Dimensions -Top: 30″(L) X 15″(W), Height adjustment:28″ and 45″
Check Pricing on Amazon
Features to look for
The features that you will find most useful will depend on how you use the table. Here are a few things to consider when looking at different products.
Easy to use – If you are buying for someone who may have limited mobility or only has the use of one arm, make sure you look for products that have adjustment mechanisms that are easy to use and to lock into place.
Easy to clean – Most models have stainless steel on the base, and easy to clean laminated tops.
Easy to assemble – All of the models that we have recommended can be assembled in 30 minutes or less. Some can be put together in less than 5 minutes.
Wheels- The wheels are an important component of overbed tables. You will want to ensure any product that you buy has a locking mechanism on the wheels to make sure it stays in place. You will also want to check reviews to ensure that the wheels work well on all floor surfaces including carpet (if you will be using it on carpet).
Swivel- Being able to swivel the top away from the bed is a great feature to have. It lets the user quickly move from the bed without the table getting in the way. The Kist model has a swivel feature.
Tilt- Some designs offer the option to tilt the tabletop, giving you a little bit more versatility with what you can do with it. The tilt feature is something you will look for if you are going to be using it for reading or writing. If you do choose a product with a tilt feature, you may also want also to ensure that it has a raised edge or a lip along the bottom edge that can hold your book or other reading material in place.
Drawer – Surprisingly there aren’t many options with drawers and storage. One of the few models that have a drawer is the AmFab Table With Vanity.
Raised edge or lip – If you are placing small items on the top that could roll off, you may want to look for a model that has a raised edge or a lip around the perimeter.
Weight capacity– Take note of the weight limit that the tabletop surface can handle; it is usually somewhere between 25 and 50 pounds.
Things to be aware of:
Before buying any table, it is essential that you measure the amount of clearance under the bed. Most models should fit most beds, but it is worth checking all of the measurements before purchase.
You should also consider the amount of surface top space that you are likely to need. If you are only going to be using it just for reading and eating, you won’t need a large surface, but if you are buying it to use as a stand-up desk, then you may want to get the biggest surface that you can find (Kist).
Uses
An overbed table is a pretty useful item to have in your home. Most commonly they are used during illness when it becomes difficult for an individual to leave their bed, but they can be used for much more including reading, using a computer, eating, as a stand-up desk, using while doing a crossword or crafts.
FAQ
Q: What do I need to know about the height of the base?
A: Before buying any product check the measurement listing for the height of the base and compare it to the measurement of clearance that you have between the bottom of your bed and the floor. Or if you are looking for a design that will work with a particular chair measure the distance between the bottom of the chair and the floor to ensure that you will be able to get the base under the chair.
Q: Are there any overbeds that fold down and hide under the mattress?
A: No, unfortunately, there are not any models that you can fold down and put away. You would have to disassemble most products to hide them away.
Q: Why do some designs have a lip or raised border around the top?
A: A raised lip is just an easy way to stop items from sliding off. They are especially useful for tables that tilt.
Q: What types of colors and materials do they come in?
A: Most are made from a wood grained laminated top with a stainless steel base. You can get them in different types of laminated wood grained finishes. Or if you buy a product with a plastic top, they are most commonly white or gray.
Q: How can I tell if a particular model will it work with a recliner or a wheelchair?
A: Most tables won’t work with a wheelchair unless you get one that is explicitly designed for a wheelchair (like the Carex Overbed Table). Otherwise, the base would conflict with the wheelchair’s wheel. If your recliner has a clearance underneath that is bigger than the dimension of the base of an overbed table then you will be able to use it with that recliner.
Q: How much weight do they support?
A: The range of the most popular models goes from about 25 lbs to around 40 pounds. Heavy duty hospital grade tables (that cost $600+) can hold up to 500lbs. Do not expect to use the table as a support for getting in and out of bed, as it will not be sturdy enough for that.
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