The Great British Bath Caddy Guide: From Simple Soak to Home Spa
Turn your bathroom into a personal sanctuary. Discover what a bath caddy is, why you need one, and our top 5 expert picks for the ultimate relaxing soak.
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Picture this: it’s been a long, grey Tuesday. The train was delayed, the emails wouldn’t stop, and you’ve just about had it with everything. You get home, kick off your shoes, and there’s only one thing for it – a proper, long, hot bath. You turn the taps, pour in some lovely-smelling bubbles, and sink into the warm water. Absolute bliss.
But wait. Where do you put your book? It’s teetering on the edge of the tub, threatening to take a dive. Your cuppa is on the floor getting cold, and you’re trying to watch a show on your tablet, which is precariously propped against the loo. It’s all a bit of a faff, isn’t it?
Enter the bath caddy. This simple but brilliant gadget is the unsung hero of the bathroom, turning a standard soak into a five-star spa experience. It’s your personal butler for the tub, holding everything you need right where you need it. In this guide, we’ll explore everything there is to know about these wonderful trays, from their surprising history to choosing the perfect one for your home.
What Exactly is a Bath Caddy? More Than Just a Plank of Wood
At its heart, a bath caddy – also known as a bath tray or bath bridge – is a shelf that sits securely across the top of your bathtub. Its job is simple: to give you a stable, dry surface for all your bathtime essentials. Think of it as a bedside table for your bath.
While it feels like a modern invention, the idea of making bathing more comfortable is as old as the hills. The Romans, famous for their grand public baths, saw bathing as a social event, a place to relax and chat. But it was the Victorians in Britain who really brought the private bathroom into the home. For them, bathing was all about hygiene, and their bathrooms were often chilly, functional spaces.
It’s only in the last few decades that we’ve come full circle, seeing the bathroom not just as a place to get clean, but as a sanctuary. We’ve realised that a good soak can wash away the stresses of the day, and the humble bath caddy is a key part of that transformation. It’s a sign that we’re taking our relaxation seriously.
The Rise of the ‘Bath-fluencer’: Why Everyone Suddenly Wants a Caddy
If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or Pinterest lately, you’ve probably seen them: perfectly styled photos of beautiful bathtubs, complete with a caddy holding a glass of wine, a scented candle, and a good book. This isn’t just about looking good; it’s part of a bigger shift towards self-care. We’re all a bit stressed and looking for simple ways to unwind at home, and creating a perfect bath has become a popular ritual.
So, what makes a bath caddy so special?
- Total Convenience: No more stretching for the shampoo bottle or trying to keep your phone dry. Everything you could possibly want is right in front of you, safe and sound.
- Safety for Your Gadgets: Let’s be honest, many of us take our expensive phones and tablets into the bathroom. A caddy with a proper stand keeps them secure, so you don’t have to worry about a costly slip into the suds.
- Next-Level Relaxation: A caddy encourages you to properly switch off. It gives you permission to lie back for an hour with a film or your favourite author, turning a quick wash into a mini-holiday.
- A Tidy Tub: It’s also a great way to keep your bathroom organised. Instead of bottles cluttering up the corners of your tub, they can have their own neat little home.
Choosing Your Champion: A Buyer’s Guide to the Best Bath Caddies
Ready to upgrade your bath time? Finding the right caddy is easy once you know what to look for. Let’s break it down.
Know Your Materials: The Good, The Bad, and The Spongy
The material of your caddy doesn’t just affect how it looks; it also determines how long it will last.
- Bamboo: This is the most popular choice by a country mile, and for good reason. Bamboo is a type of grass, not wood, which means it’s naturally resistant to water and less likely to swell or warp. It’s also strong, lightweight, and eco-friendly because it grows so quickly. Most of the caddies you’ll see are made from it.
- Other Woods: Hardwoods like teak or acacia look incredibly luxurious and are very durable. However, they are often pricier and may need a bit of oiling now and then to keep them looking their best.
- Metal: A stainless steel caddy can look very sleek and modern. It’s easy to clean and won’t get mouldy. The downside is that cheaper ones might rust over time, and some people find the look a bit cold and clinical compared to the warmth of wood.
- Plastic: Plastic or acrylic caddies are the budget-friendly option. They’re waterproof and simple to wipe down. On the other hand, they don’t always feel as sturdy or look as posh as their wooden counterparts.
Size Matters: Measuring Up for the Perfect Fit
The last thing you want is a caddy that’s too short and falls in the water, or too long and doesn’t fit at all.
First, measure the width of your bathtub. Measure from the inside edge to the inside edge, and also from the outer edge to the outer edge. Most standard UK baths are around 70cm wide.
The best solution for most people is an extendable caddy. These have clever sliding sides that you can adjust to fit your tub perfectly, whether it’s a standard built-in model or a fancy freestanding one. All of our top picks have this feature, as it makes them incredibly versatile.
All the Bells and Whistles: Must-Have Features
Modern bath caddies come with all sorts of clever compartments. Here are the ones to look out for:
- Book/Tablet Stand: This is the main event. A good one will have a sturdy back (often wood or metal) to prop up your book or iPad at a comfortable reading angle.
- Wine Glass Holder: This isn’t just a hole; it’s a special slot that you slide the stem of your wine glass into, so it can’t be knocked over. Genius.
- Phone Slot: A simple groove to stand your phone in, keeping it upright and visible.
- Mug or Candle Holder: A circular, recessed area is perfect for holding a cup of tea or a scented candle to set the mood.
- Non-Slip Grips: Look for caddies with silicone or rubber pads on the bottom. These stop the tray from sliding around on the edges of the tub, keeping everything secure.
- Drainage Holes or Slats: A slatted design allows water to drain away, which helps to prevent mould and keeps your soap from going soggy.
Our Top 5 Picks for the Ultimate Relaxing Bath
We’ve looked at some of the most popular bath caddies available in the UK to help you choose. Here are our favourites, each with its own unique strengths.
1. The Deep Calm Bath Caddy
Best for: The Movie Lover
- LUXURY EXPERIENCE: Our bath tray is made of 100% eco-friendly natural bamboo wood. This is combined with a water-resistant finish to create a durable and elegant bath shelf.
- FEEL YOUR STRESS MELT AWAY: After a long, hard day, unwind in the bath with your favourite movie or book to keep you company. Light a candle, pour a drink, lay back and relax.
- BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Extend our sturdy, well-made bath board by simply pulling on the two side handles. It is foldable for easy storage, at only 35cm wide. When unfolded it is 70cm and expands to 106cm so you can get the home spa feel whatever size your bathtub.
- TAILORED TO YOU: Our bath table has secure holders for all the accessories needed for a relaxing bath: iPad, tablet, wine glass, candle, phone and toiletries. Non-slip silicone pads keep our caddy firmly in place.
- 100% SATISFACTION: Check our reviews, customers love our bath tray. But if you don’t love it, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund – no questions asked!
This is a classic, all-singing, all-dancing bath caddy that has a spot for everything. Made from lovely natural bamboo, its main selling point is how wide it extends – up to 106cm, making it brilliant for larger bathtubs. The foldable design is also a clever touch for storage. The wooden book/tablet rest feels sturdy, and there’s a secure slot for your wine glass, a circle for your candle, and a space for your phone. It’s a real powerhouse of relaxation.
- Pros:
- Extends to a very wide 106cm, fitting almost any tub.
- Sturdy wooden stand for a tablet or book.
- Non-slip silicone grips keep it firmly in place.
- Folds down for easier storage.
- Cons:
- Some users find it can be a bit clunky to pick up and move when extended.
2. Masters & Burrell Luxury Extendable Caddy
Best for: The Gift Giver
- PERFECT WAY TO UNWIND: Experience spa-level luxury at the comfort of your home with this bath caddy tray. It will hold your glass of wine, or even some snacks as you soak off the stress of a long day in your bathtub.
- FITS MOST BATHS: With an extendable tray this means you can use our tray organiser with ease on most baths. Giving you plenty of room for your favourite smellies and accessories.
- PERFECT GIFT ITEM: Give it as a gift for housewarming, birthdays, valentine’s day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, or any other special occasion.
- SECURE DESIGN KEEPS YOUR VALUABLE ITEMS SAFE AND SECURE – Masters & Burrell knows you want to enjoy a truly relaxing bath without any concerns, which is why we bring you our new premium Bath Caddy. Features a secure design, meaning your glass of wine or electronic devices (tablet, Kindle, iPad, Smart Phone, etc.) will stay exactly where you put it.
- SPECIFICATION: Measuring 60.2cm long x 20.1cm wide ensures easy portability and compact storage when not in use. Fully Extended, the Masters & Burrell Bamboo Bath Caddy measures 87.5m long, meaning it will fit almost any size of bath.
This caddy from Masters & Burrell feels like a complete home spa kit. Not only do you get a quality extendable bamboo tray, but it also comes with a few lovely extras, including a jute exfoliating glove and bamboo toothbrushes. It has all the essential features: a book rest, a wine glass holder, and slidable trays with drainage holes for your soaps and sponges. It’s a fantastic package that would make a brilliant and thoughtful gift for someone who deserves a bit of pampering.
- Pros:
- Comes with lovely extra accessories.
- Good, solid bamboo construction.
- Extendable design fits most baths (up to 87.5cm).
- Includes screws to fix it to a desired width if you wish.
- Cons:
- When not extended, there can be a small gap between the trays.
3. Banlilu Bath Caddy Tray
Best for: The Organised Soaker
- Bathtub Caddy Tray : Banlilu’s bathtub tray has been strategically crafted to ensure it meets the dimensions of most bathtubs on the market with its expandable, slip resistant silicone grips to prevent your tub caddy from sliding. This bathtub organizer was specifically designed to expand from 27.5 inches to 35.4 inches
- Bath Tray : Bamboo bath tray for bathtub is equipped with wine, spa tray, and tablet/book holder. Treat yourself to the most relaxing bath experience ever and enjoy a home spa treatment in luxury
- Bath Tub Tray Table : Made from sustainable premium quality bamboo and coated with a protective layer of lacquer makes this bathtub tray table waterproof and sturdy. This bath board tray is great for any tub! Take a load off and invest into a better you with a gift that gives back
- NON-SLIP DESIGN – Our bath caddy with the non-slip silicone grips, you won’t be afraid of your things falling into the tub; Perfect for relaxing and keeping your electronics safe as well as a safe spot for your drink
- GIFT CHOICE – The bamboo bath tray is your perfect gift choices as Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Wedding and so on; Share and complete your family, friend a relaxing experience; It’s an addition to your master bathroom and match the aesthetics
If you like to have everything just so, the Banlilu caddy is a great choice. It features removable spa trays, which is a neat idea for organising your different bath bits like soaps, flannels, and bath bombs. It’s made from premium bamboo with a protective lacquer finish to make it waterproof and sturdy. The non-slip silicone grips are a big plus, ensuring your relaxation station stays put. It expands to a decent 90cm, covering most tub sizes with ease.
- Pros:
- Removable trays for customisable organisation.
- Waterproof lacquer finish for extra durability.
- Strong non-slip grips.
- Cons:
- The book stand isn’t ideal for physical books; it works much better for a Kindle or tablet.
4. Unibos Bamboo Wood Bath Rack
Best for: The Minimalist
- PERFECT BAMBOO FURNITURE ACCOMPANIMENT: The Tray Is Perfect For Bamboo-Lovers – A Decorative Highlight In Any Home.
- USEFUL SHELF: Organise Bathroom Utensils Like Shower Gel Or Shampoo – A Book Or Glass Of Wine Can Also Fit On The Spacious Caddy.
- LOVELY BATHROOM ACCESSORY: This Bathroom Shelf Is Light-Weight And Has A Modern And Chic Appearance – Matches Any Bathroom.
- ROBUST MATERIAL: The Bamboo Material Is Weather-Resistant And Moisture-Resistant, Making It Perfect For Use In The Bathroom.
- FOR STANDARD BATHTUBS: The Length Of 70 Cm Fits All Standard-Sized Bathtubs – Simply Lay It Over The Tub And Enjoy The Practical Tray Function.
Sometimes, you don’t need all the bells and whistles. The Unibos bath rack is a simple, clean, and elegant solution. It’s a non-extendable, slatted bamboo shelf that does one job perfectly: holding your essentials. At 70cm, it’s designed to fit a standard UK bathtub. The slatted design is great for drainage, making it ideal for holding soap, sponges, and shampoo bottles. It’s a lovely, understated accessory for a modern bathroom.
- Pros:
- Simple, chic, and minimalist design.
- Great value for money.
- The slatted rack allows water to drain away easily.
- Cons:
- It’s a fixed length, so you must measure your bath first.
- It’s not designed for holding a book or tablet upright.
- Some reviews of the painted versions mention the finish can be patchy.
5. MantraRaj Bamboo Bath Caddy
Best for: The Style-Conscious
- BATH CADDY BAMBOO BATHTUB RACK, FOR BATHING, READING AND RELAXING – Made from 100% Natural sustainable bamboo. Fits all standard-sized bathtubs so you can indulge yourself and relax in comfort. Simply lay it over the tub and enjoy the practical Bathtub tray Rack function.
- WHITE BATH CADDY BAMBOO BATHTUB RACK, FOR BATHING, READING, AND RELAXING – Made from 100% Natural sustainable bamboo.Fits all standard-sized bathtubs so you can indulge yourself and relax in comfort. Simply lay it over the tub and enjoy the practical Bathtub tray Rack function.
- BATH ESSENTIALS WOODEN BATH TRAY, STURDY, AND SAFE – The bamboo material is weather-resistant and moisture-resistant, making it perfect for use in the bathroom. Ideal for storing your bath essentials. The highest quality that’s built to last because it’s made of the finest bamboo wood.
- LOVELY BATHROOM ACCESSORY – This bathroom shelf Organizer is lightweight and has a modern and chic appearance – Matches any bathroom. High-grade high strength bamboo, which has been sourced naturally, has been used in its construction. The Bath Caddy bridge has then been finished in white making it a universal product for all decors.70CM X 14.5CM X 4.5CM. Easy cleaning, just wipe with a damp cloth.
- PERFECT GIFT : Our beautiful stylish bamboo bath caddy is for a truly relaxing spa experience and is perfect for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.
Similar in design to the Unibos rack, the MantraRaj caddy is a simple and stylish bath bridge. It’s also a fixed length of 70cm and made from moisture-resistant bamboo. Where it stands out is the range of colours available, including black and grey, which allows you to match it to your bathroom décor. It’s a no-fuss caddy for those who want a functional and attractive shelf without the specific gadget holders. It’s perfect for adding a touch of hotel-like elegance to your tub.
- Pros:
- Available in different colours to match your bathroom.
- Sturdy and moisture-resistant bamboo.
- Lightweight and easy to clean.
- Cons:
- Fixed length means it won’t fit all tubs.
- Some users have found the colour can fade after several months of use.
- No dedicated holders for books or drinks.
Creating Your Sanctuary: How to Set Up the Perfect Bath
You’ve got your caddy, now it’s time for the main event.
- Set the Mood: Dim the lights. Light that scented candle and place it on your caddy. Put on a relaxing playlist or a podcast.
- Get the Water Just Right: The ideal bath temperature is just above body temperature, around 38-40°C. Any hotter and it can dry out your skin.
- Load Up Your Caddy: Arrange your chosen items. If it’s movie night, set up your tablet. If you’re reading, pop your book on the stand. Pour your drink, grab a little snack, and have your flannel and soap within easy reach.
- Sink In and Switch Off: That’s it. Your only job now is to lie back and let the warm water and your perfectly organised setup do their work.
Looking After Your Caddy: A Quick Care Guide
To make sure your lovely new caddy lasts for years, a little care goes a long way.
- Wipe it Down: After each bath, give it a quick wipe with a dry cloth to get rid of any excess water.
- Let it Breathe: Don’t leave it sitting in a damp bathroom. If you can, stand it up somewhere to let the air circulate around it and dry it out completely.
- A Little TLC: If your wooden or bamboo caddy starts to look a bit dry after a year or so, you can rub a tiny amount of food-safe mineral oil or wood oil into it with a cloth to restore its sheen.
The Verdict: Is a Bath Caddy a Must-Have or a Bit of Fluff?
You can, of course, have a perfectly nice bath without a caddy. But if you’re someone who truly loves to soak, who sees bath time as a vital part of your winding-down routine, then it’s more than just an accessory. It’s a tool.
It’s a small, affordable investment that completely elevates the experience. It turns your bathroom into a personal spa and your bath from a chore into a treat. In a world that’s constantly demanding our attention, a bath caddy helps you carve out a small slice of time and space that is just for you. And frankly, we think everyone deserves that.
Further Reading
For more inspiration on creating a beautiful and relaxing home, check out these fantastic resources:
- Ideal Home: A brilliant UK-based magazine and website full of home interior ideas.
- House Beautiful UK: Offers inspiration for decorating and organising every room in the house.
- The English Home: For those who love classic, elegant, and comfortable British design.
