Getting comfortable with a laptop in bed sounds simple — until you realise most overbed tables aren't designed for it. The best laptop overbed table gives you a large, stable surface at the right height so you can type comfortably whether you're sitting up or reclined.
This guide covers what to look for, where common options fall short, and which types work best for laptop use in Australia.
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What to Look for in a Laptop Overbed Table
Most overbed tables are designed for eating and reading, not for laptop work. The differences matter. Here are the three things to check before you buy.
Tabletop size: why it matters more than you think
A standard 15-inch laptop measures about 35 cm wide. Add a mouse, a drink, and maybe a notepad, and you need at least 60 x 40 cm of usable surface. Some overbed tables only offer a 40 x 30 cm top, which barely fits the laptop alone.
Check the tabletop dimensions in the product specs before purchasing. If the listing only shows height, look for a model with a larger surface or contact us and we'll help you find the right fit.
| Laptop screen size | Minimum table width needed | Recommended (with mouse + drink) |
|---|---|---|
| 13 inch | 35 cm | 55 cm or wider |
| 15 inch | 38 cm | 60 cm or wider |
| 17 inch | 42 cm | 65 cm or wider |
One practical tip: if you run your laptop on a flat surface for extended periods, leave a small gap under the base for ventilation. Some overbed tables have a slightly raised lip or mesh section that helps with heat. If not, a small laptop stand on top of the flat table works just as well.
Ideal height range for typing in bed
When you're sitting up in bed with pillows behind you, a comfortable typing height is roughly 65 to 75 cm from the floor. If you tend to recline more, you'll want the table to come lower, around 60 cm.
Most quality overbed tables are height-adjustable across this range. The key is making sure the adjustment mechanism is smooth and easy to use on your own. A lever or spring-loaded knob is far easier to manage than a tool-operated system.
Tilting top: a useful feature with one tradeoff
A tilting tabletop can angle the screen toward you, which helps when you're reclined. But there is a tradeoff: when the surface tilts, your keyboard and trackpad tilt with it. That makes typing harder, and items on the table are more likely to slide.
If you mainly read or watch video in bed, a tilt top works well. If you do a lot of typing, a flat top is the more practical choice. You can always add a separate angled laptop stand on a flat table to get the best of both.
Two Types Worth Considering
Once you've settled on the size and height you need, it comes down to choosing between two main setups.
Large flat-top models
A large flat-top overbed table is the most versatile option for laptop use. You get a stable typing surface, room for your mouse, and the option to add a small laptop stand if you want to raise the screen angle.
Look for a top at least 60 cm wide with a stable base that rolls under the bed easily. Height-adjustable models with a simple lever mechanism are the easiest to use independently.
Browse our range of adjustable over bed tables to compare top sizes and heights.
Tilt-top models
A tilt-top overbed table suits people who mainly use their laptop for video calls, streaming, or reading in a reclined position. The angled surface brings the screen closer to eye level, which reduces neck strain when you're not sitting upright.
Keep in mind that a tilted surface is less stable for typing, and drinks placed on the table are at risk of sliding. If you switch between typing and watching video, a flat-top model with a separate stand gives you more flexibility.
Key takeaways
- Look for a tabletop at least 60 cm wide to fit a 15-inch laptop with room for a mouse and a drink.
- A comfortable laptop typing height in bed is 65 to 75 cm from the floor.
- Tilt tops help with screen angle but make typing harder. Flat tops are more practical for regular work.
- A flat-top table paired with a small laptop stand gives you the most flexibility.
Our Recommendation
For most people using a laptop in bed, a large flat-top overbed table on wheels is the right choice. It gives you a stable typing surface, room to spread out, and the freedom to move it wherever you need it.
If you spend a lot of time reclined watching content or on video calls, a tilt-top model is worth considering. Just factor in the keyboard tradeoff before you decide.
Take a look at the full over bed tables range at Mobility Shop Direct. If you're not sure which model suits your setup, get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.