Over bed tables come in several distinct styles, and the differences matter more than most people realise. The right type makes everyday tasks easier. The wrong one ends up parked in the corner unused. This guide breaks down each type, who it suits best, and what to look for before you buy.
If you're new to over bed tables and want the full rundown on what they are and how they work, start with our guide: What Is an Over Bed Table? Types, Uses, and Key Features.
In this article
The Main Types of Over Bed Tables
Five main styles are available in Australia, and each one is built with a specific use in mind. The best starting point is working out which tasks you'll rely on it for most.
Standard flat-top tables
This is the most common type. A standard flat-top over bed table has a fixed, level surface on a C-shaped wheeled base. You roll it over the bed, adjust the height, and you're set.
They're solid, stable, and easy to clean. Most sit between 65 cm and 95 cm in height, which works across a wide range of beds. They're a good fit for eating, using a laptop, or keeping a book flat in front of you.
The one thing they can't do is angle the surface. If you want to read at a tilt or write without hunching forward, you'll need to prop things up yourself.
Best for: everyday eating and drinking, laptop use, or anyone who just needs a reliable flat surface within easy reach.
Tilting-top tables
A tilting-top table has a surface that angles up, usually anywhere from flat to around 45 degrees. You lock it at whatever position works for the task.
For reading, writing, drawing, or using a tablet, that tilt makes a real difference. Rather than bending your neck down to look at a flat surface, you angle the table toward you so everything sits at eye level. It's a far more comfortable position over longer stretches.
Most tilting models also lock flat, so you can use them as a standard table when you need a level surface for a meal or a drink.
Best for: reading, writing by hand, drawing, or anyone recovering from neck or back surgery who needs to avoid looking straight down.
Split-top tables
A split-top (sometimes called a split tilt-top) divides the surface into two halves. One half tilts on its own while the other stays flat. You get both styles in a single table.
In practice, that means you can prop your book or tablet on the angled side while your coffee or phone sits safely on the flat side. No need to reset the whole table when you switch tasks.
Split-top models generally sit at a higher price point, typically from around $350 to $450 in Australia. If you move between activities throughout the day, the flexibility is well worth it.
Best for: people who shift between tasks often, like reading and eating in the same session, or anyone who wants the most flexible setup from a single table.
Dual-use overbed and overchair tables
Standard over bed tables have a C-shaped base made to fit under a bed frame. Dual-use models have a wider or differently-shaped base so they can also clear the armrests of a chair.
If you split your day between a bed and a recliner or wheelchair, a dual-use table means one piece of equipment covers both. You move the same table from your bed to your chair without fuss.
Check the base clearance before buying. A table that fits neatly under your bed may not clear a wider armchair. Most Australian product listings will tell you whether the base is chair-compatible.
Best for: wheelchair users, recliner users, or anyone who moves between a bed and a chair and wants one table that works in both spots.
Gas-lift and spring-assist tables
Standard over bed tables adjust height with a collar-and-pin mechanism: squeeze a lever, slide the post, lock it in place. It works well enough when you have a firm grip and reasonable hand strength.
Gas-lift and spring-assist models swap that out for a smoother, counterbalanced system. Light pressure moves the table easily, and it holds its position when you let go. It's the same principle as a good office chair.
If you have arthritis, reduced grip strength, or limited hand mobility, the difference is noticeable. You can adjust the height with one hand, no forcing or fumbling required.
Best for: people with arthritis, reduced grip strength, or anyone who adjusts their table height regularly throughout the day.
Choosing the Right Type for Your Needs
With five types on offer, it comes down to two practical questions: what will you mainly use it for, and how easy is the adjustment mechanism for you to operate?
Match your table to your most common activity
Start with the one or two things you'll use the table for most often. That will narrow the choice quickly.
| Primary activity | Recommended type |
|---|---|
| Eating and drinking | Standard flat-top |
| Reading and writing | Tilting-top |
| Mix of tasks throughout the day | Split-top |
| Bed and wheelchair or recliner use | Dual-use overbed and overchair |
| Frequent height changes, reduced grip | Gas-lift or spring-assist |
Consider your mobility level and hand strength
The type of table is only part of the decision. How you operate it matters just as much.
If squeezing a lever or turning a knob is difficult, a gas-lift model takes that friction away entirely. If you use a wheelchair, check the base clearance against your armrests before you order. And if you share a room, a compact base footprint makes it easy to move the table out of the way when it's not needed.
If you're not sure which type is the right fit, an occupational therapist can assess your needs and point you in the right direction. Your GP can provide a referral if you don't already have one.
Ready to Find Your Table?
Choosing the right over bed table is really about two things: how you spend your day and how comfortably you can work the adjustments. Standard flat-tops are the practical everyday choice. Tilting and split-top models suit readers, writers, and anyone who mixes tasks. Dual-use tables are built for people who move between a bed and a chair. And if grip strength is a factor, a gas-lift model makes the whole thing easier.
Browse our full range, including height-adjustable and tilting overbed table options, at Mobility Shop Direct's over bed tables collection. If you'd like help choosing, our team is happy to guide you.