How tall are TV trays?

While there is no standard height for TV trays, they generally range in height from 19 to 27 inches. To figure out the right height for your TV tray, be sure to account for the height of the couch or armchair you plan to use it with, paying special attention to ergonomics if you plan to use it as a mini home office. Adjustable height TV tray tables can be adapted to different users and seating.

How can you stabilize a TV tray?

If your TV tray has gone a little wobbly, first check to make sure that you’re setting it on a flat surface. Look for loose screws that might need tightening. Add rubber grips to the bottoms of tray table legs. Remember that a TV tray is a lightweight piece of furniture, and centering and distributing objects placed on it will help keep it from tipping.

TV trays are small, freestanding pieces of portable, collapsible furniture that were first invented in the 1950s so that families could eat dinner in the living room in front of the new fangled invention known as the television. The TV tray table inspired the invention of the retro frozen TV dinner. Unlike a lap desk or breakfast tray, a TV tray allows you to enjoy your takeout, work on your laptop, or play a game of cards from a couch or armchair without having to balance anything on your lap or knees.

The 7 Best TV Trays of 2022

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A TV tray allows you to eat or work comfortably from anywhere in your home—not just in front of the TV.

We researched dozens of options, judging them on ease of assembly, durability, and stability. Our top picks include the Urban Outfitters Metal Folding Side Table and CB2 Novo Acrylic Folding Table, a sleek, sturdy tray with many potential uses.

Here are the best TV trays.

Our Top Picks

CB2 Novo Folding Table at CB2

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Andover Mills Paredes Tray Table Set at Wayfair

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Urban Outfitters Metal Folding Side Table at Urban Outfitters

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Latitude Run Vincente Folding Tray Table at Wayfair

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Atlantic TV Tray at Amazon

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iNSPIRE Q Darley Accent Table at Bed Bath & Beyond

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Project 62 Glasgow C Table at Target

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look for When Buying TV Trays

Courtesy of CB2

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Foldable TV trays can make life simpler, and when one looks as sophisticated as the CB2 Novo Acrylic Folding Table, it can double as a piece of furniture. This model stands out from other options for its sturdy craftsmanship and show-stopping modern design.

This folding table looks like something out of a magazine with its smooth acrylic surface and metal brass-finished legs. The materials are also sturdy and easy to clean. The strong joints secure the metal base to prevent wobbling, and maintenance is as simple as wiping it down with a damp cloth to renew that glossy sheen.

Its design makes it versatile with many possible uses, such as an end table, nightstand, or a standard TV tray for work or dining purposes. Standing 27.5 inches tall and 15 x 20 inches wide and deep, this stylish tray is easy to find room for. You can also fold it for easy storage when not in use. Folded, it measures 20 inches wide, 3 inches deep, and 21 inches tall.

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Courtesy of Wayfair

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The Andover Mills Paredes Tray Tables are another standout set. It comes with four foldable TV trays and a convenient storage stand to tuck them away when they're not in use. Each elegant table has a faux-marble laminate surface with solid rubberwood legs in a deep brown finish.

They measure about 26.4 inches from the floor, and the tops are 18.9 x 15.8 inches. The stand comes with a convenient handle, which makes it easy to move the tables from room to room or into storage as needed.

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Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

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The Metal Folding Side Table from Urban Outfitters is an incredibly chic and versatile product with a contemporary design. It has a round tray top with a slightly raised perimeter and X-frame legs that effortlessly folds up when you need to keep it out of the way. This UO-exclusive TV tray is made of lightweight yet durable metal with a powder-coated finish in either sleek black or blush pink. It's 20 inches tall with a 17.8-inch surface diameter and weighs under 7 pounds.

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Courtesy of Wayfair

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If you enjoy eating dinner or having a glass of wine in front of the TV, the Vincente Tray Table from Latitude Run might be just the thing you need. The X-shaped legs fold up easily into a slim configuration. There are also handles on each side for easy lifting and a pull strap underneath for effortless unfolding.

This light TV table weighs just 6 pounds and is 24.5 inches tall. The tray top measures 22 x 13.8 inches. It's made of solid wood and comes in six gorgeous colors.

Courtesy of Amazon

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The Atlantic TV Tray offers excellent value and versatility. It comes in a set of two foldable tray tables, each 26 inches tall with an 18.9 x 15-inch surface. The X-shaped frames are made of durable metal, and the tops are manufactured wood with a plastic veneer. Choose from solid black, printed black, or black and white chevron.

When folded up, the trays are notably slim. And since they weigh only 7.5 pounds, storing them, transporting them, and moving them around your home is a breeze. Aside from having a meal while watching your favorite show, these tray tables are perfect for working on your laptop, gaming, or entertaining guests.

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

View On Bed Bath & Beyond

Another round-top option we love is the iNSPIRE Q Darley Accent Table. The circular lipped tray top has an 18-inch diameter, and the table itself sits 21.5 inches from the floor. With a sturdy metal surface and solid wood legs, this midcentury-modern TV tray is just as durable as it is visually appealing.

Choose from six different colors that range from neutrals to punchier shades like red. The colored portion of the table extends down the legs, leaving a few inches of exposed natural wood on the bottom. With a 30-pound weight capacity, this tray table can be used to eat dinner, to entertain guests, as a nightstand, or as a living room end table.

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Courtesy of Target

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The Project 62 Glasgow TV tray is another excellent C-table option. It's made of durable powder-coated steel in either black or white and has a 16 x 16-inch square surface. The table is 26.3 inches tall and weighs just under 8 pounds.

It has an endlessly versatile industrial-modern vibe that can align with minimalist and contemporary decor themes. Despite its chic appearance, this TV tray can hold a dinner plate, cocktails, appetizers, or snacks. When you're not using it for food and beverages, it's the perfect resting place for a laptop, book, or paperwork.

Dimensions

Pay attention to the surface area of the tray to make sure it’s roomy enough for your essentials. If you are using a TV tray as a work from home station, be sure there’s enough space for your laptop, phone, paperwork, and whatever else you need at hand. Consider smaller options that can function as occasional tables and don’t need to be stowed away when not in use. Adjustable TV trays can be used with seating of varying heights and by family members of different ages, making them great for families.

Ease of Use

TV trays were originally meant to be folded up and stored when not in use, which is particularly handy for those who live in small spaces. Look for TV trays that have quality construction that will ensure they feel comfortable to use. In addition, look for added features that might correspond to your needs, such as built-in cup holders, or wheels for ease of use for people with limited mobility.

Materials

TV trays come in a variety of materials and finishes, from wood to powder-coated metal to plastic, acrylic and more, making them easy to integrate into a range of décor schemes. If you plan to use your TV tray on a daily basis, choose a durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, won’t scratch easily, and is easy to wipe clean. Solid wood is heavier and prone to watermark stains from glasses or mugs. Manufactured wood is more lightweight but less durable and sustainable. Acrylic has a transparent quality that will take up less visual space but scratches easily.

FAQ

How tall are TV trays?

While there is no standard height for TV trays, they generally range in height from 19 to 27 inches. To figure out the right height for your TV tray, be sure to account for the height of the couch or armchair you plan to use it with, paying special attention to ergonomics if you plan to use it as a mini home office. Adjustable height TV tray tables can be adapted to different users and seating.
How can you stabilize a TV tray?

If your TV tray has gone a little wobbly, first check to make sure that you’re setting it on a flat surface. Look for loose screws that might need tightening. Add rubber grips to the bottoms of tray table legs. Remember that a TV tray is a lightweight piece of furniture, and centering and distributing objects placed on it will help keep it from tipping.
What are TV trays?

TV trays are small, freestanding pieces of portable, collapsible furniture that were first invented in the 1950s so that families could eat dinner in the living room in front of the new fangled invention known as the television. The TV tray table inspired the invention of the retro frozen TV dinner. Unlike a lap desk or breakfast tray, a TV tray allows you to enjoy your takeout, work on your laptop, or play a game of cards from a couch or armchair without having to balance anything on your lap or knees.