How to Read in the Bathtub

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: April 25, 2020 References

Reading in the bathtub is the perfect way to unwind and relax. Whether you’re a seasoned bathtub-reader or just wanting to soak up your favorite stories in the tub as a special treat, there are a few things you can do to enhance your experience. Prepping the area ahead of time is key so you don’t have to get out of the tub once you’re already in. Feel free to light some candles and put on some background tunes to set the mood for your reading and relaxation time!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Getting the Tub Area Ready

1
Choose a book you're okay with getting splashes on. Don't pick your favorite first-edition gem to read in the tub! Accidents happen, so it's better to read something that's replaceable than something you're attached to and want to keep in pristine condition.^{[1]
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- Paperbacks and magazines are always a good choice because they're cheaper than hardbacks and easy to replace.
2
Place several reading options near the tub in case you change your mind. Put them on a stool or stand so you can grab them if your first pick isn't as satisfying as you'd hoped. The last thing you want to do is have to get out of the tub and deliberate over your bookshelf while the bath is getting cold!^{[2]
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- If you're not sure what you're in the mood for, give yourself a range of options from several genres—from science fiction and romance to nonfiction and graphic novels, it's all good!
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3
Set up a bath tray to hold the book and other items. A bath tray (or caddy) lays horizontally across the tub and has plenty of room for your book, phone, tablet, and drink of choice. You can buy them online or at any home goods store or, if you’re feeling crafty, make your own!^{[3]
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- Place some candles on the tray for an ultra-relaxing reading session.
4
Keep a dry towel handy so you can wipe your hands to turn the page. Set a dry towel within reach of your tub so you can wipe your hands off or clean up any accidental splashes. Put it somewhere you can reach it easily without having to propel yourself out of the tub. The idea is to relax!^{[4]
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- A small stool or side table placed next to the tub is the perfect spot if you don't have room on the side landing of your tub.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Holding and Reading the Book Comfortably

1
Hold the book by the base between your thumb and pinky finger. Cradle the book in one hand, with 3 fingers supporting the base of the spine and your thumb and pinky splaying the pages apart. Don't hold it by the top because—even if your hands are dry—water could drip down from your arm onto the pages.^{[5]
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- If one hand gets tired, switch to the other hand—just be sure to dry it off before you touch the book!
- If you have a small, thick paperback, it may help to stretch the spine back a little so it's easier to keep it splayed open with 1 hand.
2
Use an adjustable book holder to keep the book open. A book holder wraps around the back of the book and holds the pages down on the sides (right where your thumbs would be if you were holding it from either side). They’re easy to adjust to any book and you don’t have to readjust it each time you turn a page.^{[6]
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- Your local bookshop may have adjustable book holders, but your best bet is to shop for one online.
- You can also use a book clip, but it’s not ideal since you’ll have to reposition it each time you want to turn the page.
3
Use a bath pillow to position your head at a comfortable angle. Attach a bath pillow to the side of the tub you’ll be lounging against—you may need to readjust it once you’re in the tub if it’s too high or too low. The idea is to be able to hold the book without having to crane your neck in an uncomfortable way in order to read.^{[7]
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- If you have an enclosed bathtub, fold a towel into 3rd and roll it up into a tight burrito shape. Once you’re in the tub, wedge it between your neck and the wall.
4
Avoid straining your eyes by using a clip-on book light. If your bathroom is relatively dark, your eyes may feel strained faster. Attach a clip-on light to the front or back cover of the book and position it over the top of the pages so the light is beaming downward. You may need to adjust it as you read, so make sure your hand is dry before you touch it.^{[8]
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Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
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- You can buy clip-on reading lights at most bookstores or superstores.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Reading E-Books

1
Get a waterproof case for your phone, kindle, or tablet. If you're reading something on an electronic device, make sure to protect it from accidental splashes (or worse, a dip in the tub!). You can buy cases online or at most electronic stores.^{[9]
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- If you're buying online, make sure your make and model is compatible with the case.
- For a more cost-effective option, put your phone or tablet inside of a plastic zipper bag. You'll still be able to scroll as you read.
- Make sure to charge it up before you get in the tub.
2
Listen to an audio recording of the book. Download an audiobook app on your phone and find the book you’ve been dying to read—or, this case, hear! Use a wireless speaker (ideally, a waterproof one) and set it on a stool next to the tub.^{[10]
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- If you need to adjust the volume on your phone or on the speaker, remember to dry your hands first.
- If you have a laptop you can use that to listen to the audiobook too. However, putting your laptop anywhere near water is a risky move!
3
Use a projector to display the e-book on the wall near the tub. Set up a projector before you draw your bath so you can read it while you're lounging. Use the remote that came with the projector to scroll down the page as you read.^{[11]
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- You can even set it up on the floor next to the tub to project it on the ceiling if you want to recline into the tub.

Warnings

Never read from a kindle or phone that’s plugged in and don’t use plug-in speakers near the bathtub because there’s a high risk of electric shock.^{[13]
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