Work isn’t necessarily everyone’s favorite part of the day, but you can make it much more enjoyable by investing in a standing desk. We know sitting all day and leading a sedentary lifestyle can cause health issues like cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. It can also just leave you feeling tired, sluggish, and achy. Incorporating a standing desk into your work or school life is a great way to combat this. You’ll get the blood flowing, enjoy increased energy, lower stress, and be more productive. An adjustable desk is an ideal selection so that you can combine sitting and standing for the best of both worlds. Start with periods of 15-minutes for standing, working your way up to three or four hours a day.
Best Standing Desks
1. FEZIBO Dual Motor Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk
Add some elegance to your work life with this stylish standing desk from FEZIBO. Not only does it look nice, with a splice board tabletop and stylish color combinations, it’s also very practical. Features include a sturdy steel frame, a pull-out keyboard tray, a cable management tray, two desk hooks, lockable casters, and anti-collision technology. You’ll also appreciate dual motors, with one on each leg that gives safe, reliable height adjustment. Finally, you can also select from three tabletop sizes, depending on how much room you have. There are 48, 55, and 63-inch options. All these features combined make it a very functional desk that lets you kick goals, achieve results, and improve your health.
2. FLEXISPOT Standing Desk Converter
Take your existing, regular desk and turn it into a standing desk with a converter. This double-layer unit from FLEXISPOT is brilliant. Choose from five sizes and three colorways to best suit your space. You can use the top tier for a monitor up to 27-inches, and the bottom one for a 13-inch laptop or a standard keyboard and mouse. Alternatively, you can remove the lower layer. It arrives almost fully assembled, and you simply place it on your normal desk. Then, use the lever on the side to smoothly lift and lower it to the perfect height. The powerful gas spring ensures smooth movement, so nothing falls off, and lifts up to 33 pounds. The benefit of the double X-frame is that the weight is evenly distributed, so no matter what height it’s set at, so you’ll always feel secure.
3. Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk
Improve your life and the planet with this eco-friendly Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk. The tabletop uses sustainably grown pesticide-free bamboo. It’s then coated in UV-cured, water-based polyurethane to ensure a long and beautiful life. Meanwhile, the award-winning frame has a 348-pound lifting capacity and a choice of standard up/down buttons or easily programmable controls. You can adjust the height for a sitting child or an adult as tall as two meters standing. Plus, you can select from two shapes and seven sizes, then bundle it with a choice of accessories to fully customize your workspace.
4. StandDesk Build Your Own Sit-Stand Standing Desk
No matter your workspace aesthetic, you’ll be able to create the perfect adjustable standing desk with this Build Your Own option from StandDesk. There are seven options for the top, including beautiful reclaimed solid wood. Additionally, there are seven size options, three frame colors, and two control panels. These desks are built solid, so you don’t need to worry about any wobble or movement when it’s raised to the full height. The size also accommodates users from five-foot-two through to six-foot-five. Adjust it with either a programmable control or standard up/down button, and the powerful motor will lift or lower it efficiently and quietly. It’s the perfect addition to your home office to create a renewed sense of freedom and health.
5. BEKANT Standing Desk
Everyone’s favorite Swedish furniture store, Ikea, does a brilliant standing desk with the Bekant. Like many items from Ikea, it’s fully customizable, from the size, color, and shape of the desktop, to the shade of the legs. You can get a large 63 by 31-inch desk, which offers plenty of room for two large monitors, or a smaller option that’s 47 inches wide and ideal for more compact workspaces. Plus, there are also left and right corner options! The unit is simple to assemble, though two people make it easier, and there’s a mesh hammock for neater, safer cord management of the power supply. A simple up and down button electronically raises and lowers the desk as needed with a maximum height of 48 inches.
6. TechOrbits Electric Standing Desk
Sit or stand to your heart’s content when you add the TechOrbits Electric Standing Desk to your workspace. Select from three color combinations, including a black frame with a wooden top, a sleek black frame and upper, or a fresh white on white. The quiet motor will lift and lower the desk at a rate of 1.5 inches per second, to a maximum height of 48 inches and a minimum of 28 inches. Plus, the control panel has a collision safety mechanism, and you can program four height settings into the memory. That means when you find the ideal ergonomic height for both sitting and standing, you’ll be able to replicate it every time you work. Lastly, enjoy the convenience of efficient cable management that keeps everything neat and, more importantly, safe.
7. VIVO Standing 32 inch Desk Converter
Enjoy the convenience of a flexible workspace with this standing desk converter from VIVO. You can create your own customized work area between the two tiers, which supports up to 33 pounds on the top and four pounds on the lower layer. Use a laptop, a monitor, an external keyboard, and a mouse – there’s plenty of room for all the necessities. You can also remove the lower platform if you prefer a more minimal design. When it comes to height adjustment, there’s a simple to use lever and pneumatic spring lift for a smooth, effortless transition from sitting to standing and back again. Finally, you can select from black, white, dark wood, and light wood in either a 32 or 38-inch size.
8. Branch Furniture Standing Desk
Increase your movement and activity throughout the day with Branch Furniture’s standing desk. It’s strong, durable, and sturdy. The desktop is impact-resistant melamine with a choice of woodgrain or white finish. Enjoy quiet, smooth lifting with the dual motors that extend the three-stage legs up to 52 inches from 25 inches. That means it’s perfect for people of most statures to sit or stand. Use the simple touchpad controller to set and save the perfect height for easy adjustment every time. Finally, the desk has a capacity of 275 pounds and excellent cable management to help hide unsightly cords.
9. Kana Bamboo Standing Desk
Keep it simple with this standing desk from Kana. It’s made from bamboo, which is six times sturdier than regular wood and has a 2H anti-scratch coating. Select either a traditional rectangle or curved design for the desktop, with three size options available. You can also choose your frame’s height range and capacity, both of which are adjusted easily with the advanced keypad. Finally, if you really want to take your health and fitness to the next level, add on optional extras like an under-the-desk bicycle, vibration plates, or wobble chair.
10. SIDUCAL Mobile Stand Up Desk
Take your work or study on a tour of the house with this mobile standing desk that promotes better posture, manages pain, and puts you in a healthier working position. It has rubber wheels that rotate 360-degree making it easy to roll and relocate the table as you need. It’s the ultimate expression of flexibility. Unlike other standing desks, this design has dual zones letting you create two tiers. Choose to connect both into one single, flat surface or elevate them to different heights for a more dynamic workspace. You can set it as a maximum of 45.3 inches or a lower limit of 27.5 inches for both sitting and standing. The front section also tilts to 45-degrees, which is ideal for writing, drawing, or laptops. There’s a barrier strip to prevent your items from sliding off.
11. TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter
Use this TechOrbits Standing Desk Converter to turn nearly any flat surface into a standing desk. It’s a simple and easy way to modernize your workstation while enjoying plenty of health and wellbeing benefits. The dual side levers let you lift and lower the desk using the smooth gas springs. Meanwhile, the non-skid silicone pads protect both your desk and keep the unit secure. Enjoy plenty of space with room for up to two large monitors on the top layer, plus a second tier for your keyboard and mouse. There’s also a holder for your phone or tablet, so they stay conveniently within reach. Finally, the premium MDF tabletop comes with either a black, white, or wood brown finish.
12. sogesfurniture Height Adjustable Stand-up Desk
The sogesfurniture Height Adjustable Stand-up Desk is an excellent option for creating a flexible and dynamic workspace. The powder-coated metal frame, gloss-finish uppers, and heavy-duty casters make it easy to move the unit around. That way, when the afternoon sun casts too much glare across your screen, you can shift positions. The four telescopic legs can adjust the two desktop sections to sit at any height between 27.6 inches and 45.3 inches. Meanwhile, the front section also tilts up to 90 degrees for better note-taking or typing. The ledge at the front stops your gear from sliding off. Use this standing desk in your office for regular work, or sit on the couch while sketching or designing – you’re only limited by your imagination.
13. Seville Classics airLIFT Computer Standing Desk
Incorporate some high-tech style into your standing desk. This Seville Classics airLIFT Computer Desk has all sorts of brilliant features. To start, there are dual motors with one on each leg for a quiet and fast lift up to 47 inches. It’s controlled by the airLIFT touch unit, which can store up to three different height settings. The upper is made with tempered glass, which not only looks stylish, but you can write on with neon dry erase pens. Other great features include an organizer draw to keep pens, charging cables, or your phone, plus two USB charging ports, so your phone or tablet never go flat. It the perfect choice if you’re looking for something simple, stylish, and practical.
14. FITUEYES Height Adjustable Standing Desk Converter
If you already have a regular sitting desk but don’t really want to purchase a new standing one, why not try a converter? This design from FITUEYES is ideal for switching any existing workspace into a sit/stand desk, and it’s a much more affordable option. It boasts two work surfaces, with both 36 inches wide. The upper level supports up to 33 pounds, so you can have dual monitors, a laptop and screen, or just a single large monitor. It also has a handy tablet or phone slot. The unit comes fully assembled, so you’ll waste no time before enjoying increase productivity and health benefits. Non-slip scratch pads ensure no damage occurs on whatever surface you place it on. Plus, the easy-access lever and gas spring lift make adjusting the height effortless and smooth, while the X-frame distributes the weight evenly.
15. WorkFit-Z Mini Sit-Standing Desk
If you have limited space or are just looking for a compact alternative to larger units, this WorkFit-Z Mini Sit-Stand Desk is the ideal choice. It’s 31 inches wide and 21 inches deep, which gives you sufficient room from a monitor or laptop without taking over the whole space. This design also features dual tiers with an integrated keyboard tray, phone and tablet groove, and easy lifting up to 12.5 inches. The grey woodgrain is also visually appealing and fits easily in with most decor. Best of all, there’s no assembly required. Simply remove it from the box, place it on your desk, and you’re ready to jump in! Enjoy a better, more productive workday by switching between sitting and standing and reap the health benefits.
Benefits of a Standing Desk
Sitting down all day contributes to several health issues, including weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes. However, you can combat this by incorporating a standing desk into your workspace. Quite a few studies have shown that standing desks provide a lot of benefits. Not only will you physically feel better, but you’ll also enjoy improved mental health, productivity, and energy. Of course, standing up all day has its downsides too, so aim for a 50/50 mix of sitting and standing for the best outcomes.
Relieves Back Pain
Standing rather than sitting can help relieve back pain. According to the CDC’s 2001 Take-a-Stand Project, 50% of participants felt a reduction in pain in the back, shoulders, and upper back. Even just one hour of standing a day can help realign your body and shift the pressure that sitting all day puts on your spine. Choosing an adjustable desk will also help you set the perfect height from an ergonomic standpoint, further preventing tightness and pain.
Increases Productivity
If you want to increase your productivity, try a standing desk. Nearly two-thirds of the Take-a-Stand participants reported feeling more productive when standing, getting through the emails faster, and achieving more tasks.
Standing Increases Concentration
Your brain functions best when there’s plenty of blood flow. As such, standing can help pump blood around your body more efficiently, therefore increasing your brain function. You also tend to have slightly better posture when standing, as it’s harder to hunch over your keyboard like it is when sitting. This can also impact your ability to focus and concentrate.
Standing Reduces Stress Levels
Stress is sometimes inevitable at work, but standing can help alleviate some of it. According to 33% of Take-a-Stand participants standing helped them feel less stressed. This is probably partly because you can move and stretch tense muscles easier, but also an increase in concentration and productivity can help you feel less overwhelmed. While it’s not quite the same as grounding, standing at your desk can give you a stronger connection to the ground than sitting, also helping you to feel more centered.
Standing Gives You More Energy
It’s easy to feel sluggish, tired, and in a funk when you’re sitting all day, not moving. That’s why participants from Take-a-Stand and an Australian study called Thinking on your Feet reported feeling more energy when regularly standing instead of sitting. Even just 60 to 90 minutes a day can have a positive impact. What makes it even better is the effects can last beyond the 9-to-5 grind, boosting your energy levels at home, so you can enjoy more time doing the things you love.
Standing Burnes Calories
While a standing desk is no substitute for actual exercise, using one can increase your calorie burn by up to 50 calories per hour. It may not seem like a considerable amount, but all incidental activity adds up to create a healthy, fitter life. Plus, if you’re standing for a few hours a day, it’s a decent chunk of additional energy burned.
FAQs
What is a Standing Desk?
A standing desk is a desk that is either adjustable or permanently set at a height for use while standing. More and more workplaces are adding them to the corporate setting, while many work-from-home employees are investing in them for their home offices. Adjustable desks have the most benefit, as it allows your to easily switch between sitting and standing for maximum benefits. You also don't necessarily need to throw out your existing desk, as you can get converters that sit on top and are adjustable.
Are standing desks better for you?
A standing desk is a great addition to your office. Sitting down all day can have negative health impacts, including obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. A standing desk lets you add more movement and mix things up, so you aren't sitting all day. There are many benefits, including reduced back pain, better productivity and concentration, and lowered stress. Just remember, standing all day can also have its downsides, including leg and ankle issues, so the ideal combination is a mix of the two. Start with 30 minutes of standing a day, working up to three or four hours.
How long should you stand at a standing desk?
The general recommendation is for every one or two hours spent sitting, you should then spend an hour standing. Jack Callaghan, a professor in Waterloo’s Department of Kinesiology, recommends you'll get the most benefit from standing for at least 30 minutes every hour. If you've spent most of your professional life sitting, you might need to work up to these kinds of times. Try standing for 10 minutes every hour for the first week or so before slowly increasing it. However, if you start to experience any foot or leg pain while standing, sit down and try again later.
Are standing desks a fad?
With the increase in dynamic workplaces, and employers recognizing the importance of employee health and wellbeing, standing desks are here to stay. While they can be more costly than regular desks, the physical and mental benefits are well worth the expenditure.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.
Thank you for subscribing.
Something went wrong.
