- With so many standing desk options out there, it can be tough to choose the right one for you. This guide should help you find the right one based on your specific needs.
- The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping for a standing desk is to find one that adjusts from the correct sitting height to the correct standing height for you.
- The other factors you need to take into account are functionality, durability, safety, and style.
Standing desks are the latest workplace furniture hype. Yet with so many options out there, choosing a standing desk isn’t always easy. This guide should help you find the right one based on your specific needs.
The most basic standing desks are fixed at your standing height. Sit-stand desks, on the other hand, let you switch between seated and standing positions using a handle or lever. Power sit-stand desks go one step further by adjusting at the press of a button!
What are the best standup desks?
The best standup desks combine style with functionality and value. Of course, it also comes down to your preference and budget. Although standing desks can be quite expensive, more affordable ones are coming onto the market due to an increase in demand.
How do you choose the right standing desk?
The most important thing is to find one that adjusts from the correct sitting height to the correct standing height for you.
Perhaps you’re looking for a standing desk to complement your home office. Or maybe you run a workspace and want to provide your members with some standing desk options.
Either way, be sure to check out the standing desk recommendations below.
When figuring out which of these standing desks is the right choice for your workplace, (whether that’s your home or an office), consider the following four factors:
- Functionality – does it adjust to different heights and what’s the height range?
- Durability – is it well-constructed and made out of high-quality materials?
- Safety – is it quality/safety assured?
- Style – does it look nice and suit your decor?
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1. Hipso Adjustable Standing Desk by Knoll
With a solid price and serious customization options, Knoll’s Hipso Adjustable Standing Desk is quickly becoming one of the most popular standing desks on the market today.
With a solid price and serious customization options, Knoll’s Hipso Adjustable Standing Desk is quickly becoming one of the most popular standing desks on the market today.
Hipso is a sturdy, affordable, easy-to-assemble, easy-to-operate Knoll-designed height-adjustable desk, delivering sit-to-stand well-being and ergonomic support.
The 57″ x 29″ desk is well-suited to those who need more desktop space to pivot between digital and analog work.
Hipso Adjustable Standing Desk by Knoll
2. FlexiSpot EN1
Many people avoid motorized standing desks because of the price point.
But with the FlexiSpot, you can get a motorized desk without breaking the bank. The only drawback is that it’s not massively stable when extended to full height. As of right now, its price makes it one of the best standing desks under $300.
Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk EN1 – 48″ W
3. FlexiSpot ClassicRiser
If you already love your desk but you wish that it could be somehow converted into a standing desk, then you probably need a standing desk converter.
One of the best options is FlexiSpot’s ClassicRiser, which enables you to easily extend your desk and use it however you’d like.
ClassicRiser Standing Desk Converters M1/M2/M3/M4
4. The Sway Desk by ergonofis
We all have those days when we need a bit of inspiration in our WFH environment, and the Sway Desk by ergonofis delivers – with a handmade design and sustainably-sourced products from Canada. This standing desk is designed to “merge well-being and productivity” and “adapt to your needs and your decor seamlessly,” wherever that might be.
With its ergonomic design, local wood composition, and 300-pound lift capacity, it’s a versatile desk with height adjustability and the finesse to inspire you to be less sedentary while achieving more during the workday — or night. There is something inspirational about the ergonofis Sway desk because whether you are standing up — or sitting down — the location where you work will always be at the height you prefer. What’s not to love about that?
The Sway Desk by ergonofis
5. Vari Electric Standing Desk
The Vari comes in at a close second place for a number of reasons.
First of all, it’s notoriously sturdy. The desk doesn’t wobble at all, which is important for safety and durability reasons. S
Secondly, the desk is actually very affordable, which makes it one of the best standing desks for home offices. The only downside is its lack of customization options.
6. ApexDesk Elite
This desk is your go-to option if you need a lot of work space. If you’re doing some serious work with multiple monitors, the Apex can facilitate your needs. The build quality is also nice, making it one of the best standing desks in 2021.
7. Fully Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk
This very attractive desk is made out of bamboo wood. Bamboo is very sustainable, making this one a solid choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly standing desk.
It adjusts to a range of height so will, from an ergonomic point of view at least, suit most people. It isn’t overly large either, making it one of the best standing desks for apartments.
8. NewHeights Elegante XT
If price isn’t really a problem for you, then you might want to consider New Height’s Elegante XT. This desk features a wide range of excellent features, including quality electronics, collision avoidance and overload detectors, German-built gears and motors, and much more.
9. Branch Standing Desk
This desk is a great “all-rounder” that does pretty much everything right.
It’s motorized and is extremely durable. The only real downside is that its surface is melamine instead of hardwood, which might dissuade those concerned about style.
10. Ikea Adjustable Standing Desk
Chances are, there’s an Ikea near you.
This means that you can go and check out their standing desk options in person and see how they work. While it’s not our top pick, there’s certainly nothing wrong with getting an adjustable desk from Ikea. It also comes with a 10 year warranty and a predictably low price.
11. Flomotion Standing Desk
If you’re not sure whether a standing desk is really the right choice for you and you live in the UK, the Flomotion Standing Desk could be a good call.
Flomotion gives you the ability to try this desk out risk-free if you live in the UK. The desk itself is quite nice, with locally sourced, handmade wood options and durable construction.
Because we’re feeling generous, here’s one more…
12. Steelcase Ology
Another really cool option is the Steelcase Ology.
This standing desk actually implements smart technology and comes with its own smartphone app. This means that you can adjust the desk with your touchscreen, get reminders on when it’s time to change your posture – and much more.
(With all these extra features it’s a little on the expensive side, though.)
Adults should reduce time spent sitting and aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week, according to the NHS. Movement is the key to a healthier, happier work life!
FAQ
- What’s the best way to improve health while working at a desk?
It’s important to avoid sitting for long periods. Consider investing in a standing desk for your home or office. This will enable you to alternate sitting down with standing up throughout the day, which studies show can lower your blood sugar, burn calories and boost energy.
Other ways to stay healthy include keeping hydrated by drinking lots of water, going for a walk during meetings, stretching at your desk (see “desk yoga” options on YouTube), moving around your workspace, taking the stairs, cycling to work and eating a healthy lunch.
- Why are standing desks so expensive?
Standing and adjustable desks are generally more expensive due to the solid wood motorized parts that make them pricier to manufacture than standard desks. (They need to be manufactured in a way that doesn’t cause the flat surface to wobble, for instance.)
Even though standing desks tend to be more expensive, there are some cheaper options out there today. The price of the desk will depend on the quality of materials used and its functionality. Remember to weigh up the health and productivity benefits when deciding whether or not to invest. If it makes you more productive at work, it could be worth it!
- Can an ergonomic chair be healthy?
An ergonomic chair promotes good health because it helps minimize discomfort and can keep long-term health problems at bay. Ergonomic chairs have a backrest that fits with the shape of the user and encourages good posture by providing sufficient lumbar support that matches the natural curve of the spine.
- How tall should a standing desk be?
To figure out the perfect height for your standing desk, place your arms at your sides and bend your elbows. Your forearms should be parallel with the floor and your elbows should be at a 90 degree angle with your wrists placed on the desk. Broadly speaking, a 5’11” (180 cm) person would have their standing desk about 44 inches (111 cm) high.
- Does my standing desk need to be adjustable?
Yes. It’s important to get an adjustable desk even if you’re the only one using it. This is because you may want to alter it for different tasks, and switch between seated and standing positions (which is what the experts recommend doing).
Your standing desk will need to be adjustable if it’s going to be used by more than one person. The height range needs to be suitable for everyone using the desk. The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) recommends that the height range be 22.6 inches to 48.7 inches, but it really comes down to who’s using it.
