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How to Choose the Best Standing Desk

Holly Honeycutt

By Holly Honeycutt
Published May 26, 2023

Do you spend hours a day working from a chair or couch? Studies have shown this can cause short and long-term health issues including back pain, neck pain, circulation problems and more. A standing desk is one way to help prevent these issues. Find out the benefits and features of standing desks.

An office with a black standing desk, a laptop, a beige armchair and brown wood floors.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Standing Desk?

A white standing desk with two monitors, two books, a cup and a keyboard.

Are you considering a new standing desk for your home or office? Here are a few pros and cons before you go shopping.

Pros

  • Studies have shown that it can increase productivity.
  • Standing burns more calories than sitting.
  • Sitting for long periods of time is bad for your back and neck. Standing correctly improves posture and reduces chronic pain.
  • Studies have found that standing can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and helps circulation.

Cons

  • It's important to have good posture when standing or it can cause joint and back issues.
  • Moderation is key. Standing all day could lead to pain and fatigue. Overall, an adjustable desk where you can stand or sit is ideal.

Measure and Determine Your Needs

A diagram with the correct way to sit or stand at a desk.

Before you go shopping, there are a few factors that you should take into consideration. First, determine where your desk is going to be and measure the depth and width of your space. Proper ergonomics are important to prevent neck or back strain. As demonstrated in the image, your arms should be at a 90 degree angle with your wrists in a neutral position. The computer monitor needs to be directly in front of you and at eye level. Your ears, shoulders and hips should be in a vertical line. Finally, it's a good idea to occasionally shift from leg to leg while you're working.

Next, think about what you need for your office space. Here are a few options:

  • How many monitors do you have? You'll need to account for the amount of desk space required.
  • Do you need room for lots of office supplies? Would you prefer the supplies to be within easy reach on top of the desk or do you want drawers?
  • Would you prefer that your keyboard is on top of the desk or have a tray where you can store it away?
  • Do you need a desk with file storage?

Need to Know

Q. How tall should a standing desk be?  
A. Stand directly in front of the desk. Adjust the desk height until your monitor is at eye level.

What Are Some Factors to Consider When Choosing a Standing Desk?

A traditional wood desk with a standing extender, black drawers and a light wood desktop.

After you've measured and determined the size of your standing desk, it's time to shop. Here are a few options to keep in mind.

Material
Desk tops are usually comprised of MDF, composite, wood or metal. Look for frames that are made of metal, composite or wood.

Style
No matter your style, it's easy to find a standing or adjustable desk to suit your home or office. The majority of standing desks have a modern feel to them, but transitional, traditional and rustic styles are available. There are also standing desks for children.

Storage
Storage and organization is always important in a desk. Take inventory of what you currently have and purchase a desk to accommodate these needs. If you have a computer tower, take that into account. Also, think about where you want your files and keyboard to be stored.

Other Features
Here are some additional features to consider when purchasing a standing or adjustable desk.

  • Adjustable shelves
  • Lockable drawers
  • Casters for easy mobility
  • Desk hook(s) to hold a bag, backpack or headphones
  • Hidden power cord holders to keep your space tidy
  • Electric desks can adjust the height via up and down buttons. They can also memorize a desired height with automatic presets.

Other Considerations

A man in an office using a white standing desk with a black foldable treadmill underneath.

Standing Desk Extenders
If you like the desk you currently have or prefer a budget-friendly alternative to a standing desk, consider an extender. A standing desk extender sits on top of the work surface and the height can be adjusted with two handles. Depending on the size of the standing desk extender, they can have room for two monitors, a keyboard tray and compartments for a tablet or smart phone.

Treadmill Desks
Get your 10,000 steps a day in with a treadmill desk. As shown in the image, this treadmill desk was created with a simple standing desk and a foldable treadmill or walking pad placed underneath it. It's important that the space in the middle is open so a treadmill can fit neatly in between.