Standing desks are becoming the new norm in modern offices, and it’s no surprise. As more people realize the dangers of prolonged sitting, standing desks are popping up in workplaces worldwide. They can be a great tool to boost your health, productivity, and collaboration.
Research from Meet&Co shows that many people never use a standing desk properly. Given their high cost, setting them up correctly is worth investing time and effort. Whether you decide to buy one or not, here’s everything you need to know about the ergonomics of standing desks.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Standing Desks in 2024
- How to Choose a Standing Desk for Your Office?
- Why We Need to Stand in Our Office?
- Why Should We Use a Standing Desk?
- How to Sit at a Standing Desk?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Standing Desk
- How to Set Up Your Workstation with an Ergonomic Standing Desk?
- Conclusion
10 Best Standing Desks in 2024
1. COCO Sit-Stand Workstation
Specifications
- Material: MFC, PVC, fabric.
- Color: Optional from color cards.
- Warranty: 3 years.
The COCO Sit-Stand Workstation is a high-quality, height-adjustable standing desk that offers excellent value for its impressive curved design. The desktop is made of MFC and features a built-in wireless charger on the left. You can combine multiple desks to create a workstation for 2-6 people, separated by fabric-covered dividers. Overall, it surpasses expectations for its price range.
This standing desk is built with T-legs, and during assembly, the impressive build quality is evident in the leg assembly and joints. The frame that attaches to the underside of the bamboo desktop is sturdy, the legs are rigid, and everything fits together seamlessly.
We experienced no issues with the COCO Sit-Stand Workstation. It consistently rises and lowers without problems, effortlessly handling various desk setups. We’ve even tested its durability by adjusting it multiple times.
Throughout our use, we’ve tested the desk in various configurations, and it has proven to be a versatile workstation. It is spacious enough to hold a lot of equipment while fitting comfortably in most spaces without feeling overly large. The desk remains stable even at its maximum height, giving us confidence that our monitors and computers will stay secure while we manage the cables below.
The COCO Sit-Stand Workstation is a premium product, but fortunately, it is not prohibitively expensive. It offers excellent quality for the price.
What We Like:
Removable fabric divider, sand pattern tripod, clip-on socket, transparent paddle-type hand controller.
2. SENDI Lifting Standing Desk
Specifications
- Material: MFC, aluminum, fabric.
- Color: Optional from color cards.
- Warranty: 3 years.
The SENDI Lifting Standing Desk is an excellent option for those looking for robust, stable, and fully customizable office furniture. Featuring dual motors, this desk can adjust height quickly with smooth and quiet operation and is equipped with anti-collision technology.
Its aesthetic appeal suggests a beautiful blend of art and functionality. The desk’s simple yet elegant design complements almost any workspace and enhances its overall look. The build quality impresses with sturdy legs, a durable, scratch-resistant tabletop, and a high lifting capacity.
Our team has been using this desk, and we have no intention of changing it because we’re thoroughly impressed. Although it may not be the fastest, highest, or quietest, the SENDI desk strikes a perfect balance where everything functions seamlessly without any issues. Having everything work harmoniously is often better than excelling in just one aspect.
What We Like:
Hidden wiring under the desktop, 650 mm-1290 mm lifting adjustment, 2-person combined office lifting system.
3. Fezibo Electric Standing Desk
Specifications
- Material: Wood, laminated, alloy steel.
- Color: Black, blue, green, rustic brown.
- Warranty: 30 days easy return.
The Fezibo Electric Standing Desk is a good choice for switching to a standing desk without spending much. Priced just over $200, it offers a budget-friendly option by using a single motor and omitting features like child lock settings that are common in higher-end models.
Despite these trade-offs, the Fezibo desk supports up to 79 kg and adjusts height from 27.5 inches to 46.9 inches. I was pleasantly surprised by its number of premium features, such as a control panel with an LED display.
Even though it’s the budget option, the Fezibo desk felt robust and operated relatively quietly with its single motor. I also appreciated the hook at the back for hanging headphones, cables, or other accessories. Note that while a cable management tray is available, it must be purchased separately.
What We Like:
Easy to assemble, three preset settings, totally customizable.
4. Branch Duo Standing Desk
Specifications
- Material: Wood, alloy steel.
- Color: Black, white, walnut, woodgrain.
- Warranty: 30 days easy return.
Regarding motorized standing desks, the Branch Duo stands out with its impressive features. This desk is well-constructed and boasts a minimalist design that complements virtually any home office setup.
The Branch Duo features an innovative design not commonly seen in similar desks. With its sleek, rounded edges, the desktop is crafted from laminated MDF and comes in various finishes, including woodgrain, walnut, white, or charcoal. The metal legs are available in white or charcoal. One notable design choice is the absence of a crossbar, typical in most sit-stand desks. Instead, the legs are positioned at each end, creating space for an optional desk drawer. This design choice aligns with its modern, minimalist aesthetic.
Branch has incorporated a control paddle with a digital OLED display unlike the usual arrow-control panels. This screen allows you to monitor your desk’s height accurately and set two height presets.
Additionally, while the base model is well-equipped, you can purchase extra accessories like a monitor arm, desk drawer, and cable organizer separately to enhance functionality and storage. The drawer includes a felt liner to prevent scratches, though the cable management system, while functional for some cables and power bricks, could be improved.
What We Like:
Quiet height adjustment, 275lb weight capacity, unique controller.
5. Brodan Electric Standing L Desk
Specifications
- Material: Solid wood, alloy steel.
- Color: OAK, walnut.
- Warranty: 1 year warranty.
The Brodan Electric Standing L Desk is spacious and designed to fit well in a corner but occupies a substantial space. If you have enough room, this desk is a fantastic choice; otherwise, its size might be overwhelming. The desk features a power outlet on its surface for convenient device charging and is built with high-quality materials that ensure smooth operation.
The desk is very user-friendly, making height adjustments effortless. Its sturdy legs provide excellent stability, and the anti-collision sensors add a safety feature by stopping the desk if it encounters an obstruction, such as a chair back.
While the built-in power outlet is a great addition, it would be even better if there were an outlet on the underside of the desk as well. The three height presets make it easy to quickly reach your preferred settings, and most users will find these presets sufficient. The power outlet is located inside the L shape of the desk, making it easy to plug in devices like laptops, battery packs, or lamps.
What We Like:
Power is built into the desktop and display controller, and it is adjustable for the “L shape” to be on the left or right side.
6. Meet&Co Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Specifications
- Material: MFC, PVC, alloy frame.
- Color: Optional from color cards.
- Warranty: 3 years.
The Meet&Co Standing Desk is constructed from high-quality materials. It features an MFC top and a robust steel frame. The desktop has a soft-touch surface but is strong enough to support a heavy-duty monitor arm and accommodate a 49″ monitor.
Stability is a crucial aspect of any desk. If the desk wobbles while you type, it won’t be comfortable sitting or standing. Fortunately, the Meet&Co Height Adjustable Standing Desk offers solid stability at all heights, and its smooth movement provides a sense of reliability.
This desk is not only functional but also visually appealing. It perfectly balances a piece of art and a practical working desk. Its simple yet elegant design enables it to blend seamlessly into nearly any workspace, enhancing its overall aesthetic.
While prices rise fast when you move from budget brands to more reputable ones, you’ll generally receive a more reliable product with higher quality and a more refined design. As highlighted earlier, the Meet&Co Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk is beautifully minimalist. Considering its features, this desk offers excellent value for the money.
What We Like:
Silent lift engine, two height memory settings, high-load bearing.
7. Realspace Smart Electric Height-Adjustable Desk
Specifications
- Material: Engineered wood, metal.
- Color: Black, natural.
- Warranty: 30 days return.
The Realspace Smart Electric Height-Adjustable Desk stands out from other standing desks for several reasons. It offers smart functionality with control through an app or voice commands via Google Assistant and Alexa. Additionally, it features relatively large drawers for ample storage and includes three USB ports on the side for device charging. The desk comes mostly well-assembled; you only need to attach the legs and keypad, which takes about half an hour.
The built-in drawers provide plenty of room for a laptop and various accessories. However, the desk is designed to support a maximum weight of 88 pounds. While this should be sufficient for most users, those with heavy equipment like a bulky gaming PC and multiple monitors might find it more suitable to opt for a different desk from this list, such as the Meet&Co Gaming Standing Desk.
What We Like:
Deep drawers, 3 USB ports, built-in cable management.
8. Ikea Trotten Standing Desk
Specifications
- Material: Particleboard, melamine, plastic, steel.
- Color: Natural, white.
- Warranty: 10 years limited warranty.
The Ikea Trotten is a great choice if you need a more oversized standing desk without breaking the bank. This straightforward sit-stand desk effectively covers the essentials. While it’s easy to assemble, you might need assistance with some stubborn hardware and flipping the desk once it’s put together. The Trotten measures 47.25 by 27.5 inches and features a durable, easy-to-clean surface, supported by a stable steel base, made from particleboard and fiberboard.
This desk model lacks electric height controls, but it does come with a manual hand crank that can be mounted on either side of the desk. The crank is simple for height adjustments and can be slid back under the desk when not in use.
What We Like:
Comfortable for left—and right-handers, the handle can slide under the table top when not in use.
9. Flexispot E7 Standing Desk
Specifications
- Material: Bamboo, steel.
- Color: Natural.
- Warranty: 15 years warranty.
The Flexispot E7 is a top-notch height-adjustable standing desk with great value for its impressive curved workspace. As a leading model from Flexispot, a company known for its well-constructed desks and high-quality materials, the E7 stands out as one of the best options in its price range, surpassing expectations.
One notable feature of the desk is its integrated wireless Qi charger on the left side of the desktop. If you’re considering adding a wireless charger to your setup, having it built-in is a convenient bonus.
Lifting capacity is crucial for setups that involve more than a laptop. The Flexispot E7 supports up to 161 kg, making it suitable for large configurations with multiple monitors or other heavy equipment. This high lifting capacity ensures the desk remains stable and avoids potential damage, even under a substantial load.
What We Like:
Build quality, motorized legs, integrated wireless charger.
10. Meet&Co Gaming Standing Desk
Specifications
- Material: MDF tabletop, alloy legs, powder coat.
- Color: Optional from color cards.
- Warranty: 3 years.
The Meet&Co Gaming Standing Desk is our top pick for the gaming standing desk on the market. Its robust all-metal construction, excellent modularity, efficient cable management, and high weight capacity make it a stellar high-end option.
This desk offers remarkable height flexibility, transitioning from a 29-inch sitting position to a 48-inch standing position in less than 20 seconds. The dual motor lift system operates quietly at just 40 dB, ensuring users can adjust the height at any time of day without disturbance.
Designed to accommodate all gaming needs, the Meet&Co Gaming Desk features ample space for all devices, including dedicated hangers for headphones and a cup. Special consideration has been given to the keyboard and mouse tray, which is highly comfortable, rotatable, and angle-adjustable. It also features its own height adjustment, ensuring a cozy setup for users of all body sizes.
Assembling the desk can be a bit challenging. Still, the result is a solid, sturdy product with convenient slots, wire storage holes, and a highly adjustable design, making it an excellent choice for gamers.
What We Like:
Convenient cup and headphone hanger, environmentally friendly wear-resistant surface, customized style you like.
How to Choose a Standing Desk for Your Office?
When choosing a standing desk, consider a few essential features to ensure comfort and productivity throughout your workday. Whether you prefer an adjustable height desk or a more classic model, the right ergonomic features are crucial for a healthy and comfortable workspace. Here are some essential features to keep in mind.
Height Adjustment
Use a hand crank if you only need to adjust the workbench height once or twice a day, such as during shift changes. Opt for electric height adjustment if you frequently change the desk height throughout the day—like when multiple people use the same desk or if you need to switch between sitting, standing, and semi-sitting positions. Additionally, consider the number of motors: a dual-motor desk offers greater weight capacity and lifting power compared to a single-motor desk, even if the difference seems minor.
Safety and Durability
Ensure that the desk has a robust and stable frame capable of supporting the typical loads in your workplace. If you plan to use accessories like shelves or bins above the work surface, make sure the desk is designed to handle these additional loads without tipping. Prioritize durability by opting for higher-quality desks that have undergone stability and durability testing; they are likely to last longer, making the extra investment worthwhile. Also, choosing a brand with an extended warranty and safety certifications can provide added peace of mind.
Sufficient Range of Accessories
Accessories attached to the arms, like extra shelves, LCD screen and keyboard holders, document holders, and equipment trays, are crucial for minimizing unnecessary reaching and maintaining proper ergonomics.
Worktop Size
Your primary work area is relatively compact. The image below illustrates the primary, secondary, and tertiary work zones. When choosing the right size for your worktop, consider these zones and the dimensions of your workpieces.
Easy Usability
Regardless of the tasks or number of users, ensure the workbench is easy to operate. Height adjustments should be simple and swift, and accessory adjustments should require no tools or excessive force. The modular design of workbenches supports proper ergonomics, as components and accessories can be tailored to the task and user needs. Look for workstations that adjust different heights and accommodate left- and right-handed operators. Properly adjusted workstations reduce muscle strain and support productivity throughout the shift.
Other thoughts
There are a few more factors to think about. Although it might not seem crucial initially, choosing a desk that aligns with your personality, complements your space, and matches your style can enhance overall productivity in your workspace.
Meet&Co’s expert reviewers have evaluated a broad selection of office furniture, including top-standing desks. This experience has given us insight into what to look for and avoid when choosing a mechanical or electric standing desk for your workspace.
Why We Need to Stand in Our Office?
You’ve likely heard the phrases “Sitting is the New Smoking” or “Your Chair is Killing You.” These slogans have effectively raised awareness about our excessive sitting habits and their impacts on modern society. We sit during our morning commute, at our desks, in meetings, during lunch, on the drive home, at dinner, and while watching TV. This sedentary lifestyle repeats day after day.
This pattern emerged as we transitioned from the industrial era, when factory work kept us on our feet, to today’s information-based society, which confines many of us to desks. Before the Industrial Revolution, even more physical labor was required during the agrarian period, when working in the fields was the norm.
These slogans highlight the link between prolonged inactivity over generations and the rise in obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other serious health issues. These findings highlight the crucial need to address this issue for our health and well-being.
Therefore, we believe that all offices should have these height-adjustable standing desks. They can increase standing time and help alleviate health issues associated with prolonged sitting.
Why Should We Use a Standing Desk?
In office work, employees spend most of their day seated in front of a computer, leaving little opportunity to stand as needed. Extended periods of sitting are linked to several health problems, including back pain.
A standing desk can offer a way to naturally increase standing time throughout the day while maintaining productivity. However, simply using a standing desk does not automatically resolve all issues caused by long-term sitting. You must follow specific guidelines to use the standing desk properly to gain the benefits.
How to Sit at a Standing Desk?
Support Your Back
Adjust your office chair or standing desk stool to support your lower back to reduce back pain. Proper support while sitting minimizes back strain. An adjustable chair lets you modify the height, back position, and tilt to find the most comfortable and supportive sitting posture. Keep your knees level with your hips by lowering your seat or using a footrest. Ensure your hips are pushed as far back in the chair as possible, and sit straight but comfortably. This posture can also improve breathing by allowing your ribs to move more freely with the support of your spine.
Position Your Wrists Correctly
When sitting correctly, your wrists and forearms should be straight while using the keyboard. This helps prevent repetitive strain injuries. Your elbows should rest by your sides, forming an L-shape, which is ideal for working at your desk.
Keep Your Feet on the Floor
Your feet should be firmly planted on the floor while seated to reduce back strain by providing solid support. Using a footrest can help achieve this. Don’t cross your legs! It can lead to hip issues, restrict circulation, and cause back pain or stiffness by tilting your spine to one side.
Look Forward, Don’t Look Down
Positioning your computer screen slightly below eye level can help minimize strain on your neck and shoulders, which can otherwise lead to poor posture and discomfort. This setup also helps prevent eye strain, a frequent issue for those who spend long hours at the computer. By angling your screen a bit lower than your eye level, you maintain a more natural neck position, which eases back strain.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Standing Desk
If you own a standing desk but haven’t experienced its ergonomic benefits, you might be committing these typical errors. Here are some common mistakes that new standing desk users often make:
1. Standing or Sitting Too Long
Many people who start using standing desks share a common misconception: they think they must stand all day long. That’s not true at all. Research suggests that you should aim to stand for just two hours and eventually work up to no more than four hours a day, alternating between sitting and standing. Remember, doing anything excessively is harmful, including standing. So, keep going with sitting entirely; otherwise, you’ll miss out on the benefits of standing.
2. The Height of the Standing Desk is Not Set Properly
Many people do not adjust the desk properly to their body height even when sitting, but this misalignment becomes quickly noticeable when standing:
- Desk Height: Adjusting your standing desk to the right height is crucial to ensuring comfort and good posture. Your desk should be set so that your arms can rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle when you’re using the keyboard and mouse, preventing strain and discomfort.
- Screen Height: Position your screen at or slightly below eye level. This ensures you don’t strain your neck or hunch forward while working.
- Monitor Arms: If you’re struggling with your standing routine or feel your desk isn’t quite right, consider using monitor arms. These accessories allow you to adjust your computer monitor’s height independently from your keyboard, promoting better posture.
3. Without Using an Anti-fatigue Mat
If your feet feel incredibly exhausted after standing all day, it might be because you don’t have an anti-fatigue mat at your standing desk. Such a mat gives you added cushioning for comfort and promotes slight movements while standing.
4. Standing Still
A popular aspect of standing rather than sitting while working is the freedom to move around. Adding elements like upbeat music or using a specially designed standing mat can encourage you to stay active at your ergonomic standing desk.
Moreover, standing allows you to maximize the time spent on your feet. More movement improves blood circulation, ensuring that vital areas, including your brain, receive sufficient blood flow. As a result, you can effortlessly enhance your productivity, energy, and mood.
5. Bad Posture
It’s well-known that maintaining good posture is crucial for your overall health and well-being. Despite this, many of us often overlook our posture daily. Poor posture can reduce the time you can comfortably stand each day and lead to pain similar to what you’d experience from long periods of sitting.
Moreover, it can lead to various health issues, including general fatigue and more severe conditions like restricted blood flow.
How to Set Up Your Workstation with an Ergonomic Standing Desk?
As we have mentioned, people make several common errors when using a standing desk. One such mistake is not maintaining the correct ergonomic posture while standing.
Also, improper setup of your standing desk can diminish its advantages.
Add a standing desk into your workspace can enhance your health, performance, and productivity. Therefore, we have outlined the critical elements for achieving ergonomic success with your standing desk.
Desk
Integrating a high-quality standing desk into your workspace is essential for achieving the correct ergonomic standing desk setup. One excellent option is the SENDI Electric Lifting Standing Desk. When selecting a standing desk, ensure it’s deep enough to place your monitor directly in front of you, with a minimum distance of 20 inches.
Monitor
When setting up your ergonomic workspace, ensure your monitor is directly in front of you and about an arm’s length away. When standing at your desk, the top of your screen should be at or just below eye level.
If you wear bifocals, lowering the monitor by one to two inches is a good idea for a more comfortable viewing experience. Also, position the monitor so the brightest light source is to the side.
Where you place your monitors also depends on how much time you spend on each one and how much work you do. If you use dual monitors equally, set them up close together at an angle with the edges touching and facing you.
But if you primarily use one monitor (say, over 80% of the time), place that one directly in front of you and the second monitor off to the side.
Keyboard and Mouse
A great way to set up your ergonomic workspace is to keep your keyboard and mouse on the same surface. Position them so you can keep your elbows close to your body for better posture.
It is also important to keep your wrists straight while typing or using your mouse. Your upper arms should stay close to your body, and your hands should be at or below elbow level.
One tip for a more ergonomic workspace is to use keyboard shortcuts to reduce mouse use. You might also want to adjust your mouse’s sensitivity to operate it with a lighter touch. Additionally, consider switching the mouse to the other side of your keyboard to give your hand a break.
Telephone
If you often talk on the phone and type or write at the same time, it’s recommended that you use a speakerphone or a headset. This approach is better than holding the phone between your neck and head and helps improve your ergonomic posture at your desk.
Essential Objects
Many individuals frequently overlook integrating crucial items into their daily work routine. These essential tools can include things like a phone, printed documents, or a stapler. To maintain an ergonomic workspace, it is advisable to keep these important objects within easy reach to avoid unnecessary stretching during the workday.
Conclusion
Having read this ergonomic standing desk guide, you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of using your adjustable standing desk. However, the effectiveness of maintaining an ergonomic posture also depends on the quality of your desk. Therefore, it is advisable to invest in high-quality, motorized ergonomic office furniture, such as those provided by Meet&Co Office Furniture, to enhance your workstation.
Seek advice from ergonomics or wellness professionals and make purchases from specialists rather than any reseller or general furniture store. As with any growing market, there are shortcuts and opportunists looking to capitalize on trends, so stay informed, make cautious decisions, and choose wisely.
