When it comes to clocking time on your rear, the results are in — and rife with gloom. Prolonged sitting has been linked to an increased risk of multiple maladies, including diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, depression — even early death. If all of this sounds bleak, take heart (and a stand) in this: Spending more time on your feet can boost job performance, work engagement and mental well-being.
However, standing for long periods can take its own toll on your comfort and health, so the secret is frequently changing positions throughout the day. Fortunately, many companies now offer sit-stand desks for the office or home. Wondering which one best fits your style and needs? We’ve weeded through today’s selection to save you time and stress. Here’s our list of the best standing desks — each selected for their design, ergonomics and ability to quickly toggle between sitting and standing positions.
Editor’s Pick, Best Standing Desk: In terms of functionality and aesthetics, Humanscale’s Float Table flies above the competition. First off, it’s a statement piece — the simple, sleek lines ooze modern minimalism and tranquility. But perhaps the desk’s best feature is its innovative counterbalance system, allowing you to lift and lower the top with ease using the weight-adjustment handle — no cumbersome cranks or noisy electric motors necessary. And while some counterbalance tables require a bulky pedestal base, Float does not, allowing more space and freedom of movement below. Need a large work surface? No problem. Float comes in a range of widths up to 72 inches. And don’t be fooled by its pretty, clean look—this height adjustable desk is anything but dainty: its steel and aluminum construction can support up to a whopping 130 pounds. For optimal ergonomics, you can add on the brand’s other beloved accessories like their height- and angle-adjustable keyboard trays and articulating monitor arms.
Best Electric Standing Desk on a Budget: On a budget, but still covet the convenience of an electric sit-stand desk? Try Seville Classics’ new Tempered Glass Standing Desk — a CES 2019 Innovation Awards Honoree. Attractively priced at just under $400, the desk lacks the customizability of its pricier competitors, but it’s pretty, practical and gets the job done. It features dual electric motors and a touchscreen controller to raise the desk from 29 to 47 inches, with infinite stops along the way. (You can also save up to three height settings.) Some cool features include dual USB charging ports at 2.4 amps to quickly—and simultaneously—charge your devices, as well as a pull-out storage drawer to stash supplies. Available in white and black, the desk’s power-coated tempered glass offers a sleek, polished look as well as supreme strength and durability. Note: The top is only available in one size (48″ W x 24″ D), but it’s enough to fit 1-2 monitors and a keyboard.
Best Standing Desk Converter (Post and Base Style): If the Humanscale Float Table is out of your price range — or you’d rather keep your current desk — a sleek alternative is the brand’s QuickStand Eco. As with most standing desk converters, the Eco is designed to go on top of your current desk. A big perk here is its vertical, minimalist design and integrated cable management, which cuts down clutter and retains more desktop space than its bulkier competitors. Another bonus: no cumbersome knobs or levers. The Eco’s innovative Continuous Force self-locking mechanism makes switching from sitting to standing a snap—simply slide the work surface up or down. The Eco is available in three configurations: laptop, single monitor or dual monitor. And as the name suggests, it’s as environmentally friendly as it is beautiful: The Eco is free of any Red List chemicals and is certified with a Declare label from The International Living Future Institute.
Best Standing Desk Converter (X-Style): Adored for its bold, bright and modern office supplies, Poppin offers an array of furniture as well, including their Peak Adjustable Height Desk Riser. Simply place the Peak Riser on your existing desk to transform it into an ergonomic sit-stand station. By squeezing the side lever, you can lift the Peak to 12 different heights across a 19.5-inch range. The spacious keyboard tray maintains your arms and hands at the optimal ergonomic level at every height. Unlike some desk converters, which move out toward you when lifted, the Peak employs an X-style design that raises it straight up and down—saving you space while maximizing stability. The Peak’s stain-resistant surface is available in two colors, black and white (we’re partial to the contemporary, bright white). Note: If you use two monitors, order the Medium size, which gives you an extra 8.25-inch of width.
Best Standing Desk for Kids: Between school, screen time, homework and meals, kids spend over eight hours of their day sitting (yikes). Enter the My First StandUp Desk—a beautiful standing desk specifically designed for children 6-12 years old. Made from FSC-certified birch plywood, this Scandinavian-inspired desk offers six different heights in 1.5” increments to accommodate growing bodies. The desk’s simple lift-and-lock mechanism allows kids to safely and securely adjust the height (no risk of pinched fingers). It also boasts a beloved feature of vintage student desks: the storage cubby, which can be used to stash papers, pencils and other learning tools. Another cool perk: Once your kiddo outgrows this desk, you can donate it back to Jaswig to receive $50 off an upgrade to the next version, the Nomad.