WFH — that's working from home — has its benefits. At home, you can do things your way — wearing pyjamas, take as many coffee breaks as you like — so long as you actually get your work done.
To make WFH as comfortable as possible, you might want to consider adding a standing desk to your home office setup. These helpful contraptions are becoming more popular as we come to terms with the fact that WFH is here to stay.
You might be thinking, "why do I possibly need to stand up when it's so comfortable down here in my usual position?" Whether you're content sitting down or desperate to switch things up, there are plenty of reasons to consider a standing desk.
Why do you need a standing desk?
A standing desk (or desk converter) can help improve posture, avoid chronic pain, and boost productivity. Sitting for long periods is linked to a higher risk of things like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it makes sense that reducing sedentary time can improve your physical, metabolic, and mental health. Transitioning between standing and sitting during the day could be a key lifestyle change.
What are the most important features in a standing desk?
If you've come to the conclusion that you could benefit from a standing desk, you probably have a lot of questions. There are a lot of products out there with a wide range of price tags, so what do you really need?
Desk converter or standing desk — Both do the same job, but obviously, they differ greatly. If you already own a beautiful desk that you love, you should opt for a convertor that sits on top. If you have the space and budget for a standing desk, then by all means purchase something that fits in your space.
Height adjustment — It's worth considering the height adjustment range of your preferred standing desk. The best electric standing desks have a large range, meaning you should always be able to find something comfortable. Desk converters don't have the same versatility, and you tend to only have two or three height options.
Materials — Standing desks (and desk converters) come in many different shapes and sizes, with different finishes and materials. The best products tend to be made from steel, which is great for durability but does make it difficult to move the desk around the house. It's also worth considering how the desk is going to look in your house.
Smart features — There is a big difference between the most advanced standing desks and the basic desk convertors highlighted in this guide. You might be looking for something straightforward, but this isn't for everyone. Standing desks can come with smart features like anti-collision technology, programmable digital memory, and sit/stand reminders.
Weight capacity — This is important. You should pay special attention to the maximum load capacity of a standing desk, because if a product cannot handle your multiple screen, laptop, and speaker setup, it's simply not worth considering. Nothing ruins a video call like your desk totally collapsing.
What is the best standing desk?
We have tried to find a selection of products to suit everyone, including electric standing desks costing over £1,000 and desk converters for under £100. All you need to do is check out the range of products that have made the cut, and pick a favourite. We wish you a lifetime of better posture, improved circulation, increased productivity, and cheerier moods.
These are the best standing desks in 2023.