Decided to invest in a standing desk for your workspace? Congratulations! If the long hours of sitting have started to cause pains and discomfort and your traditional work desk and chair are not helping, it’s time to upgrade to a standing desk and change your lifestyle. Start your shift to a healthier work life and say goodbye to your sedentary habits with a good standing desk.
After deciding to invest in a standing desk, it’s time to start your search for the right one. The first thing to do is to check the height range you need for your desk. This will determine how well the standing desk will fit you and other users.
Determining the Right Standing Desk Height
When it comes to proper desk height, there is one general number that often surfaces: 44 inches. But one thing to remember is that this is not a number for everyone. This one is built for the standard user height, which is 5’11”. But, standing desks are not designed to be one size fits all. Because not everyone is of this height, the 44-inch-tall desk may not be the right one for you.
The right standing desk will be one that is customized for your specific height and needs.
How to Choose the Right Standing Desk Height
Before getting a new desk, look into the following factors:
Your Height
If you’re in the taller spectrum, then go for a desk that is higher than 44 inches, and vice versa if you’re in the shorter spectrum. Getting the wrong desk height can mean harm for most of your muscles, so it’s important to choose the right one.
So how do you measure and get the desk height that’s right for you? The answer is to use your elbow as a guide. Your keyboard, mouse, and other work materials will be on the desk’s surface, so the desk must be at a height in such a way that your arms can bend at the elbow at a 90-degree angle.
Your Body Posture
The right standing desk will help you maintain the correct standing posture. Too low, and you’d find yourself slumping low and hunching over your computer, and this can cause back problems over time. Too high, and you will be straining to reach the desk’s surface. This can cause unnecessary pressure on your arms, wrists, and shoulders after a while.
Apart from all that was mentioned above, also check your monitor’s tilt angle. This will determine your body’s position as you work. Your line of sight must be slightly above your monitor, the level aligned with the top of the screen. The monitor must also be positioned at least two feet away to keep your eye protected from computer glare.
Other Factors
Some other questions to ask yourself will be:
- Do you wear heels? And how often? (for women)
- What do you use the desk for? Computer work, writing, maybe even gaming?
- Are you the sole user of the desk? Or do you share it with someone else?
Answering these questions will help you find the right desk for you. Check out the options that you have.
The Different Types of Standing Desks
So, what is the right desk? Well, it is one that will be readily adjustable across different heights. And we have good news! There are many options available in the market today.
Adjustable Standing Desk
This is the most common desk you will find, an electric standing desk with a motor that allows easy adjustment from a low to a high position, so you can easily shift between sitting and standing. These desks are designed to be programmed so that you can preset your height. Shifting is easy with just a single button press.
The adjustable standing desk is stable, ergonomically designed, and offers a wider work surface.
Convertible Standing Desk
If you currently have a traditional fixed desk and you’re not ready for a standing desk, you can simply convert your existing desk to a standing desk via a desk converter. The standing desk converter is a small workstation in itself and can hold your laptop or computer well enough. Some converters even come with a separate tray to hold the keyboard and mouse. Just place it on top of your old desk to add height and work surface and enable the shift between sitting and standing as you work.
With adjustable standing desks and desk converters as options, it’s easy to find the right one for you. Just remember: always set the desk to a correct height to keep a proper posture, enjoy comfort, and improve your health in the long run.
You will find several desk options in the market, and MotionGrey offers some of the best adjustable ergonomic standing desks. Check the different desks available for you and start that lifestyle shift!
