The best standing desks to help you avoid binge-sitting in 2024
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Swapping your standard table for one of the best standing desks is a sure-fire way to level-up your WFH set-up in 2024. There are loads of different models and ranges to explore — but the main idea is that these nifty adjustable desks give you the option of switching between sitting and standing during your work day.
"With research suggesting that the prolonged lack of movement leads to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (14%), cancer (13%), and diabetes (91%), it's clear that the amount of time we spend at our desks can have a significant negative impact on our overall health," explains Humanscale's Mark Consolla. Plus, ditching the seat for standing on your feet improves your body's flow of blood and oxygen to the brain — which boosts your energy and productivity levels. So it's definitely worth making the swap!
To help you find the perfect standing desk for your home, we've compiled this guide of everything you could possibly want to know about purchasing your very own ‘sit-to-stand’ solution — from why the experts think they're so great, to our favourite models that you need to know about.
Meet the experts
- Mark Consolla, Vice President of Product Management at Humanscale.
- Matt Ousby, Innovation Director at Slouch.
- Yasmin Palfrey, aka The Fitness Physio.
- Dr Patricia Britto, Educational Psychologist.
- Dr Becky Spelman, Psychologist and Founder of Private Therapy Clinic.
SKIP TO: What features are worth considering when purchasing a standing desk? | What are the physical benefits of using a standing desk? | How can using a standing desk help with focus and productivity? | How might neurodiverse individuals benefit from using a standing desk? | Our full reviews
Best standing desks 2024, at a glance
- Best standing desk for maximum customisation: FlexiSpot Standing Desk Premium Series E7
- Best standing desk with a wide tabletop: Slouch Desk One
- Best standing desk for a corner set-up: IKEA BEKANT Corner Desk Sit/Stand
- Best standing desk with extra built-in accessories: FEZiBO Jasper Electric Standing Desk
What features are worth considering when purchasing a standing desk?
A pretty expensive piece of furniture that you'll likely use most days, ensuring that the standing desk you pick is truly fit for your specific needs is really important. Putting some thought into a few key features will definitely help you make a decision:
Unless you're going for a fixed desk that can't be lowered in height, then chances are you're going for an adjustable option. Mechanical standing desks are manually adjusted using a handle and a crank. Considerably more expensive, electric standing desks are raised up or down at the push of a button.
Unlike manual desks, motorised ones often give you the option of saving different height presets into the system — which is great if your standing desk will have more than one regular user. However, because it's powered by electricity, this does mean you'll have to ensure that your desk can be easily plugged into a socket.
So you can easily swap between sitting and standing, most standing desks are adjustable in height. The majority of standing desks measure in at around 120cm to 123cm at their extended heights — but if you're taller or shorter than average you'll want to do some proper measuring to ensure that the height range will work for you.
While ready-to-buy standing desks can be found at budget-friendly retailers like Dunelm and IKEA, you might want to go for a more specialist company if you're after something that feels a little more bespoke.
Experts in all-things ergonomic furniture, brands like Humanscale, Slouch, and FlexiSpot are where you should be looking if you want maximum control when it comes to customising the colours and materials of your desk. Plus, you'll also have the option to add-on handy accessories like cable ducts, under-desk drawers, and monitor arms.
What are the physical benefits of using a standing desk?
With 2.8 million adults in the UK living with chronic back pain, it's no surprise that the well-known ergonomic benefits of standing desks mean they come highly recommended by many physiotherapists. In fact, physio Yasmin Palfrey is a big fan — and she typically encourages her clients to incorporate two to four hours of standing into every working day.
“Injuries such as low back pain, sciatica, and tendon issues in the hamstrings and glutes are often aggravated by long periods of sitting and lack of movement,” Yasmin explains. “When we sit for too long, compressive forces are applied to the injury sites causing irritation, pain, and stiffness. But having the option to use a standing desk has really helped my clients offload their injuries, reduce their pain, and avoid sitting with poor posture.”
Not just a great solution for increasing the amount of time you spend standing, adjustable desks can even make it easier for sedentary workers to walk more. “One key benefit of the standing desks we’ve seen recently is being able to use them alongside walking pads, as people working from home (and in the office) are looking for a way to stay active, these allow workers to carry out their tasks whilst getting their steps in throughout the day,” explains Matt Ousby, Innovation Director at Slouch.
How can using a standing desk help with focus and productivity?
According to psychologists, swapping too much sedentary behaviour for more standing leads to increased productivity and efficiency. “As well as boosting energy levels to help you avoid that mid-afternoon slump, standing while working can enhance cognitive function and focus — which leads to increased productivity and efficiency," explains psychologist Dr Becky Spelman.
“Prolonged periods of sitting can sometimes negatively impact executive functioning skills, like planning, monitoring, organising, and impulse control,” adds educational psychologist Dr Patricia Britto. "However, when standing, blood circulation improves — so more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the brain, which stimulates alertness, clarity, concentration, and focus.”
How might neurodiverse individuals benefit from using a standing desk?
While sitting at a desk all day isn't ideal for anybody, it can be especially difficult for neurodiverse individuals. Dr Patricia points out that prolonged periods of sitting can negatively impact executive functioning skills like planning, monitoring, organising, and impulse control — all of which are areas that can already be tricky for those with neurodiverse needs.
“Individuals with neurodiverse needs such as ADHD can sometimes struggle with conforming to the typical expectations of working in a traditional classroom or work environment," she explains. Using a standing desks can increase productivity levels, help reduce restlessness and fatigue, and decrease feelings of stress and around having to stay seated all day — which can be really mentally and physically draining."
After more home office content? Head this way for desks for small spaces to turn even the tiniest of corners into a dreamy home office and over here best folding desks if you're not blessed with space. We've also got lap desks for working from under your duvet (contradictory, we know) and desk chairs to give your WFH space a stylish upgrade.
Scroll for our full edit of the best standing desks to shop in 2024…
FlexiSpot Standing Desk Premium Series E7
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 58cm and 123cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W120cm x D60cm.
- Delivery time: Varies depending on stock, starting from 7 days but likely more.
- Motorised? Yes, with an anti-collision system that detects any forces in the opposite direction of its movement.
Pros: When it comes to customisation, FlexiSpot is tricky to beat. This is one of their latest adjustable desk models — and you'll have the choice of three different frame finishes, and ten tabletop colours. Then you can add on everything from cable ducts and under-desk drawers, to monitor arms and stands. It's got a USB slot for easy charging, and the height is super smooth and easy to adjust using the buttons — plus there are also four programmable memory presets so you can save your preferences. Basically, it's a desk that you can have built bespoke for you.
Cons: We genuinely can't think of any stone that's been left unturned with this desk! But it's worth bearing in mind that not every different desktop size will necessarily be available in your chosen colour — so you may have to be a bit flexible.
Save with you shop for the best standing desks with these FlexiSpot discount codes.
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 70cm and 119cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W120cm x D65cm.
- Delivery time: Should be within a week.
- Motorised? Yes.
Pros: Thanks to their steel construction and high-tech design, finding electric standing desks that doesn't look overly industrial can be rather tricky. But with is hand-woven rattan drawer fronts, this stylish model feels spot-on for any stylish study. Not just nice to look at, it comes in two different tabletop widths — and the three spacious drawers will help keep clutter at bay. Available in two colours, go for white if you're into the light and airy boho look, or choose black for more of a statement retro vibe.
Cons: Again, there aren't many bad things to say about this desk. However a few reviewers did express that they'd like to see a few more tabletop sizes available.
Murphy Ergonomic Sit to Standing Desk
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 75cm and 96cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W100cm x D60cm.
- Delivery time: Next day delivery available.
- Motorised? No — it includes a manual hand lever instead.
Pros: If you're looking for a budget-friendly standing desk to squeeze into your bedroom, then you'll be pleased to know that this affordable option is one of the most compact models currently on the market. It comes in black or white, and can also be bought with a wider desktop if you're keen for a little more space. Fitted with a hand lever so you can manually raise and lower the desk, it's far more basic than many of the other popular models on the market — but it still definitely gets the job done.
Cons: There are definitely a few drawbacks with this desk — namely that even the tallest height only seems to cater to people around 5'8 and under. Also, quite a few customers have complained that their knees constantly knock against the poorly-placed support bar when they're seated. Therefore, it's likely not a desk you'll want to work at all day, everyday — but it'll certainly suffice for one or two days a week.
Save when you shop for the best standing desks with these Dunelm discount codes.
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 73cm and 118cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W140cm x D75cm.
- Delivery time: Within 5 working days.
- Motorised? Yes.
Pros: With its soft lines and gentle curved edges, there’s no denying that this fully adjustable desk won’t make a truly aesthetic addition to your home office. Sturdy and spacious, its extra-wide 140cm tabletop is ideal for those who favour using more than one motor — and will still leave you with enough space to display your favourite pieces of stationery, and multiple mugs of half-drunk coffee. Choose from four neutral tabletop finishes, and enjoy moving from standing to sitting with just one touch.
Cons: There’s not much to dislike about this standing desk! But it would be great if it could be made a little taller so that it better caters to taller folk.
FlexiSpot Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 73cm and 121cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W120cm x D60cm.
- Delivery time: 1 week.
- Motorised? Yes, the motor lift mechanism offers smooth, quiet height adjustments.
Pros: A slightly older model, it's a definite win that this FlexiSpot standing desk is currently reduced on Amazon! It's got enough space on the desktop for two monitors and a laptop for efficient working, and its four memory preset buttons — instead of the standard three — make it an ideal buy for a family home. Boasting an industrial-grade steel frame and a solid desktop, it's got a really sleek and modern look — and also comes in a variety of different coloured tabletop and frame finishes.
Cons: It’s useful to note that some users have also found that this model isn’t compatible with all FlexiSpot accessories — as it’s an older model that's now only available on Amazon, rather than on the FlexiSpot website directly.
Save when you shop for the best standing desks with these Amazon discount codes.
FEZiBO Jasper Electric Standing Desk
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 75cm and 125cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W120cm x D67cm.
- Delivery time: Should be within a week.
- Motorised? Yes.
Pros: Boasting all the bells and whistles, this swish desk has been designed with creating the perfect workplace vibe in mind. The clever floating monitor stand has been fitted with ambient lights that give off a gorgeous glow — and it's also got a spacious storage cubicle and two small hidden drawers that are bound to come in handy. Plus, it comes in three different widths, and you've got the choice of three different desktop finishes.
Cons: Although there were no complaints about how well this desk adjusts, we did notice one or two comments about how the under-shelf lighting can come unstuck quite easily.
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 67cm and 115cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W54cm x D54cm.
- Delivery time: 5-7 days.
- Motorised? No, you have to operate this desk manually.
Pros: With two tiers for you to work with, this sit-stand desk will work a treat whether you're on or off your feet. Each tier is height adjustable for maximum flexibility, and the lockable castors on the wheels ensure stability when you're stationary. Is it the perfect permanent desk for your study or spare room? No. But its ideal for multitaskers – making it easy to crack through some emails while you keep an eye on the dinner, or do a little admin in front of the television.
Cons: The tabletops aren't that spacious, so you likely wont have space to store any stationery. And it's likely not tall enough to be comfortable to stand at for long periods of time. Essentially, it's definitely intended more for ad-hoc use.
Save when you shop for the best standing desks with these Amazon discount codes.
White Standing Desk with Maple Desktop
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 72cm and 118cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W120cm x D60cm.
- Delivery time: 3-5 working days.
- Motorised? Yes.
Pros: With its really reasonable price, and great range of features, this electric standing desk feels almost too good to be true. It comes in various tabletop colours, boasts a USB and a USB-C port, and lets you save up to three personalised height settings on the nifty control panel. Plus, it's even been fitted with impressive safety features like overheat protection, and anti-collision technology. Overall, it ticks plenty of important boxes.
Cons: As with many of these models, it would be great if there was the option to raise the desktop a little higher than 118cm.
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 70cm and 120cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W120cm x D70cm.
- Delivery time: As little as 3 days.
- Motorised? No — it has a crank handle.
Pros: Although non-electric standing desks are typically a considerably cheaper option, they can often be quite clunky and time-consuming to adjust. But this bestselling IKEA model boasts a crank handle that's easy to operate, and customers say that raising and lowering is super smooth and steady. Plus, it can be mounted on either the left or right side, and slides seamlessly under the tabletop when not in use. It comes in a wide range of different desktop sizes and colours, and has adjustable feet that make it still stand steady on uneven floors.
Cons: Famous for their flatpack, it likely doesn't come as a surprise that a few customers said assembly was quite fiddly.
Save when you shop for the best standing desks with these IKEA discount codes.
Float Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 68.6cm and 119cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W120cm x D60cm.
- Delivery time: Typically under 2 weeks.
- Motorised? No — has a unique counterbalance mechanism for effortless adjustment.
Pros: Lovely to look at, this minimalist and modern desk has no obstructive and unsightly crossbeam — so it boasts a really seamless and sleek silhouette. Despite not being electric, it offers super-smooth height adjustment — and it doesn't need to be plugged in, so can be placed anywhere you choose. Plus — as good for your back at is it is for the plant — the Float desk is Living Product Certified, which means it meets the most rigorous sustainable manufacturing criteria to date.
Cons: Despite its sleek looks and seamless operation, it's pretty pricey for a non-electric option. Plus, the website is a little tricky to navigate, as it seems to be primarily for commercial use.
Koble Apollo Walnut Effect Adjustable Standing Smart Desk
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 73cm and 123cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W123cm x D60cm.
- Delivery time: As little as 3 days.
- Motorised? Yes — this desk is fitted with a dual motor.
Pros: With its sleek and slimline silhouette, rich walnut wood veneer tabletop, and robust black metal frame, there's something distinctly Mid-Century Modern about the minimalist vibe of this standing desk. Impressive features include four memory slots for saving your height preferences, and a reduced noise feature to ensure quiet movements. But best of all, it's even got an integrated wireless charging plate hidden inside the desktop — so you can charge your phone without having to worry about any excess cables.
Cons: The tabletop is only available in one specific size, and the wireless charging plater will only work with Qi enabled wireless charging smart phones.
Save when you shop for the best standing desks with these Dunelm discount codes.
FlexiSpot Comhar EW8W Electric Standing Desk
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 72cm and 121cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W120cm x D60cm.
- Delivery time: Within two weeks.
- Motorised? Yes — this desk is fitted with a dual motor.
Pros: After a desk with space for you to subtly stash your wireless keyboard, mouse, and stationery essentials? This model has a pull-out drawer discreetly embedded in the desktop, and comes in two different tabletop sizes. As well as the standard up and down buttons, the comprehensive control panel boasts four different programmable preset buttons, two USB ports, a USB-C port, and a child lock. And best of all, it comes in just three pre-assembled parts, and can be put together in as little as five minutes.
Cons: Again, as this is an older model, there's no guarantee that it'll be compatible with accessories on the FlexiSpot website.
Save when you shop for the best standing desks with these Amazon discount codes.
FEZiBO Executive B L-Shaped Standing Desk
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 75cm and 125cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W160cm x D60cm.
- Delivery time: Should be within a week.
- Motorised? Yes.
Pros: Deck out your whole home office in one go with this sophisticated set-up. Arranged in a practical L-shape design, it consists of two separate tabletops — one of which has a generous adjustable height — a full storage cabinet, a three-drawer cabinet, and three open shelves that are ideal for displaying your best looking books. With the main tabletop measuring in at an impressive 160cm wide, it's safe to say that you wont be struggling for space.
Cons: It'll definitely be too cumbersome for some people — but if you're looking for a proper executive desk, it's a great pick. Unsuprisingly, quite a few customers said it was quite a mammoth assembly task!
Fully by Herman Miller Jarvis Sit/Stand Desk
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 64cm and 129cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W120cm x D80cm.
- Delivery time: Next day delivery available in some cases.
- Motorised? Yes.
Pros: Capable of extending to an impressive 129cm in height, this is a standing desk that you can guarantee will cater to taller people. With its beautiful bamboo worktop that's been sustainably sourced from rapidly renewable forests, this standing desk is a prime example of high-quality eco-friendly design. Plus, we really love its minimalistic and industrial vibe.
Cons: Although we can't see any obvious flaws to this desk, it's worth noting that it's not actually got any reviews yet on John Lewis. So it's a bit of an unknown quantity — although we reckon you can usually trust a Herman Miller product.
Save when you shop for the best standing desks with these John Lewis discount codes.
IKEA BEKANT Corner Desk Sit/Stand
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 65cm and 125cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W160cm x D110cm.
- Delivery time: As little as three days.
- Motorised? Yes.
Pros: If you've got the space, then a classic L-shape desk can look great in a home office. With its sleek silhouette, lack of clunky integrated storage, and handy cable management net that'll ensure you've not got leads trailing all over the place, this IKEA model gives off a truly sophisticated and elegant vibe. In terms of tabletops, you'll have loads of space to work with — and there are also plenty of different desktop and frame colour combinations to peruse.
Cons: Some customers have pointed out that it can be quite wobbly if it's not pushed up against a wall, and also that the tabletops aren't massively hardwearing. So make sure you tackle any spills and marks immediately!
Save when you shop for the best standing desks with these IKEA discount codes.
FlexiSpot 4-Leg Standing Desk E7Q
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 60.5cm and 125.5cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W200cm x D90cm.
- Delivery time: Varies depending on stock, starting from 7 days but likely more.
- Motorised? Yes, and comes complete with a premium keypad.
Pros: With its statement wide stance, and striking rectangular column legs, this is the kind of desk that deserves to be smack-bang in the middle of a spacious personal study or office. Strong and sturdy, its base has been constructed out of solid carbon steel, and has a 200kg weight capacity threshold — so don't worry about loading it up with any heavy equipment. And the keypad boasts four memory presets, a child lock feature, and a handy USB slot. An architectural masterpiece that looks more like a designer dining table than a standing desk, it's a real beauty. 10/10. No notes.
Cons: Let's face it — the desk is perfect. The real problem lies with the fact that we're lacking the spacious home office it so desperately deserves. Also — as mentioned previously — tabletop size availability at FlexiSpot can vary wildly depending on the colour you choose.
Save with you shop for the best standing desks with these FlexiSpot discount codes.
Bisley Sit & Stand Height Adjustable Oak Wood Top Desk
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 62.5cm and 127.5cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W120cm x D65cm.
- Delivery time: Standard UK delivery, arriving within 4 weeks.
- Motorised? Yes, with a super quiet dual motor system.
Pros: Thanks to its nifty dual motor system, this chic standing desk is not only one of the quietest on the market, but it's also guaranteed to move with maximum smoothness and elegance every time. It comes with either an oak or a white tabletop, has a really large offering of heights for users to discover, and comes with four presets so you can easily save your preferences. Plus, if you like the sound of having a try before you buy, there are contact details on the product page for getting in-touch with the John Lewis team — and they'll be able to give you the locations of the stores where it's on display.
Cons: Despite being one of the most expensive options, it doesn't come assembled — and customers reported that it was rather fiddly to put together, and required some additional tools.
Save when you shop for the best standing desks with these John Lewis discount codes.
Specifications:
- Height: Adjusts between 72cm and 116cm.
- Tabletop dimensions: W100cm x D60cm.
- Delivery time: Currently delivered in 5-6 days.
- Motorised? Yes — and it’s fitted with a sensor for detecting obstacles in the path of desk's movement.
Pros: Super impressive for the price, this electric standing desk boasts four memory preset buttons, has a handy USB port in the control panel, and even arrives fitted with a headphone hook and a cable management tray. In terms of tabletops, there are five different finishes for you to choose from — and they come in a wide range of different widths and depths, too. And despite being one of the cheapest options on the market, it's got a plethora of positive reviews from customers.
Cons: The desktop itself is made out of four individual panels rather than one — so it's not the most smooth and sleek look. Plus — with a maximum height of 116cm — it's another model that definitely isn't ideal for tall people. But for the price, we're still really impressed.
Save when you shop for the best standing desks with these Amazon discount codes.
Specifications:
- Height: 11.4 - 50.8cm from tabletop.
- Tabletop dimensions: Upper shelf — 107cm x 40cm. Lower shelf — 107cm x 30cm.
- Delivery time: Next day delivery available.
- Motorised? Manual — has a clever adjusting and locking mechanism.
Pros: Whether you're simply not in the market for a whole new desk, or you just like the sound of having the option to stand when working at the kitchen table, this standing desk converter is definitely worth considering. It comes in six different widths — and a range of colours and finishes — but all models have two tiers; one for a monitor or laptop, and one for your keyboard and mouse. One of the most highly-reviewed sit-to-stand risers, the simple touch height locking mechanism is really easy to use, and the whole thing can be fully collapsed for easy storage.
Cons: Despite the rave reviews and record number of purchases, there's no escaping the fact that it's a pretty pricey product! Plus, despite this one's sleek and streamlined shape, converters just don't look as nice as a standalone adjustable desk.
Save when you shop for the best standing desks with these Amazon discount codes.
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