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Dec 26, 2023

14 Best Standing Desks For Boosted WFH Well

By Thea Jeffreys If you’ve been wondering whether one of the best standing desks will be the key to improving your work life, we’ve got a spoiler for you… they will. It’s not fresh news that sitting

By Thea Jeffreys

If you’ve been wondering whether one of the best standing desks will be the key to improving your work life, we’ve got a spoiler for you… they will. It’s not fresh news that sitting for prolonged periods is bad for you – in fact, 70 years ago, researchers found that double-decker bus drivers were twice as likely to have heart attacks as their conductor counterparts – however, since we all started working from home at least once or twice a week and spending hours upon hours in our desk chairs, the ill-effects of sitting down for too long have become way too apparent – read brain fog, fatigue and muscle aches. Ouch.

Yep: there are so many reasons why switching to a standing desk will make you feel better throughout your working day. Not only does standing for five to 20 minutes per hour improve blood flow and productivity, but it can also decrease your risk of heart disease and up your levels of fat-burning enzymes. As if this wasn’t enough, research also shows that standing throughout your working day can lower your chances of getting cancer and diabetes, so while investing in a standing desk might seem like a bit of a chore initially, switching your existing desk to one that increases in height is a sure way to, ahem, ~ level up ~ your health.

As great as it is to swap to a sit-stand desk, it’s super important that you select a model that works for your home and family. There's lots to consider – do you want one with height presets, or one that operates with a manual lever? Do you need something that operates silently and smoothly when you’re on Zoom calls, or one that you can wheel from room to room? To help you decide, we've compiled the ultimate guide to the best standing desks. Here's everything you need to know before you buy, plus our favourite models on the market right now… Happy shopping!

What is a standing desk? | Why is it better to stand while working? | What are the benefits of a standing desk? | What is the average height of a standing desk? | The top 3 factors to consider when buying a standing desk

By Bianca London

Put simply, a standing desk is – you guessed it – a desk that allows you to transition from a sitting to standing position while you work. Sometimes referred to as ‘stand-up’ or ‘sit-stand’ tables, these desks are specially designed to support you as you change postures throughout the working day, in turn, increasing productivity and energy.

“The healthiest way to work is to utilise both sitting and standing positions, and standing desks allow effortless switching between seated and standing postures,” explains Humanscale’s Mark. “The best standing desks will allow you to seamlessly adjust between sitting and standing postures without interrupting workflow, and this, in turn, promotes a healthy and balanced level of activity throughout your working day, whether you’re at home or in the office,” he adds.

“The length of time we spend sedentary at our desk impacts our health, and not in a good way,” explains Mark. He continues, "Research reveals that the production of beneficial enzymes drop to ineffective levels after sitting for as little as an hour, and over time, the continued lack of movement leads to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (14%), cancer (13%), and diabetes (91%). “In addition, fat-burning enzymes drop by 90% as a person sits down. ”

“Correcting the negative effects of sitting is all about movement,” Mark elaborates. He says, “Moving for as little as a few minutes every hour re-engages metabolism and blood flow, and can improve mobility. ”When blood flow improves, more oxygen is carried to the brain. “This leads to increased productivity as well as improved health.”

“We know that prolonged sitting can cause injury, heart disease, and fatigue,” claim the experts at Herman Miller. They tell us, “Our research shows that a combination of sitting, standing, and moving throughout the day is optimal for health.”

“Standing all day is not the cure for sitting all day, and alternating between the two is best,” the experts add. “Sit-to-stand desks are beneficial because they encourage regular movement between postures,” they describe, explaining how, “This lowers health risks, leads to better energy and productivity.”

“The height range of a standing desk varies, and will also depend on the type of desk you choose,” says the Herman Miller team. “For Herman Miller offerings,” they begin, “the standard height range typically falls between 64cm lowered and 120cm raised.”

The height of a standing desk will also vary depending on brand. The FLYTTA Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk, for example, has been specially designed to be suitable for people up to 6ft 9", and measures in at 130cm when raised - not including the desktop. Homall’s Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk, on the other hand, only raises to 116cm, which is just over 45.5” (around 3'8" in feet and inches). This means that it’s always worth checking the height specifications of a desk before you click purchase, as the difference between brands can be quite significant.

Before you start thinking about the specifics of your desk design, the first thing you’ll need to consider is the space your desk sits in. The amount of space you have in your room will dictate whether your desk should be standard sized, compact, permanent, or portable, but the type of space your desk sits in will also help you decide which sort of design is best. Put simply, do you want something that’s obviously office-like, or something that looks more like a regular piece of furniture? Taking into account your room’s current aesthetic will help you decide.

“If you have a dedicated home office space, you might choose something like The Float Table, because it comes in a standard desk size,” explains Mark. “This type of desk,” he continues, “would also work in a general living space that doubles up as home office, because it comes in finishes that will suit any home environment”.

“If you’re in a small apartment, however," Mark qualifies, “The Float Mini table is a much better option. It’s compact, and therefore better for small home office spaces.” He adds, “If you just don’t have the room for an extra piece of furniture, you might want to consider solutions that can transform ordinary desks or tables into a healthy and active workspace instead. ”Something like the QuickStand Eco is great because it can be attached to a traditional table and stored away if required."

It might seem obvious, but the ‘one size fits all’ rule doesn’t necessarily apply with standing desks. Although it varies from brand to brand, the majority of standing desks measure in at around 120cm to 123cm at their extended heights. So, if you require something taller or shorter, you’ll need to check the specifications of the desk model before you buy.

Some brands, like Flytta, have desks which have been specially designed to cater for people up to 6ft 9", whereas if you’re after something shorter, Symple Stuff’s variable height trolley measures in at 113cm when fully extended.

It’s worth remembering that with electric standing desks, you can often save particular height presets into the system once you’ve discovered your most comfortable working heights, whereas those that are manually operated don’t carry that function.

Although installing a standing desk alone is likely to improve your wfh life considerably, think about the other elements you can incorporate into your home-office setup to make your workday feel even more comfortable. Many brands give you the option of customising your desk with privacy screens, cable tidying systems and even bag storage, so it’s useful to think about exactly what sort of setup you want as you start researching desk options.

“Remember to think about things like device charging and cable management needs,” prompt the Herman Miller team. “Lots of standing desks will have optional power grommets and cord management solutions that can be selected when personalising your desk to meet your individual preferences,” they add.

“To get the most out of using a sit/stand product, users will benefit from setting up their home office using ergonomic principles,” adds Humanscale’s Mark. “If your budget permits, investing in other ergonomic solutions - whether it’s seating, a mouse or a laptop holder - can make your experience with a standing desk even more comfortable” he says.

By Alice Howarth

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.

For more from our Commerce Contributor Thea Jeffreys, follow her on Instagram @theajef.

Homall Standing Desk

Specifications -

Pros: Specially designed for a spacious working area, this large standing desk has a roomy desktop – which is a fantastic perk considering it’s priced well under the £200 mark. The desktop itself is made out of four individual panels rather than one, unlike many similar models on the market, so there’s plenty of room to spread out, make yourself comfortable, and organise your work accessories into different sections. Homall’s standing desk has a height range of 72cm to 116cm which means you can switch between sitting and standing in an instant, and it also has an LED screen display, so you can view the exact height change in real time. There are also four memory preset buttons, so you can save time and have your sit stand desk remember *exactly* how tall you like it. Not bad for a budget option.

Cons: No complaints!

Customers are saying: An amazing standing desk, even better than the likes of IKEA’s Skarsta/Trotten standing desk, which is priced at a slightly more expensive £190.

GLAMOUR star rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Save money on your purchase with these Amazon discount codes

Mobile Sit/Stand Variable Height Trolley Workstation with Pneumatic Pedal Adjustment

Specifications -

Pros: With its handy hands-free pneumatic foot pedal and adjustable height, Symple Stuff’s trolley workstation allows you to easily transition between sitting and standing in an instant. The thing we love most about this model, however, is the fact that it has a wheeled base, so you can move from room to room as you wish, changing up your work-from-home setting as and when… and we all know this is a total game-changer when it comes to getting those creative juices flowing. Unlike a lot of standing desk models on the market, this trolley desk also has a tiltable desktop, which can be set at four different angles for maximum comfort while you’re typing, writing, or presenting via good old Teams. Won’t my laptop slide around on the tilted desktop, you ask? No need to fret - it has a built-in edge stopper to keep computers, papers and stationery in place around as you work. Nifty.

Cons: The manufacturer hasn’t stated a maximum lifting capacity in the product details, but given the size of the desktop, it’s likely that this workstation has a much lower lifting capacity than some of the more traditional standing desks on the market

Customers are saying: A sturdy standing desk that’s reasonably easy to assemble and simple to use, however, metal wheels would have been preferable.

GLAMOUR star rating: 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Koble Apollo Walnut Effect Adjustable Standing Smart Desk

Specifications -

Pros: Allowing you to transition from a sitting to standing position in just 22 seconds, Koble’s Apollo desk is just what you need if you’re trying to establish a healthier working style. While its walnut veneer and robust black metal frame give this desk traditional vibes, it actually has an integrated charging plate hidden inside the desktop, so you can charge compatible phones without the need for messy wires. In terms of style, this desk has a timeless, Mid Century inspired look, which is distinctly different to the laid-back Scandi finishes you often find with standing desks. While we absolutely love minimalist Nordic vibes, it’s nice to have an option for those who prefer their home decor to look that little bit more classic. This desk also has four memory settings, so it can remember your preferred heights, plus it comes with a power cable that’s 1.5m long, so you have quite a bit of flexibility around positioning your desk in a room.

Cons: This desk arrives in a flatpack package (think IKEA vibes) so full assembly is required.

Customers are saying: We love the reduced noise feature - it lets you adjust between different heights seamlessly and quietly, making it perfect for traditional office working as well as home offices.

GLAMOUR star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Murphy Wide Ergonomic Sit to Standing Desk

Pros: The Murphy Wide Ergonomic Sit to Standing Desk is one of the best modest budget-friendly standing desks available to buy right now. Although it doesn’t have some of the advanced features that its more expensive competitors boast, it’s a great option to try if you’re interested in working out whether a standing desk is suited to you and your lifestyle without investing hundreds, or thousands, of pounds. It’s fitted with a hand lever that allows you to manually adjust the desktop height, and it’s also available in two different colour options - black or white - so you can choose whichever suits your home’s interior best. Users suggest it’s great to team with a walking pad or under desk treadmill, so you can get your steps in while you walk. Although this arrives flatpacked, Dunelm specify that it’s ‘easy’ to assemble if you have two people.

Cons: This model is one of the simpler designs on the market, and isn’t necessarily as sophisticated or durable as those from other brands.

Customers are saying: A nice desk which is easy to adjust and surprisingly sturdy. Great value for money and fairly simple to assemble, even with a basic knowledge of DIY.

GLAMOUR star rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Save money on your purchase with these Dunelm discount codes

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Charlie Teather

Bisley Sit & Stand Height Adjustable Oak Wood Top Desk

Specifications -

Pros: Sleek, sophisticated and understated, Bisley’s Sit and Stand Height Adjustable desk is officially one of the quietest on the market. Thanks to its dual motor system, this sit-stand desk has a noise rating of less than 45 decibels… to put this into context, a whisper is usually about 30 decibels and a normal conversation is about 60, so you can even get away with adjusting the height of the desk while on a video call, without having to put yourself on mute (although muting is still allowed!) This desk also has a maximum lifting capacity of 120kg, so you can even load it up with multiple desktop monitors, without having to worry whether it’ll adjust height smoothly… spoiler, it will. Still not convinced? In that case, you’ll be pleased to know that John Lewis offers a service where you can pop into store and try out the desk before you part with your hard-earned cash. Just ring into your local store ahead of time and you can test it for yourself.

Cons: Although this desk has a high maximum lifting capacity, it’s still not quite as large as Herman Miller’s Jarvis Desk capacity of 158kg, which is also cheaper at £599.

Customers are saying: A beautifully made, great quality desk.

GLAMOUR star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Save money on your purchase with these John Lewis discount codes

Dripex Sit-Stand Desk

Specifications -

Pros: If a traditional standing desk isn’t quite what you’re looking for, this Dripex height adjustable model might just be for you. Instead of acting like a traditional standing desk, it’s built more like Herman Miller’s passport table - although instead of having one static desktop, it has a two-tiered platform that you can adjust to sit at different heights simultaneously, allowing for added flexibility. Its frame is crafted from heavy-duty powder-coated metal for stability, and there are also lockable castors on the wheels, so when you’ve decided where you want to set up your workstation, you can stay put without worrying. We love the fact that one of the riser panel boards can be tilted for improved comfort, and it also has a blocking plate that prevents laptops and papers from sliding around. The thing we love the most about this design, however, is the fact that it has a detachable host tray, which gives you the option to add on or remove extra space as you see fit throughout your working week. Useful, eh?

Cons: When the riser panel boards are separate, there isn’t much work space. This desk will likely only accommodate one monitor.

Customers are saying: Easy to assemble and great value for money. Not the sturdiest desk in the world, but it’s lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and budget-friendly.

Glamour star rating: 3.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Save money on your purchase with these Amazon discount codes

FLEXISPOT Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk

Specifications -

Pros: Reduced on Amazon right now, this FlexiSpot standing desk adjusts between sitting and standing with the touch of a button. It features four memory preset buttons – which is great, since most models on the market only offer three. This means four different friends or family members can set their own preferred height if they're between 112cm and 197cm tall. There's enough space on the desktop for two monitors and a laptop for efficient working, and the steel frame allows for a heavy load.

Cons: The desktop is referred to as ‘eco-friendly’, but it’s unclear how it meets these planet-conscious standards. It’s useful to note that some users have also found that this model isn’t compatible with all FLEXISPOT accessories, as it’s available through Amazon but not the FLEXISPOT website directly.

Customers are saying: This desk has lots of study space, and has alleviated back pain for users in the space of one day. It arrives quickly, is simple to assemble, and even comes complete with a screwdriver

Glamour star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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FLYTTA 2: Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk

Specifications -

Pros: Featuring a high-grade steel frame and soft touch up-down switch, Flytta’s electric standing desk - available via Amazon - is durable yet dynamic. Whereas the original Flytta 1 desk is suitable for users up to 6' 1'', Flytta’s model 2 standing desk has been designed to suit users up to 200cm, or 6' 9''. If you’re looking for added flexibility and comfort, you can also choose between a range of four different desktop sizes – the smallest being 120x80cm and the largest measuring in at 180x80cm. This particular model is available with ten different options of desktop finishes, so whether you like industrial-style timber, classic walnut or minimalist beech wood, you’re guaranteed to find a style that’s in keeping with your home and your decor taste. This desk also comes with four memory control settings, so you can save your preferred sitting and standing heights for optimal ergonomics.

Cons: While the manufacturer suggests transitioning between heights should be ‘smooth and silent’, a small number of users have commented this desk can actually be quite noisy when being adjusted. It also has one of the highest price points on the market

Customers are saying: A well-made reliable desk with a very wide range of height settings. Lifting action is smooth, and there’s plenty of space for working

Glamour star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Charlie Teather

Fully Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk

Specifications -

Pros: There are so many things to love about this model. One of the most sustainable standing desks in this edit, Herman Miller’s Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk features a bamboo desktop (made from bamboo which has been grown without pesticides or fertilisers), which has been finished with their super-durable UV-cured polyurethane coating. It goes without saying that this earns the Jarvis Bamboo major sustainability points in our eyes, but we also love the fact that it’s available in two shapes, seven different sizes, with the option of different power adjustment controls. This makes it the perfect choice for both environmentally and aesthetically conscious standing desk users, as you’re almost guaranteed to find an option that fits your home ~ perfectly ~. It's suitable for everyone from children to those who are two meters tall.

Cons: None from us!

Customers are saying: A reliable standing desk that’s solid, sturdy and supports an impressive amount of weight. It’s also super easy to customise to suit your needs, although assembly is a little tricky for non DIYers.

Glamour star rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Classic Standing Desk EG1/EF1, WAS £219.99 NOW £139.99, FlexiSpot

Specifications -

Pros: You can choose your frame and desktop colour with this classic standing desk from FlexiSpot, which fits in even the most compact of office spaces. We love the fact that this stand-up desk model offers marble grey and graphite desktops as well as the traditional wood finishes, so you can totally tailor your desk to suit your space. It has a height range of 71-121cm, can be purchased alongside desk bikes and desk chairs, and is easy to control – even if you’re a wfh novice. You can also purchase coordinating cable ducts and cable spines, so tangled laptop leads and charger cords will be a thing of the past. There’s also plenty of room to fit a mobile filing cabinet underneath if you’re after some additional savvy storage solutions. What’s not to love?

Cons: Not all the desktop finishes are available in the full range of sizes, and not all come in the curved option.

Customers are saying: An impressive stand-up desk option, great value for money and comfortable to lean on. It’s sturdy, great quality, and works a treat.

Glamour star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Save money and take advantage of the health benefits of the best standing desks with these Flexispot discount codes

Passport Work Table, £716, Herman Miller

Specifications -

Pros: Small but most certainly mighty, Herman Miller’s Passport Work Table might appear simple on initial viewing, but it’s actually decked out with hidden functions that make WFH life a total breeze. Unlike many of the standing desks that are currently available on the market, this one is extremely lightweight, fitted with wheels, and never has to be plugged into an electrical outlet, so it gives you the total freedom to move around throughout the day. Instead of using a motorised electrical system, it’s fitted with a simple lever that allows you to smoothly raise and lower the desktop over a range of 45cm. It even allows you to make micro adjustments to the height of the tabletop, so you can make sure it’s just right for whatever task you may be completing throughout the day. Simply pull it up to wherever you’re sitting or standing, et voila - an instant workspace. If you like to have a little bit more privacy when working you can add a desk screen, and you can also add on a hook if you need somewhere to store your workbag. You can even choose between four sleek frame colours and five different material options for the worktop - each of the finishes look totally sleek and high quality, but our personal favourite is the blue nightfall base teamed with the natural walnut desktop.

Cons: We can't fault it.

Customers are saying: The perfect hybrid desk, which allows you to respond to your environment throughout the day

Glamour star rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Standing Desk Pro Series E7, £419.99, FlexiSpot

Specifications -

Pros: With dual motors for robust lifting, it couldn’t be easier to alternate between sitting and standing with this desk. It's available in a plethora of colour combinations, and with lots of accessories like desk bikes, chairs for standing desks and desk casters. There's a child lock, a USB charging port and four programmable memory presets for different users to easily switch back to their preferred height before their morning meeting. There's also an anti-collision function which ensures optimum safety by preventing the desktop from being damaged or crushing other objects and devices while in motion.

Cons: Don’t get caught out by the base price – the additional accessories, like the desktop itself, come at an additional cost

Customers are saying: An easy-to-assemble desk with a handy instructional YouTube link. It looks sleek, operates quietly, and the memory presets make it a breeze to use

Glamour star rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Save money on office furniture, including corner desks and height adjustable desk frames, with these Flexispot discount codes

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Charlie Teather

4-Leg Standing Desk E7Q, £899.99, FlexiSpot

Specifications -

Pros: Sleek, discreet and oh-so-stylish, the FlexiSpot E7Q is the perfect standing desk if you’re after something that doesn’t look like a standing desk… hear us out. With its four legs and chic, dining table-esque design, this model has been created to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your décor, so if you don’t have a dedicated office space but still want to have the endless benefits of a sit-stand office solution, you won’t have to compromise on style. As well as looking incredible, this sit-stand desk’s base structure is made from solid carbon steel which has reached automotive-material grade. This means it boasts one of the biggest load capacities on the market, and can even hold more weight than Herman Miller’s Fully Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk. Whether you opt for the standard (160cm x 80cm) or extended (180cm x 80cm) desktop, you can load it up with multiple monitors and lots of equipment, without having to worry about stability.

Cons: As far as we can see, this desk doesn’t really have any cons – unless you’re after something compact or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, L-shaped or obviously desk-like.

Customers are saying: Superb build quality and easy to use controller. Holds huge amounts of weight with almost no wobble at full height.

Glamour star rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Save money on your top pick from our standing desk reviews with these Flexispot discount codes

Float table, from £1450, Humanscale

Specifications -

Pros: Specially designed to adjust between sitting and standing postures without interrupting workflow, Humanscale’s Float table transitions from a sitting to standing position seamlessly and instantly by eliminating awkward cranks and noisy, slow motors. Not only does it boast a clean, minimalist design, but it also has a counterbalance mechanism that allows it to adjust to changing weight loads without compromising on stability. The thing we love most about this standing desk is the fact that it’s Living Product Certified. Put simply, this means that after undergoing rigorous sustainability tests and trials, the Float has been determined as climate water and energy positive - or, in other words, every time a Float is made, the planet is better off. Its design incorporates recycled steel and has minimal parts, but it’s still super durable and high-performance.

Cons: None - it's one of the best.

Customers are saying: Easy to use and easy to assemble, this desk has transformed working life and lowered fatigue levels.

Glamour star rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Use our exclusive code GLAMOUR 20 to receive 20% off your Humanscale purchase. Code valid between 1st July and 31st December 2023.

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Charlie Teather

By Annabelle Spranklen