On average, we spend more than 75% of our office workday sitting (according to the Medical Journal Of Australia) and, even if we have an extremely comfortable chair, this is bad for our health and morale. Luckily, we’re becoming more and more aware of the risks and height-adjustable desk designs and standing desks are becoming increasingly popular.
You might think they’re just a passing fancy but we believe them to be more than that. The benefits they offer are numerous and they take new forms with each person that uses them. For example, a person using a standing desk a few hours every day is likely to be more alert during the afternoons and more energized at the end of the day.
Standing up also improves blood flow and, as a result, allows one to concentrate better. This improves productivity at the office in addition to making the person actually feel better physically. In addition to that, a standing desk also makes a person burn around 80-100 calories every hour. So that’s a benefit you didn’t even expect.
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Other advantages of using both height-adjustable and standing desks is the fact that the users become more aware of their bodies, find it easier to stay focused, work faster and move around the office more. It makes sense for all these things to happen since you no longer have to leave the comfort of your chair to reach a file or to look out the window. Plus, standing up while working also strengthens the muscles and helps reduce neck, shoulder and back pain.
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So we’ve agreed that sitting in a chair all day long is not good for you. But standing up all day is not good either. The best solution is to alternate sitting and standing. In other words, you can start the day by relaxing in your chair while you read your emails but then you should stand up for an hour or so, followed by a period of sitting down, and so on, depending on the task you’re performing.
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Standing and working will start feeling more natural after a few days. Don’t try to stand up as much as possible from the first day because that won’t do you any good. It should be a successive progression so create your own schedule.
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There’s a pretty variate range of standing desks and height-adjustable desks on the market so there’s plenty of models to choose from. But if none is attractive enough or if you find them unappealing for whatever other reason, you can also find numerous DIY standing desk designs. Similarly, you can take a look at some standing desk hacks and find inspiring ideas there as well.
The BeTween tree-inspired desk
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The attractive, nature-inspired design of the BeTween desk does more than just please the eye. The modular piece was designed by Jurgen Bey for Prooff and it includes a set of elements with can be combined and used in various different ways. The idea is to offer the user the possibility to create the ideal workspace by customizing the desk according to personal needs and preferences.
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The desk includes three upholstered components which can be put together in various ways to create a standing desk and chair, a bench and desk or an ottoman.
The simple NextDesk Pro
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NextDesk Pro is a product with a simple design that manages to stand out without being ostentatious. It’s an adjustable-height desk with increased stability and weight capacity of up to 630 lbs. The digital LED memory controller allows the user to change position without effort. It has three programmable memory buttons which makes it easy to share the desk with someone else without having to spend time and effort repositioning it every time.
The Jarvis desk
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Jarvis is a desk equipped with a button that quickly allows the user to switch between sitting and standing at the workplace. It comes in a variety of eco-friendly table top options which allow you to pick a style and go with it. So whether you want your desk to be elegant, quirky, traditional or modern, all you have to do is pick the right top.
The adjustable Elevate II Single Surface
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Whether you’re sitting or standing, the Elevate II Single Surface desk makes sure you’re comfortable. It has adjustable height and a strong and durable construction. The design offers two widths (48” and 60”) as well as two depths (shallow and deep) so once you find the right size and combination there’s really nothing else to concern yourself with. In addition, the desk features a cable management system and rear wheels which makes it easy for the user to change location.
The U-Desk
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The U-Desk was designed by Henning Larsen Architects and offers the possibility to choose between a black frame and a white one. It has an integrated drawer at the front which is also available in a variety of options including white or black laminate, oak, black oak and walnut veneer. The desk’s height can be adjusted from 61 to 126 cm.
The One Collection
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Adjusting the height of the One Collection desk from 22” to 48” couldn’t easier. All you have to do is push a button to find the ideal work position thanks to the telescoping supports. The desk has a sleek and simple design which combines multiple materials, finishes and colors able to make any office stand out.
The LO Choice desk
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In the case of the LO Choice desk, the design is practical and smart for a variety of reasons. First of all, the desk has adjustable height and this feature is available both with or without a memory function. Also, it has a sliding top and a CPU holder which travels up and down with the table top while the horizontal cable conduit keeps everything in order.
The smart and fun MisterBrightLight
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MisterBrightLight is a desk that, apart from having a fun name, is also really smart. The desk sends an alert to your smartphone letting you know it’s time to stand up. Then all you have to do is hold a hand over the sensor built into the top surface to raise the height of the desk. Currently the app which makes the communication possible is only available on IOS. In addition to telling you when to stand up, it also shows you how many calories you’ve burns doing this ad lets you set goals.
The TableAir
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Another similarly-interesting design is featured by the TableAir. It’s an adjustable-height desk which also uses a sensor. To raise the height of the desk, briefly press the button on the top and hold your hand in front of you to indicate the desired height. While this happens, the desk’s rim lights up. To lower the desk, push and hold the button.
The Acute desk addition
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But maybe you don’t want to give up your favorite desk in favor of one that has adjustable height. No worries, you can still enjoy a healthier work schedule even like that thanks to products such as Acute. Designed by Bee9, this piece actually goes on top of your desk and leans over at 15 degrees, creating a comfortable work surface when you want to stand up.
The Elevate.
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Similarly, Elevate does pretty much the same thing. It’s really easy to assemble without using any tools and, when disassembled, it becomes flat to save space. It’s made of 12 mm birch plywood and, although it’s lightweight, it has a strong and durable construction. In addition, its design makes it practical and allows you to take it in business trips or to use around the home.
The StorkStand.
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Other designs don’t go on top of your desk but rather on top of your office chair. This may seem odd but it’s actually really practical. We’re talking about the StorkStand, a platform big enough to accommodate a laptop and a smartphone and able to support up to 23 kg which easily attaches to the chair with a strap. It allows you o adjust the angle and, if you want to raise or lower the height, just adjust the chair.
The Crescendo C2 transformer desk
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Some designers take the idea of a standing desk a step further, creating all sorts of unexpected combinations. It’s the case of the Crescendo C2 desk by Stilvoll, a handmade piece of furniture made from a solid piece of wood. Its height can be adjusted from 53 to 86 cm. The inclination of the desktop is also adjustable. In addition, the desk includes numerous hidden features such as a cable duct with shelves, elements which allow the design to transform and adapt to every user’s needs.
Desk accessories.
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Since a standing desk encourages movement, we find ourselves craving for more. It’s how things like the Level board came to be. It was developed by Fluidstance and it’s meant as an accessory which encourages you to move at the office but not so much as to distract you from your task. The simple balance board is a tool for the office which keeps you moving and lets you body adjust to maintain balance. The board is made from military grade aluminum and has a laminated wooden finish on top.
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Other accessories are designed to improve your posture when you’re sitting at your desk. Created by designer Ruud-Jan Kokke and orthopedic surgeon Piet Van Loon, the Zami stool improves your posture by supporting the optimal curve of your spine. It comes in two versions: the Essential made in your choice of wood or aluminum and the Smart version which features pressure sensors that communicate with a mobile app, sending you feedback. Utilize the stool when the desk is lowered and then simply stand up, modifying the height of the desk. This way you’re maintaining a healthy position all day long.