Standing Desk vs: Desk Converter: A Practical Guide for Home and Office Workspaces
If you’re looking to build more movement into your working day (great decision, by the way!) you’ve probably considered a standing desk or a desk riser but which one is right for you? This guide covers some key factors to consider, from practical constraints to personal preferences:
What’s the difference between a standing desk and a desk converter?
A standing desk is a height-adjustable desk, while a desk riser (also known as a desk converter) is placed on top of an existing desk to provide sit-stand functionality.
Space and layout considerations for standing desks and risers
For both standing desks and desk risers:
What space do you have? This is not only for the desk itself but also to move your chair out of the way when you choose to stand. Some desk converters come forward as well as up, so require additional standing space.
Cable management requirements. Will cables still reach and remain tidy and safe as the desk height changes?
Overall weight. Both types can include heavy components, so consider this if you plan to move them or share equipment between desks.
Desk riser specific space and layout considerations
Dimensions
Compare the dimensions with your existing desk dimensions to ensure it fits and gives you enough surface to work and accommodate your desktop equipment.
Desk risers with a straight edge typically give more space than those with a cut-out front edge.
A riser with a thick base may raise your seated desk surface, so make sure your chair can go high enough to allow for the higher arm position and that you still have enough room under the desk for your legs in that raised chair position.
Equipment compatibility with desk risers
If you use monitor stands, will the riser accommodate the stand ‘footprint’?
If you use desk-mounted monitor clamps, will the clamp fit the riser shelf?
Does it have space / capacity for dual monitors, if needed?
Consider the dimensions of the keyboard you use - will there be enough room for keyboard and mouse as well enough space for your frequently used items, such as notepads, mugs, phones etc?
How much can you adjust standing desks and risers?
Both standing desks and risers can be adjusted manually or electrically but the range of movement varies widely. It may sound obvious but don’t assume that the riser will accommodate the lowest seated height and the maximum standing height requirement for the height of the user(s).
Review product specifications, user reviews and speak to your supplier to evaluate:
The strength required for manual adjustments
Whether height can be fine-tuned or only changed in fixed steps
Smoothness and stability during movement,especially if you're using free-standing monitors
Safety considerations such as pinch points, cable entanglement, and the risk of items tipping over.
It is always worth asking your supplier if it is possible to have a standing desk or desk riser on a trial.
Potential barriers to using a standing desk or riser
Beyond technical features, there are some personal and workplace factors that can influence whether a standing desk or riser will work well for you:
Visibility in open plan offices
Some people may feel self-conscious being the only one standing among seated colleagues.
Cost
Standing desks can be more expensive than traditional desks and workplaces might be hesitant to invest due to budget limitations, uncertainty about the benefits or setting a precedent for more desk requests.
Office layout and aesthetics
Standardised furniture layouts can make it harder to introduce varied desk heights.
How to use a sit-stand setup effectively
Knowing how to use a sit-stand setup effectively matters.
It’s more about movement than standing
There is so much evidence that being sedentary for long periods is not good for our health, as well as our comfort and productivity, but prolonged standing also has negative effects. Using a standing desk to build in a mix of seated work, standing work and short frequent periods of movement is what benefits workplace health the most.
Identify which tasks come more naturally to you when standing
Some people find tasks that don't require much mouse or keyboard input easier, for example virtual calls or on-screen reading work well. For others, the energy of creativity suits standing better than sitting. Enjoy experimenting and learning.
Posture matters
It is very easy to replace a poor sitting posture with a poor standing posture so how you stand at a sit-stand desk really matters. You can still be completely sedentary at a standing desk if you don’t build standing time into your work routine! Read more in my article To sit or to stand.
Build your standing habits
It’s important to gradually build up your new standing habits - set a reminder, link standing and movement to the tasks that work well for you, sit down if you notice your body is getting fatigued. And don’t forget to celebrate your achievements when you successfully incorporate standing and movement into your working day.
Standing desks are definitely a hot topic at the moment. They were recently discussed on 'Sliced Bread' on Radio 4'. Listen to the episode.
Need more help choosing a standing desk or desk converter?
Choosing a standing desk or a desk riser depends on your space, budget, work habits, and ergonomic needs. Remember it’s not just about standing it’s about moving more, sitting less and doing both in better posture.
I hope this overview helps you make a more informed choice. If you have any questions about posture, desk setup or how to build movement into your day, do get in touch — I’d be happy to help.
If you would like to understand more about how to make the best of your work set-up with whatever chair / table combo you are using, download my free 'Pimp My Chair' guide for top tips on temporary (and permanent) ways to improve the set-up with whatever chair you are using.