The 7 Best Compact Standing Desks for Small Spaces

Small Space? No Problem!

One of the challenges of living in a small apartment or dorm is the lack of space for a functional standing desk. The standard size 47” to 59” standing desk will hog all the space in your apartment. 

But that does not mean that you have to settle for a standing desk converter. These electric standing desks on our list we pick up today can fit in your small space in your home office. 

Check out this comparison table below first.

And now it’s time for you to check out our best recommendations!

Uplift V2 Standing Desk 42×30″

For small spaces, Uplift offers the size 42×30″ and there are 2 options for the normal frame and the Commercial frame. The normal frame has a height range from 25.3″ – 50.9″ that will support average guys (5’4″ height) to tall people (up to 6’8″ height) while the Commercial frame from Uplift V2 will support short guys from 4’1″ to 6’4″ (height range starts at 22.8″).

The frame is made of steel while the desktop is available in 4 different materials, they are reclaimed wood, solid bamboo, laminate, and solid hardwood. You can also choose the shape of your desktop too that will suit your need the most, rectangle or contoured.

Uplift V2 Standing Desk has a weight capacity of 355 lbs, very strong and sturdy indeed. The electric height adjustment is also very fast and silent under 50 dB.

The desk is also equipped with grommets for cable management so your working space will always look neat and tidy. The other notable thing from Uplift V2 Standing Desk is its 15-year warranty for all parts of the desk, pretty generous!

The reason we named the Uplift V2 42×30″ is the best standing desk for small spaces overall because it’s the strongest (355 lbs), has the longest warranty (15 years for all parts), has the most height adjustable range (with 2 different frames start with 22.8″ and up to max 50.9″) and even has the 4-leg version (the best for stability). No other brands on our list that can have so many “bests” on one desk.

The only thing that we think it’s not good enough is the price, which is a bit more expensive than the other options on our list (you can check the price to see why). But you have to remember that this is an all-inclusive package with top-notch quality.

Desky Dual Mini

This dual-standing desk from Desky is quite small and can sit unobtrusively in a small space. It looks perfect in that cozy little nook you have by the window. 

 But beneath those smaller dimensions is a more robust and stable unit. The legs of the desk are thicker and will not budge even if you shake it forcefully. 

It may be smaller but it packs on more lifting power. It has a substantial weight capacity a bit higher compared to other standing desks with the same dimensions and size.  

You’ll be less likely to have issues with the electronics, the sound is meek, and the table is very supportive even for a medium-duty setup. All along, you have had a smoother and unobstructed working experience with this stable Desky unit. 

Flexispot E2 Pro

• Size recommendation for a small space – 42”x30”

E2 Pro is also known as the Flexispot EN1. But it’s an upgraded version

This is our take on a small and compact standing desk that still feels quite stable and steady. This unit also comes with a width-adjustable frame, making it still useful should you move to a bigger space. All you need to do is pair it up with a larger tabletop that you fancy.

Other Flexispot desks can be used for smaller spaces, such as the E1. But it can be a bit unstable and has a lower weight capacity. And budget-wise, it can come at a less cost. It can still be a great choice for smaller spaces, but the E2 Pro can suffice for those who need a more stable surface.

Once set up this desk is quite sleek and makes up for a clean and decently spacious area where you can write, and work on your computers and laptop. The limitations however lie in the storage system. It doesn’t come with any at all. You have to purchase it separately, even the small cable management nook. 

Flexispot EG1

This is a runner-up for E2 Pro from the same brand, but it’s a budget option that you can buy via multi channels

The Flexispot EG1 tabletop runs a few inches more than the other options on our list. This desk measures 40” x 24”. We had to include it because, albeit the additional inches, it can still fit in a small apartment or a small home office. 

We recommend placing the desk perpendicular to the wall so that it would open up a lot of space.

And if you need a keyboard tray, don’t buy those that can be installed under the desk, these will need a lot of clearance. What will be ideal is a keyboard tray that is installed via clamps.

This is more of a light-duty desk and has a lower weight capacity of 110 lbs. Albeit the smaller capacity, this is a better alternative than the fixed stationary desk that gives you backaches. 

The good thing about the EG1 – it runs at less than 300 bucks. So this entry-level desk is perfect for those who are on a tight budget but want to transition to an electric standing desk.

There are also some gripes associated with the low price. You will be able to adjust the height of the desk by using the up and down control button. So unlike Jarvis, it does not have a memory preset. But we do find that the transitioning is pretty quiet but not as quiet as the Desky Dual Mini we mentioned above. 

The desk is pretty stable, just don’t go beyond the max height.

The legs of the desk seem a bit thick, so we reckon it can last for a few years. It can be a decent buy but may be more suited for home office rather than for commercial use.

Most of the complaints happen when the desk is made to bear too much weight. 

So we find this more fitting for a home office, for students, and not for commercial use.

Herman Miller Min Motia

Well, #4 on the list of the best standing desk for small spaces, we mentioned a famous brand but related to the office chair – Herman Miller! You may hear about this brand for high-end products like Embody, Aeron, or Sayl but maybe you never know in the desk market, it still exists an amazing standing desk, too!!!

We chose the Min Motia not only because of its compact size but also because it’s also a very sophisticated and elegant standing desk. 

The base is white and you get to choose from 3 tabletop colors. All of which look rather premium and classy, which should be because of their higher price tag.

This is also a heavy-duty standing desk. Herman Miller desks and chairs are made to withstand commercial wear and tear. So this is a perfect option for you if you’re looking for something that can last long term.

It’s also a great desk for both the office and your home office.

We also find the Moita to be one of the quiet when transitioning. The transition is very fast too. It is also pretty stable. 

One thing we have noticed though is that all Herman Miller desks have wider telescoping legs. You can also see the same frame and leg design in the Renew desk or the Nevi. And these wider bottom legs and feet perhaps contribute to the stability and durability of the desk. The steel is thicker than most standing desks in the market.

So this is going to be more stable and sturdy than the Jarvis. You can lean your weight on the desk and it will not budge. 

And it has tons of customization options too like Jarvis.

One downside, however, is that this does not come with a memory pad. So you pretty much have to manually adjust the desk yourself. And of course, you have to pay a pretty steep fee for the shipping, which you have to put up if you buy desks from Herman Miller.

Overall, the Motia is an elegant and durable choice for a home office. And since it can withstand wear and tear, it’s also suitable for commercial use. 

SHW Desk

The SHW electric standing desk also has the same dimensions as the Flexispot EG1. And a few inches wider, you’ll not have any problems squeezing this desk into your small apartment. 

Aside from the smaller dimensions, we love how functional it is. Compared to the other options on our list, this desk comes with a bit more accessories that can help you get organized.

It comes with a headphone hook at the side and has a small tray you can use to keep pins, pens, and small items. And it also has 4 memory presets for your convenience. 

And oh, another feature that makes it suitable for a small space is the lockable wheels. So you can easily move it from one part of the house to the other. It can also seamlessly fit through doors so you can move.

This is also an entry-level desk that costs less than 250 dollars, so it’s more affordable than the EG1. You’ll find it has more bits such as the 4 memory presets and more accessories. 

As for the gripes, the desktop comes in two pieces. It will leave an obvious demarcation line where the two pieces meet. As for the stability, we were not expecting much because of the cheap price. 

But it turned out not so bad after all. It’s not the most stable, but it isn’t super wobbly either. And when you bump into the desk, it might budge a bit. But when you’re typing on your laptop, it is decently stable. 

And oh, the warranty can be quite stingy. Though you can opt to extend the one-year warranty to three years, you have to pay for it. 

Albeit the shortcomings, this is a great option for students who are looking for a decently stable desk for their small apartment. It can also be a suitable option for the freelancer who is starting out. But due to the lower weight capacity, you will not be able to put equipment on the table, it can accommodate a very simple setup.

FEZIBO

This 40 x 24 FEZIBO is another great stand-up desk for small spaces. 

The control panel features 3 memory present so you can save your favorite height settings. That’s quite convenient especially if you’re changing positions within the day’s work. 

It’s also an ideal desk for students since it has anti-collision features. Or if you have kids running around your home office, always get a desk with this safety feature. A standing desk can be quite powerful when they are transitioning, it can bump anything that gets in its way. 

One of the trade-offs, however, the desk comes in two splices or pieces. So it can take additional time to mesh the two parts together. At the same time, it can still leave an obvious line where the two desks meet. So if you’re looking for a sleeker and more streamlined desk, this isn’t it. 

The desk seems to be of quality and pretty stable and sturdy. But the tabletop is a bit thin compared to the quality of the entire desk. We were expecting the tabletop to be a bit thicker due to the price. This is even thinner than that of the SHW desk and yet the SHW desk is way cheaper.  

Even the frame is pretty sturdy, but the tabletop is a different story.

That’s why another option is to buy a FEZIBO frame and just buy a separate table top from IKEA or use an old table that you like. 

Like the SHW, this is a great option for students. Freelancers who only need a simple setup and who are very tight on a budget will also find this desk suitable. And if you just need a frame, a FEZIBO is also worth the buy.

Why we choose these brands

Getting a smaller standing desk for a smaller space makes the best sense. It should not be too complicated right? But it’s more than that. These desks satisfied these points.

1. Multifunctional

If you don’t have the luxury of space for a writing desk, you might also lack the area for storage and cabinets. That’s why a desk that has built-in cabinets, compartments, and drawers comes in conveniently. These are just slots with very shallow drawers. We have several units on this list that have larger drawers that you can use to organize your things.

We also have desks that can function as your wiring pad or scratch paper. This saves you up on sticky notes, scratch papers, and all.

2. Modern Features 

If you’re also looking to upgrade from your old-school basic desk, you need ones that are equipped with modern functionality. If you need wireless chargers, additional USB ports, and Bluetooth connectivity among others, you don’t need to buy bigger desks. You can enjoy these conveniences even with a compact and small standing desk.

3. Aesthetically pleasing

Though this might not seem of such importance, it is for us. It doesn’t mean that you have to prioritize beauty over function. But if we can have a perfect blend of both, why not? 

Having a smaller space for working at home doesn’t mean that you must buy whatever desk can fit in that small space. Why not make the most of it by choosing a functional and pretty desk at the same time? This can also liven up that cramped space and make you more productive

Our recommendation

Most home offices share the same limitation, a smaller space. Thus the need for a more compact standing desk that can sit unobtrusively at a small nook in a room.

Basic isn’t bad if you just need one for writing. But you do not need to compromise on the need for more if space is an issue. 

And you don’t always have to buy units to get a multi-functional desk. We’ve got a handful that you can use in more ways than one.

These compact stand-up desks our experts recommended can help you stretch your legs albeit in a smaller home office. And you don’t have to settle with the top of your cabinet!