Standing Desk

The best thing about adjustable standing desks is that you can change the height of the desk according to your own requirements. This means that if you want to stand up and work you can adjust the height accordingly and if you want to sit and work even then you can adjust the height of the desk accordingly. The standing desk provides you with alternate options of either sitting and working or standing and working.

Bonus Buyer’s Guide for those who are looking to the budget standing desks

If you’re new to the standing desk game, it can be hard to buy the right unit. You have your corporate desk in the office, but you can’t really purchase the same desk for your home, you will have more limitations. As such this simple guide will help you choose the right model and brand.

buyer guide for standing desks under 500 bucks

Manual vs electric

Manual desks can be adjusted by turning on a hand crank while electric standing desks rely on motors.

Electric sit-stand desks also need a power source. And you’ll be able to choose from a smorgasbord of options. These desks also have  more upgraded features

The downside is that they are also prone to glitches.

Manual desks are void of these. However, you will need manual strength to change the desk height. 

And some may not be up for this. But they do cost cheaper than their electric counterparts. You can score a stable one at a lower price. But it’s not for you if you need to change the desk height several times a day, it can be a pain to adjust it manually every time. 

Weight capacity

Most standing desks within the entry-level range often have anywhere between 130-170 weight capacity. That may be sufficient for those who are starting to venture into a WFH situation unless you already have a hefty setup. 

But you may be able to find units with the 500 dollar mark that can be amenable to a more busy setup. Look for units that have around 220-300 lbs weight capacity. The stronger the better!

Minimum and max desk height

This is very crucial so that you can ensure that you can work comfortably, whether sitting or standing. If you are slightly tall up to 6’1”, look for desks that can go from 48”-50”. And If you are petite, you have to look for units that can go as low as 24” or 25’. 

You may also use this chart as a reference. This will help you choose the ideal standing desk for your height. 

Minimum standing desk height 
Petite 
4’7”- 4’9” 23”-24”
5’0”-5’3” 24”-28”
Average 
5’4”-5’9” 30”-41”
Tall
5’10”-61”” 42”-50”
6’2”-6’4” 50”-54”

*Keep in mind that these are suggested measurements only. The perfect desk height for you may also vary depending on the dimensions of your body. Say, if you have a longer lower body or legs, then you might need a desk that can go slightly higher than the recommended one. 

Thus, it’s really best to be able to try the desk first. If not possible since online shopping is prevalent still, ensure that the brand covers free returns in case it doesn’t fit the bill. 

Available space

Determining the footprint of the desk can ensure that you will have a home office that’s not too cramped yet you will still be able to work productively. Thus buying a desk that is big or too small can affect your work output and your mood as well.

Buy a small one for a large room and you could have used the extra space for zoning. And buying a large one that eats up all the space in a small office will make it look too cramped. You might not even have enough room to breathe.

Often a desk that measures 30 x 24 or 30 x 20 is ideal for smaller rooms. And if you have enough space and budget, anything as big as a 72 or 80-inch desk can be very useful to you.  

Customer service (again)

As we mentioned, this is really a thing if your standing desk gets errors, usually, the setup or the control center does not work as it might!

For those who are new to freelancing, you might find this the least of your concern. 

You will be more focused on getting a desk that is stable enough or big enough for your needs. 

You will also be more concerned with aesthetics rather than after-sales. But never undermine this. It can mean a lot of hassle if you got a unit that virtually doesn’t offer at least a decent one.

If you, unfortunately, received the wrong item or if it has missing parts, then you have to have it returned or refunded. And a brand with at least decent customer service will make it possible for you to receive the correct item sooner rather than later.

Also, check the warranty. It has to be at least equal to the value of the desk or more than. 

Nowadays, many brands are improving their coverage for their desks. And this is good news for customers. But it’s still best to get one that offers one of the best in the market. And since you might yet be used to troubleshooting, you will need a brand with dedicated customer service. Otherwise, you might not be able to use the desk once issues arise.

EC1W flexispot - best standing desk under $500

Are standing desks really better for you?

There is a lot of debate about whether standing desks are actually better for you than sitting desks. Some studies suggest that they can improve your posture and help you burn more calories, while others have found no significant difference between the two.

Does standing desk burn calories? Research from the University of Chester found that those who used standing desks burned more calories than those who sat at their desks, even when they weren’t deliberately trying to exercise. In detail, it’s said that the study participants who used standing desks burned an average of 54 more calories per hour than those who sat at their desks. The study participants also reported feeling more alert and less tired after using a standing desk.

Another study from the Texas A&M Health Science Center found that people who used standing desks had better posture and less back pain than those who sat at their desks. The study authors suggested that the improved posture might be due to the fact that standing desk users are less likely to slouch.

So, what does all of this research mean? It’s hard to say definitively whether standing desks are better for you than sitting desks. However, if you’re looking for a way to improve your posture and possibly burn more calories, a standing desk may be worth a try.

How much should you stand at the standing desk?

A general guideline is to start with about 20 minutes per day and gradually increase the amount of time as you get used to it.

If you’re new to using a standing desk, it’s important to take breaks often and not stand for too long at a time. Standing for long periods of time can cause discomfort in your feet, legs, and back, so it’s important to listen to your body and take breaks as needed.

Vari electric standing desk image

Vari Electric Standing Desk – A Pretty Stable & good choice for tall people

Vari or Varis Sales Corporation is a US brand based in Texas. The brand boasts solid and easy-to-assemble standing desks. Vari started creating sit-stand desks and converters in 2013 with the name Varidesk, and it’s one of the more...
Fully Jarvis Bamboo desk

Herman Miller Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk Review – Simple, high-quality desk

Today we make highlight some key features of the Jarvis Standing Desk with the Bamboo Top and how it compares to other similar products in the market. For reason, we choose the bamboo tabletop instead of the others. Well,...
l shaped standing desk comparison

Jarvis vs Uplift L Shaped Standing Desk: Which is better?

Important Note: 21 April 2024, MillerKnoll shut down the Fully company, until now the Jarvis L shaped standing desk is unavailable. The Fully brand was sold to Herman Miller, and they keep Jarvis Bamboo standing desk alive but the...
standing desk brands

Standing desk brands with experience: Warranty and customer services

While we are all in for a stable and gorgeous standing desk, there are other things that are also as important: The brand's customer support, warranty, and return policy. Customer service and the return or refund policies also make a...
glass standing desks

Top 5 best Tempered Glass Standing Desks for large space

We are a sucker for those lovely solid wood table tops for a standing desk. But some people are awed with a glass top standing desk. Glass tops may be more visually appealing for those who want a more...
famisky standing desk review

How the Famisky Standing Desk can Spark Joy in You

Simply put, aesthetics is not Famisky’s strength. Take a close look at the table and you would instantly agree with us that it’s not one of those good-looking desks that can instantly spark joy in you. Levit8 Standing Desk...
tabletop standing desk

How to choose the best tabletop for your standing desk?

The tabletop may not seem as important as the motor. But you are in direct contact with the desk surface every single time. That’s why it’s as important as the motor. We will discuss in the article several types of...
DIY standing desk idea - Autonomous smart desk kit

2 DIY Standing Desk Ideas: The Hard & The Easy Way in 2024

Do you want a standing desk after you have read about the ill effects and dangers of sitting for long? However, you are not sure how you will feel standing and working and don’t want to spend a great...
standing desk calculator tools

How to Calculate the Best Height for a Standing Desk?

Currently, health-conscious modern people or offices know the importance of using standing desk. But, do we know the best height for the standing desk and how to calculate that? Let’s discuss the matter and find a way to calculate...
student style stand up desk idea

12 Best Stand up Desk ideas for Workspace this 2024

Regardless of the nature of the workplace, it is a must to have a comfortable work area. In the presence of a comfortable work area, it becomes easy to work well and give the best in terms of performance. ...