Sit-stand desks, also known as articulating desks grew expeditiously in popularity since the pandemic as consumers concerns for physical health grew and the need for a home office emerged. Most of us have begun to work from home or have adopted a hybrid working model. And that means a serious consideration for where and how to create a functional home office. Articulating desks are ergonomic, functional, and stylish. Lucky for you, I’ve created a list of the top 5 sit-stand desk brands for you to consider.
Read about how the pandemic changed our homes.
What are sit-stand desks?
Sit-stand desks are motorized desks that allow you to change the height of the desk. This allows for not only a comfortable and custom tabletop height while sitting, but also allows you to stand and work as well.
See my list of the top 5 best sit-stand desk brands on the market.
Benefits of using a sit-stand desk
1. Burns calories
If you want to eat ice cream and chocolate for breakfast as I do sometimes, you can feel better about your choice by burning some extra calories by standing while you work.
2. Gives you an energy burst
Let’s face it, if you’re a little too comfortable while working you tend to slack off. As someone who primarily works from home…I can tell you that I’ve tried to actually work from bed before. I had a little tabletop that allowed me and my laptop to snuggly sit in bed and work. The problem is it’s a little too comfortable. It’s really easy to fall into temptation and “rest your eyes for 5 minutes”.
The point is, where and how you work matters and affects your productivity immensely. And I don’t have to be a Doctor to prove that. When standing, you’re more alert and focused on the task at hand, so naturally you are more energized.
3. Improves posture
When you’re forced to stand, the right posture becomes natural. When you’re forced to sit down and type all day, naturally, you start to hunch. Not only does hunching all day cause pain and soreness, but eventually, we will also all start to look like the hunchback of Notre-Dame. Sit-stand desks make it so easy to alternate between sitting and standing. This prevents pain and ensures our posture doesn’t go out of wack.
4. Reduces back pain
In today’s society, having back pain has been a bit too normalized. I mean, as people get older the most notable thing they start to complain about is aches and pains. There is more you can do for yourself and your back pain besides getting massages (although massages are nice).
If you work a desk job, you need to be mindful that 8 hours of the day are being spent sitting, hunched down, and looking at your computer. It’s no wonder why your back hurts. Imagine if you reduced the time sitting hunched down by 50%…there’s potential for a huge improvement with your back pain. It’s about creating a lifestyle that makes and keeps you healthy.
5. Helps with wrist position
If you work a desk job, you’ve probably noticed your wrists start to fall and “rest” on your keyboard. This can lead to wrist strain and pain. If you use a sit-stand desk you can keep your arms bent at a 90-100 degree angle which is more comfortable and much friendlier to your wrists over time.
6. Keeps circulation going
I can’t tell you how many times my foot falls asleep while sitting down working. Oh, how I hate that numb feeling and even worse – the pins and needles feeling! UGH! This is caused by poor circulation and you guessed it, sitting for prolonged periods of time in awkward positions. When you stand, blood can circulate throughout your body in the way that it intended. So, use a sit-stand desk if you don’t want to feel like your limbs are detached.
7. Boosts your mood and focus
When we physically feel good, we are in a better mood (shocker). So clearly, an investment in your health, home, and well-being is well worth the financial investment. When our bodies are free of aches and pains we are more driven, focused, and happy to work, which in turn gives us the feeling of a more fulfilling career and life.
So if those 7 benefits of a sit-stand desk did not convince you to invest in a sit-stand desk, well, I guess you can stop reading here!
My list of the top 5 best sit-stand desk brands
Quick Find
The Best Affordable Sit-stand Desk
The Best Overall Sit-stand Desk
As an interior designer, my clients have constantly been requesting sit-stand desks. Which means I’ve done all the hunting and research for you. I’ve narrowed down the top 5 sit-stand desks on the market right now and I’ve created a list of them so you can compare all the features.
1. Burotic
This company was first featured on the French-Canadian Dragon’s Den Dans l’œil du dragon. These desks are made in Canada (but also ship to the USA) and come in absolutely gorgeous styles.
Most of the time you get what you pay for. And although this desk is on the pricier side, it’s worth it in my opinion. If you plan on using a desk for years and years to come you can’t beat the quality craftsmanship this brand delivers. The 10 warranty and 30-day risk-free trial gives you the insurance that you need when investing in a furniture piece. I’ve purchased a Burotic desk for my client and fell absolutely in love with it. I plan on splurging on my own sit-stand desk very soon.
Use code SPACESBYDEE for $50 on your Burotic desk or other purchase.
Specs
Table-Top Finish: Premium solid wood laminate
Height: Adjustable height 22.4″ to 48.4″
Motors: 2
Special Features: Integrated cable management
Weight capacity: 280 lbs
Adjustment speed: 1.4″ / second
Warranty: 10 years
Price Point: $$$
2. desky
This company is another Canadian brand that also offers many amazing features on their sit-stand desks. Desky is very competitive in pricing, it’s a great bang for your buck. You might be hesitant to really invest in a desk or just need to make a dollar stretch (we’ve all been there). This is my number 1 pick in terms of factoring in affordability.
My favourite option that Desky offers are the desks made for small spaces. They offer sit-stand desks as small as 31.5” wide. Which is amazing if you simply do not have the space (like many of us who live in condos).
Specs
Table-Top Finish: MDF Laminate
Height: Adjustable height 23.6″ to 49.2″
Motors: 2
Special Features: Optional add-on of integrated cable management/data channel and child locking prevention
Weight capacity: 308.9 lbs
Adjustment speed: 1.4″ / second
Warranty: 3 year limited warranty
Price Point: $
3. Flexispot
Flexispot takes number 3 on my list for their affordable sit-stand desks with unique features. This is the first sit-stand desk I’ve come across with a drawer, this is so simple yet clever. They also have the option to add wheels to the desk, making it super practical if you live in a small space and need to move the desk away when you’re not working from home.
This brand even has a desk bikes and desk converters. Desk converters are great if you already have a desk you love and want the functionality of a sit-stand desk.
Specs
Table-Top Finish: Bamboo or chipboard
Height: Adjustable height 28.3″ to 47.6″
Motors: 2
Special Features: 4 programmable height presets optional add-on of integrated cable management and keypad
Weight capacity: 154 lbs
Adjustment speed: Unconfirmed
Warranty: 1-10 years limited warranty
Price Point: $
4. Effydesk
This brand carries not only sit-stand desks but ergonomic chairs and other office products, making it a one-stop shop for all your ergonomic needs. They have a pretty expansive product range with even L-shaped sit-stand desks, which is not common among other brands.
All and all, going with Effy desk is a great choice, especially if you want to order desk accessories. You can even get your steps in while you work with their under-desk treadmill.
Specs
Table-Top Finish: High density particle board or wood options available as well
Height: Adjustable height 24” to 50”
Motors: 2
Special Features: Cable management tray and memory tray and installation services also available
Weight capacity: 265 lbs
Adjustment speed: 30″ /second
Warranty: 10 years
Price Point: $$
5. Ergotron
This is the last sit-stand desk brand that makes the list and for good reason. This brand has super unique and revolutionary sit-stand desk products. If you’re looking for a solution for your small space or office, Ergotron may have a solution for you. They have an option for an sit-stand desk that is wall hung which I think is so awesome if you live in a tiny bachelor apartment and don’t want the permanency of an actual desk. They also carry some really unique workstations that can be utilized in commercial and residential spaces.
Specs
Table-Top Finish: Walnut or birch
Height: Adjustable height 30.6”–50.6′′ ”
Motors: 2
Special Features: Four levelling glides establish a firm footing and adjust to install the unit on uneven floors
Weight capacity: 165 lbs
Adjustment speed: 30″ /second
Warranty: 5 years
Price Point: $$$
And there you have it folks. My top 5 picks for sit-stand desks. I hope you found this information helpful and it helps you make a choice for which sit-stand desk will serve your home office best.
It’s always my recommendation to also pair your sit-stand desk with an ergonomic chair as well to really reap the health benefits.
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