We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Standing Desks?

By Shannon Kietzman
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,465
Share

Standing desks have been around for hundreds of years, though modern designs are created for a different purpose than their antique counterparts. In the 18th and 19th centuries, standing desks were considered to be a sign of prestige. Today, they are an ergonomic alternative for those who wish to reduce pain and discomfort.

As the name implies, standing desks are desks at which the user stands rather than sits. Standing desks are designed to be at a level where the user can easily stand and perform tasks without having to crouch down or reach upward. In fact, standing desks of the past were commonly measured to precisely match the height and needs of the user. Because of the custom-made nature of standing desks, only the rich could afford them.

While modern day standing desks aren’t necessarily measured to precisely fit one user, they have certain characteristics that allow users of various heights to use the same desk. The most common method is to place the desk surface at a slant. In this way, each user can slide work into the position that best suits his or her height.

Standing desks may also have adjustable legs. In this way, the surface can remain flat, while its height can be adjusted. This design is less popular with many users, because adjusting it each time is more difficult and time consuming than using the slanted model. Another option with standing desks is to place a pedestal near them, on which various users can stand in order to achieve the proper height. Often, this solution is impractical, however, as most users prefer to be able to move freely back and forth while using standing desks.

A popular solution for standing desks is to have a surface that is adjustable to various users. This design is usually the easiest to manipulate and meets the needs of the greatest number of users, while still allowing the desk to have a level area where items can be placed without fear of them falling off. Often, the desktop can also be lifted in order to reveal a storage area underneath.

Supporters of using standing desks believe they reduce back pain and injuries when compared to sitting desks. Some advocates also believe the standing desk could be the answer to the growing problem with obese children in the United States, as it encourages more activity and movement.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By entrepreneur — On May 27, 2010

Thomas Jefferson, Ernest Hemmingway and Donald Rumsfeld are all known to have used stand-up desks. They are so much better for your back than sitting all day, I cannot believe that they are not more popular.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-standing-desks.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.