Standing desks are really popular right now, with multiple studies and research highlighting their endless benefits. But you don't have to go out and buy a giant desk to stand at. Thanks to clever little standing desk converters, you can turn the desk you already have into one suitable for standing. And - we've found the best.
Working from home is here for the foreseeable future as we adapt to a new way of hybrid working - and we're not complaining. You can create a healthy workspace at home perfect for you. Say goodbye to fluorescent office lighting and choose whether you want to stand or sit in your office chair.
Best standing desk converters at a glance
• Best heavy-duty option: VariDesk Pro Plus 36 - View Offer on eBay
• Best stylish option: Ukmaster Wooden Adjustable Stand - View Offer on Amazon UK
• Top pick: VIVO Standing 32 Inch Desk Converter - View Offer on Amazon UK
Still not convinced? Have a read of some of the benefits of working at a standing desk. We can't say no to a mood-booster, especially on those early Monday mornings! Check out our round-up of the best standing desk converters, to boost your productivity and start the day right.
The best standing desk converters
Best heavy-duty option
www.ebay.co.uk
This is perhaps the ultimate standing desk converter on the market, offering two large shelves and exceptional build quality. There are 11 height settings to choose from and it can hold up to 15.5kg. Despite the large size and weight (29.4kg), this converter is easy to use thanks to a spring-loaded lift feature.
Customer review: "Amazing desk on a desk! A friend recommended this to me, and I find it brilliant. It's very heavy, so you may want help getting it onto the desk in the first place; the benefit is that it then stays firmly in place and keeps your computer etc safe. The controls are easy (a handle on each side to grip, release and then hold in while you move the desk to the position you prefer). There is even an app for your phone to help you if you want to be told when you should switch from sitting to standing and back again.
"I know that the desks which can move up and down (the whole desk surface) to let you switch between sitting and standing are very expensive (about £1000 upwards), and I think this is a great alternative. I have found a small & simple gadget which is weighted and holds on to your computer cable is helpful when you unplug with the desk in the high position!"
Pros
- Great adjustability
- Top-quality construction
- Plenty of room for monitors and computer accessories
Cons
- You'll need a lot of space and money for this one
| Size | W91.4 x H75.6 x D36cm |
| Weight | 23.8kg |
| Maximum Load | 15.8kg |
Best for making use of your space
Designed to make the most of your available space, this Flexispot Adjustable Standing Desk Converter offers a double shelf set-up and support for two monitors, without being too cumbersome in size. With unlimited height adjustment and a maximum load of 15kg, it's an ideal choice for anyone working from home. IT even has a keyboard tray that you can remove to customise to the way you work.
Customer review: "A great purchase. Lots of information available pre-sale, especially about dimensions, so I could make a properly informed choice. Consequently a perfect fit for my desktop and space. Exceptionally easy to construct and position. Very robust and sturdy (no keyboard bounce unless you type like an elephant) and all this at a very good price, makes it exceptional value. Absolutely delighted with it."
Pros
- Great build quality
- Maximises your working space
- Easy to put together and adjust
Cons
- Some found it didn't have the best space for a computer mouse
| Size | D88 x W42 x H12-50 cm |
| Weight | 15.5 kg |
| Maximum Load | 15 kg |
Best stylish option
If you want a standing desk converter but are worried that it won't fit your office decor, a bamboo option might be your answer. Offering seven levels of adjustability for the two shelves supplied, it'll be easy to find an ergonomic position for you to work while standing. Each shelf of this Ukmaster Wooden Adjustable Stand can support up to 8kg, making it ideal for any modern computer. As a bonus, you'll get a free bamboo headphone stand, too.
Customer review: "Great solution for a home-based office worker. I bought it for my sister as a birthday gift. She's really satisfied as she can both work in a sitting and a standing position. Highly recommended for office workers."
Pros
- Looks great with quality construction
- Accessory included with PC protection
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not the same degree of adjustability as other options - more manual work to shift levels
| Size | L70.5 x W52.7 x H73cm |
| Weight | 8.65 kg |
| Maximum Load | 8 kg |
Top pick
This VIVO Standing 32 Inch Desk Converter can comfortably hold two 24-inch monitors or a laptop and a monitor - whichever your setup needs! The dual-tier design is both spacious and ergonomic with the bottom platform being removable if you'd prefer to use it without. You can smoothly adjust the height with just the squeeze of a handle; lift straight up from approx. 11-50cm.
Customer review: "Great piece for home office. Using one extra screen and laptop, feels totally sturdy enough. Super easy to go from standing to sitting even during meetings - making my back and hips very happy!"
Pros
- Minimal assembly, study
- A great range for adjustments
- Smooth movement and spacious
Cons
- A little harder to lower - you'll need to put weight on it to bring it down
| Size | 80 x 39.8 cm |
| Weight | 12.8 kg |
| Maximum Load | 15 kg |
Best for laptops
Another portable offering, this laptop stand extends and tilts to whatever specification you want. Designed for use with laptops up to 17-inches in diameter, the Nulaxy Laptop Stand raises to a maximum height of 21 inches. You can use it on a desk or coffee table, but the flat base does mean it's not as mobile as the Lavolta - it'll be a little trickier to use on the sofa!
Customer review: "Everyone needs this if you’re WFH! Study and ergonomically designed to help with eye-to-screen work! I wouldn’t return to the alternative! It’s a must."
Pros
- Sleek and small when not in use
- Excellent adjustability
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- It only works on flat, solid surfaces (no good as a lap desk)
| Size | 32.7 x 30.6 x 6.9cm |
| Weight | 1.89 kg |
| Maximum Load | 10 kg |
Best budget standing desk converter
A multipurpose item from Amazon, this Amazon Basics Adjustable and Portable Laptop Table table is designed to work as a tray, crouch desk, and standing desk converter. With an adjustable height and tilting top, it is a basic but competent option. It can accommodate laptops up to 35.56cm and is adjustable from 23.88-32cm in height.
Customer review: "Very lightweight, big enough for my laptop and other stuff to go on, it’s adjustable and durable, been using it a year now and it’s still great."
Pros
- Good value for money and a multipurpose item
- Lightweight and portable
- Suitable for use on a desk or as a lap desk
Cons
- Low in stock
| Size | 60 x 33 x 1.02 cm |
| Weight | 1.63 kg |
| Maximum Load | Unspecified. |
Best ergonomic option
www.wayfair.co.uk
A great ergonomic sit-stand desk with a top surface that fits two monitors with a second-level keyboard tray, and even room for storage. The Tamara Height Adjustable Standing Desk has a strong and sturdy steel design, with a smooth and stable adjustability system, making this a great choice for converting any workspace.
Customer review: "Perfect, robust and although it takes a little bit of upper body strength, it raises and lowers great. Delighted."
Pros
- Large work surface area with a second shelf
- Incorporated cable management
- Stable adjustability system
Cons
- Heavy and self-assembly required
| Size | H43.79 x W91.44 x D71.88 cm |
| Weight | 20 kg |
| Maximum Load | 16 kg |
FAQs
Benefits of working at a standing desk
Boost productivity
Slumping down in your office chair isn't the best (no surprise there!) and it probably isn't doing any good for your work either. Standing can remove the lazy attitude we often feel sitting at our desks, standing can break this and push you to do more.
Reduce back pain
Back pain is a common issue many, if not all, people have while working at a desk. Healthline has found that standing desks can reduce this, with 32 per cent of participants in a study reporting an improvement in lower back pain after several weeks of using standing desks.
Lower risk of weight gain
According to Healthline, standing for periods of time also reduces the risk of obesity and the associated health risks that come with this (like heart disease). Obviously, exercise is the best way to burn calories, but by standing rather than sitting, you're actually burning more calories.
Improve energy levels
Standing has a big positive influence on our well-being both physically and mentally. Working at a standing desk is said to reduce stress and boost your energy, overall, a great mood booster.
Angelica Daujotas has contributed to various Bauer Media brands such as Yours, heat, Closer, Grazia and What’s The Best as a Commercial Content Writer since 2020. She is now the Commerce Editor at Footballco.