Standing Desk Buying Guide: What to Check Before You Buy (UK)

An electric standing desk can make it easier to change working position, but the right model still needs to fit your room, equipment and body. Worktop size, height range, stability and controls all matter more than a long feature list.

This UK standing desk buying guide explains what to measure, which features are worth considering and how to choose a desk that works comfortably in both sitting and standing positions. You can compare the current range in the standing and adjustable desks collection as you read.

Is a standing desk right for you?

A standing desk is designed to let you alternate between seated and standing work. It is not necessary to stand all day. The practical benefit is the ability to change the desk height as your task or position changes.

An electric model is useful when you expect to adjust the desk regularly. A manual desk may suit occasional changes, while a pneumatic mobile desk can work as a flexible secondary surface. Whichever type you choose, it should remain stable at the heights you plan to use.

What to check before buying a standing desk

1. Measure the available floor space

Measure the width and depth of the area, then allow room for your chair, movement, plugs and drawers or doors. Check skirting boards and radiators, which can stop the frame or desktop sitting flush against a wall.

Mark the proposed footprint on the floor with removable tape. This gives you a more realistic sense of scale than reading the dimensions alone.

2. List the equipment that must fit

Write down everything that normally stays on your desk: monitor, laptop, keyboard, mouse, speakers, docking station, notebooks and desk lamp. A compact laptop setup needs far less space than two monitors and a desktop computer.

Remember to check depth as well as width. The worktop should let you position the screen at a comfortable distance while keeping the keyboard and mouse close enough that you do not reach forwards.

3. Check the minimum and maximum height

The desk needs to work at your seated elbow height and at your standing elbow height. Product photographs cannot confirm this, so compare the stated height range with your measurements.

When standing, use a relaxed position with your forearms roughly parallel to the floor. When seated, your feet should be supported and your shoulders should not rise as you type. Footwear, chair height and keyboard thickness can all affect the setting that feels right.

4. Choose a suitable worktop size

These broad categories can help you narrow the range:

• Compact desks around 100cm wide: useful for a laptop, single-monitor setup or smaller room.
• Mid-size desks around 120–140cm wide: suitable for many everyday home-office setups.
• Large desks around 160–200cm wide: useful for multiple screens, larger equipment or a shared work surface.

These are starting points, not universal rules. Always compare the exact width and depth with your equipment and available room.

5. Review the frame, stability and load capacity

A desk should feel stable at the heights you intend to use. Look at the frame design, feet and stated weight capacity. Add together the weight of monitors, arms, computers and other equipment, leaving a sensible margin rather than planning to use the desk at its limit.

Load capacity is not the only factor. Weight distribution, floor level and correct assembly can also affect stability. Follow the manufacturer’s assembly and operating instructions.

6. Decide whether memory presets matter

Memory buttons let you save preferred sitting and standing heights. They can be convenient if you change position several times a day or share the desk with another person.

A basic up-and-down control can still be perfectly suitable for one user. Pay for memory settings when they will make the desk easier to use, not simply because they are available.

7. Consider cable management

Cables must have enough slack to move safely through the full height range without catching or pulling. Think about power leads, monitor cables, chargers and any docking station before placing the desk.

A cable tray, clips or a flexible cable spine can help. Test the setup by raising and lowering the desk slowly while watching every connection.

8. Look at storage and accessories

Drawers, keyboard trays and monitor shelves can free up worktop space, but they also affect legroom and your working height. Check their dimensions and position rather than assuming every accessory will improve the setup.

A keyboard tray can be valuable on a compact desk if it allows a relaxed typing position. A monitor shelf can create space underneath, provided the screen does not end up too high.

Which standing desk size should you choose?

For a compact home office

A 100 × 60cm worktop can provide useful depth without taking over a small room. The Ergo Heights 100 × 60cm electric standing desk adds a keyboard tray and uses a rustic brown worktop. Check the full dimensions, height range and current product information before ordering.

For an everyday single-monitor setup

A 120cm-wide desk is a flexible middle ground for many home workers. Browse the current adjustable desk collection to compare worktop depths, control panels and features.

For multiple monitors or a larger workstation

A wider worktop can reduce crowding and make it easier to organise equipment. Measure each item first and decide whether you need extra width, depth or both. Larger desks also need more delivery access and assembly space.

For moving between rooms

A compact mobile standing desk can work as a laptop station, presentation surface or flexible secondary desk. Check the wheel design, base clearance and worktop size to ensure it will move safely through the intended rooms.

How to set up a standing desk comfortably

1. Start with the desk near elbow height and keep your shoulders relaxed.
2. Keep the keyboard and mouse close, with wrists in a neutral position.
3. Place the main screen directly in front of you. The HSE suggests the top of the screen should be around eye level and the screen about an arm’s length away.
4. Distribute your weight comfortably and avoid locking your knees.
5. Change position before discomfort prompts you. Alternate sitting, standing and moving rather than trying to stand continuously.
6. Save useful heights to the memory controls if your desk provides them.

If you use a laptop for prolonged work, consider a separate keyboard and mouse so the screen can be raised independently. Pair the desk with a supportive ergonomic office chair for seated work.

Standing desk mistakes to avoid

• Buying by width alone: a wide desk can still be too shallow for your screen setup.
• Ignoring the minimum height: a desk that does not go low enough may be uncomfortable when seated.
• Forgetting cable movement: tight cables can pull free or obstruct the mechanism.
• Overloading the frame: include the weight of monitor arms and equipment when checking capacity.
• Standing all day immediately: introduce changes gradually and keep moving between positions.
• Skipping the access check: measure doors, stairs and the assembly area before a large desk arrives.

Standing desk FAQs

Are electric standing desks worth it?

They can be worth it when quick, low-effort height changes will help you use the sit-stand function regularly. If you rarely expect to adjust the desk, a fixed or manual option may offer better value.

What is the best size standing desk for a home office?

The best size is the smallest worktop that comfortably fits your equipment while maintaining suitable screen distance and movement space. Measure the room and your equipment before choosing.

How high should a standing desk be?

There is no one height for everyone. A useful starting point is around elbow height, with relaxed shoulders and forearms roughly parallel to the floor. The desk’s range should also work with your seated chair position.

Can two people share one standing desk?

Yes, provided the height range suits both people. Memory presets are especially useful for returning quickly to each person’s preferred settings.

Do I still need an ergonomic chair?

Yes, if you plan to work seated for any part of the day. A standing desk does not replace a chair that fits you and supports a comfortable seated setup.

Find the right fit for your workspace. Compare standing and adjustable desks at Ergo Heights, or browse all office desks. Eligible UK orders include free standard delivery, and most arrive within 2–4 working days; product-specific lead times and policy terms apply.