Best Standing Desk Setups: effydesk Reviews and Ergo Tips

The best standing desk setup puts your monitor at eye level about one arm's length away, keeps your keyboard and mouse level with your elbows, and lets you alternate between sitting and standing through the day. Add an anti-fatigue mat, an adjustable ergonomic chair and a monitor arm, and the desk works with your body instead of against it.

Below are the setup rules that matter most, followed by four real effydesk customer setups, from a podcast studio to a dual-monitor gaming station.

Why Does Desk Ergonomics Matter?

Desk ergonomics matters because a poorly set up workstation, used day after day, can lead to muscle strain, carpal tunnel, tendonitis and other musculoskeletal disorders.

These injuries are less obvious than a fall or a cut, but they are just as serious if left untreated. Improper ergonomics over time can cause injuries like muscle strain, carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal disorders. Untreated workplace injuries lead to more insurance claims, missed time at work and lost income.

The Ontario government notes that applying proper ergonomics can reduce injuries and health disorders, while increasing productivity and improving the quality of work.

Building an ergonomic workstation or home office involves more than swapping your existing desk for a sit stand desk. The desk is a great place to start, and the sections below cover the rest.

How Do You Ergonomically Optimize Your Workspace?

An ergonomic workspace alternates sitting and standing in a 2:1 ratio, adds an anti-fatigue mat underfoot, and pairs the desk with an adjustable chair that supports your lower back.

Experts recommend alternating between sitting and standing throughout the work day. For every two hours spent sitting, one hour should be spent working from a standing position.

Tip: While working from your height adjustable standing desk try out these easy and fun desk exercises to get your blood moving.

With all that time spent standing at your electric standing desk, what's under your feet matters too. Equip yourself with an anti fatigue mat. Ergonomic anti-fatigue mats are designed to ease the load on your joints and muscles when you stand for long periods.

What you sit on is just as important as what you stand on. Upgrade to an ergonomically engineered chair for better back health. The best office chairs for back pain use temperature-neutral breathable mesh and offer lumbar support.

Just like your sit stand desk, you should be able to adjust the height, depth and lumbar support of your chair for a good fit. The Aery Ergonomic Chair, for example, adds an adjustable headrest and 4D armrests to a seat that adjusts from 18" to 21".

What Does the Perfect Ergonomic Desk Setup Look Like?

The perfect ergonomic desk setup puts the monitor at eye level one arm's length away and keeps the keyboard and mouse level with your elbows.

Start with the desk itself. Be wary of standing desk converters, because they don't offer the same range of adjustment as full sit stand desks.

Choose a desk with height settings that go beyond your needs. A traditional fixed desk is 28" to 30" tall, which suits people between 5'8" and 5'10". For everyone else, sit stand desks offer a broader height range to help you reach the right seated position. The Nimble Standing Desk, for example, adjusts from 23" to 50".

Tip: To find your optimal desk and chair height, try this ergonomic calculator.

Use monitor arms to adjust the depth of your monitor. To avoid eye strain, keep your computer monitor about one arm's length away and at eye level. Monitor arms and cable management also declutter your work surface.

Tip: More than one screen? Try a dual monitor mount to save space and achieve the optimal ergonomic position. The effydesk Dual Monitor Arm holds two 17" to 32" screens of up to 19.8 lbs each.

The keyboard and mouse should be in line with the elbows to prevent shoulder and neck strain. Look for a keyboard tray with hand rests so your wrists stay straight instead of bending.

What Do Real effydesk Standing Desk Setups Look Like?

Real effydesk customer setups range from a podcast recording booth on the Home Office Standing Desk to a dual-monitor gaming station on the Nimble Standing Desk.

Ideal Setup for Digital Content Creators

“I've tested a ton of standing desks and the build quality of effydesk is far and above, the best I’ve seen.”
Peter Chao, Digital Content Creator/TikToker

Ideal Setup for Minimalist Plant-Lovers

This green office space by @polishhousekeeper makes you feel like you’re working in nature.

Research suggests that plants in the workplace can reduce stress, which makes them a good addition to any home office.

This desk setup features the effydesk Home Office Standing Desk.

Ideal Setup for Developers and Gamers

This next setup is a developer and gamer's dream. Built on the effydesk Nimble Standing Desk, this workstation lets the customer work and game in comfort. The rainbow-lit LED keyboard adds a fun touch, while the monitor arms free up valuable desktop space.

“I bought the large version of the business desk, and I am super happy with the product. I attached a 32” monitor and a mounting arm to the desk, and have 2 laptops + a few headphones and some other peripherals - and this desk is sold and stable from sitting position to standing height. The dual motors have no issue raising the desk. Note that if you use the included rubber washers between the frame and the desk top, you will have plenty of space to zip-tie power extension bars and cabling.” David S. (5 Star Google Review)

Ideal Setup for the Everyday Worker

“This is the best investment you can make for your posture, especially if you are still WFH. I’m so happy with my desk. I ordered a size small and it’s perfect for dual monitors, a desk lamp and a bunch of other office supplies! Transitioning between sitting and standing height is so smooth and seamless. If you’re still working from your dining table, don’t contemplate. Just upgrade and your back will thank you.” Melissa L. (5 Star Google Review)

How Can effydesk Help You Build an Ergonomic Setup?

effydesk designs electric standing desks, ergonomic chairs and monitor arms in Vancouver, backed by a 100-day trial and a 20-year frame, motor and electronics warranty.

At effydesk, we design and deliver electric standing desks for professional or personal use, to help you work with more focus and comfort.

Browse our Standing Desks, Office Chairs, and Monitor Mounts to build a setup that fits your body and your space. Desktops, chairs and accessories carry a 2-year warranty. Claim your free 100-day electric standing desk trial today.

To learn more about effydesk’s products and services, check out our FAQ page or browse our ergomindfulness blog for more articles on workplace ergonomics.