Sit Stand Desk: Your New Favorite Way to Work
A sit stand desk, as the name implies, combines the ability to choose whether to sit or stand while working. Generally, these desks are height adjustable, so you can choose the exact right height for your body in either position.
Are Standing Desks Good for You?
Yes, standing desks are definitely good for you. Research has shown that standing desks are associated with lower blood sugar levels, reduced heart disease risk, reduced back pain, and improvements in mood and energy.
Since standing while working has so many benefits, you might wonder whether it’s best to stand most or all of the time by using a standing desk that stays fixed in the same position. Unlike a fixed standing desk, the benefit of an adjustable desk is that it allows users to work up to standing for longer periods, while also allowing users to change positions whenever they feel the need, which is really the way nature intended.
Numerous studies show the benefits of height adjustable standing desks, including a 2018 trial where participants increased standing time and reported corresponding improvements in job performance, engagement, fatigue, anxiety, and general quality of life.
Benefits of Sit Stand Desks
The benefits of sit stand desks include:
- Posture improves: By alternating positions using a sit stand desk throughout the day, you engage muscle groups that tend to atrophy when a person is sedentary the entire day.
- Energy levels increase: The ability to change positions at will using a sit stand desk leads to a natural energy boost that is even more sustainable than caffeine.
- Productivity increases: When you use a sit stand desk, increased energy and focus help lead to productivity gains in your day.
- Stress decreases: Muscle tension from remaining in a fixed position all day can lead to headaches and insomnia, which can lead to new or increased stress and anxiety. A sit stand desk provides a great way to change positions whenever you like. When you use a sit stand desk regularly, you can improve your actual work performance and your life outside the workplace as well.
- Chance of heart related disease reduces: When you stand and move often rather than remaining sedentary, the heart has to work a little harder to pump blood upward, which benefits overall heart health.
How to Use a Standing Desk
Using a sit stand desk is quite intuitive, and is generally driven by your comfort level. When you’re first getting started with a sit stand desk, you may find that you need to remind yourself to alternate between sitting and standing – either standing for certain tasks like phone or video calls, or by standing for several minutes at the beginning of the hour, whatever works for your flow. Most people start standing for a few minutes at a time and then build from there. It’s also important to be sure your desk is adjusted to the correct height, so your spine is in alignment for sitting or standing. As a general rule, imagine a line from your head to your shoulders to your hips that is perpendicular to the floor.
Electric desks and pneumatic desks both provide assistance to raise and lower the desk surface to the desired sitting or standing height. The difference between these types of sit stand desks lies in the mechanism that moves the desk surface. An electric sit stand desk has an electric motor to raise and lower the surface, which is usually operated with the touch of a button. A pneumatic sit stand desk has gas cylinders that compress and expand to operate the desk when a handle is lightly pulled.
Power-free. Ultra-fast. Built to move.
Our pneumatic desks raise and lower in under 3 seconds—eight times faster than typical electric desks—with no need for power. They’re ideal for dynamic environments or cord-free setups. Add casters to move them effortlessly from one room to another.
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The Klöud
Our most advanced pneumatic desk, the Klöud features a weight-adjustable mechanism that supports loads from 60 to 150 lbs. A German-engineered counterbalance system ensures smooth, level movement—even with uneven weight distribution. Choose from two surface sizes (48″ and 60″) in five finishes, including real beechwood. -
The Nimbus
The Nimbus shares the Klöud’s steel frame and counterbalance design but with fixed weight assistance (~140 lbs). Ideal for users with a consistent desk setup (e.g., laptop, monitor, keyboard). Offered with a 30″x60″ surface in laminate or real wood finishes. -
The Lüften
Designed for larger workstations, the Lüften features twin columns with a reinforced pneumatic lift. Best for heavier desktop setups up to 50 lbs. Includes a 60” work surface with a floating-style frame. -
The Ändern Pneumatic
A compact, single-column desk that excels in minimalist or small office setups. Perfect for laptops or light-duty monitors. Available in 24″x40″ and 30″x48″ sizes. -
The Möbel Table
Our lightest desk at just 17 lbs, the Möbel is a height-adjustable side table or mobile laptop station. With a 35-lb capacity, it’s ideal for compact spaces, reading nooks, or work-from-anywhere setups.
Find the Best Height Adjustable Desk for You
What is the best height adjustable desk? It’s the one that’s right for your space, your desktop setup, and your body. The Standing Desk designs a selection of the quickest and quietest commercial grade sit stand desks on the market. Find the desk that works for you and get ready to start reaping the benefits of a sit stand desk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Nimbus and Klöud?
The Klöud desk features our innovative pneumatic technology with adjustable weight capacity, allowing for a dynamic range of 100 lbs. This makes the Klöud incredibly versatile for various work setups.
The Nimbus, utilizing the same high-quality frame as the Klöud, is designed for those who prefer simplicity, offering a fixed weight capacity of approximately 50 lbs. This model is perfect for standard setups, supporting multiple monitors and everyday work essentials with ease.
Where are your desks made?
Every desk is meticulously assembled by our skilled team in Grand Rapids, Michigan, ensuring unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. The core components, including our world-class pneumatic and electric lift mechanisms, are engineered and produced in Germany. We choose Swiss steel for its superior strength and durability, reflecting our commitment to using only the best materials.
What are the work surfaces made of?
Our desks come with a 1.15″ thick work surface, available in five timeless Formica laminate options chosen for their exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal. The underlying substrate is made from high-quality recycled wood particle board, designed to resist bending and warping, offering a stable and long-lasting desk surface.
For smaller spaces go with the Andern Pneumatic or Andern Electric with a 40″ wide top.
If you want a large setup go with the Luften or Kloud, and a 60″ wide top.
How stable are the desks?
Our desks are very stable because we use high tolerance steel, wide glides, and inset column mounting to reduce movement.
But, the truth is all standing desks will move when they are fully extended. Split leg desks are, by design, more stable while center column desks are less stable but, for most, not noticeable with everyday use.
Yes, there are 4-leg and 3-leg setups that show almost no movement but they are pretty pricey. We find that 95% of users end up not noticing the slight desk movement after a week or 2 of use.
If you have any issue with your desk and want to send it back you’ll have 30 days from the date of purchase to do so.
Can I attach a keyboard tray or floor mat?
Absolutely! Our desks are compatible with a variety of accessories. Keyboard trays can be easily mounted using pre-drilled holes or customized placement beneath the work surface. Standard floor mats (up to 36″ x 48″) fit well with all our desk models.
What is the total desk weight?
The base of our desks weighs approximately 80 lbs, providing a stable foundation. When paired with our larger 30″x60″ work surface, the total weight comes to around 140 lbs, ensuring both stability and ease of movement when necessary.
DIY Desk. Recommended work surface sizes
The desks are tested to perform with the work surface sizes available on their respective product pages. Using a work surface size much larger, smaller, or lighter will affect the performance of the lift. If your desk top is a couple of inches outside of the recommendation it still should work fine.
Kloud – ideal desktop size 30″ x 60″ or 30″ x 48″
Luften – ideal desktop size 30″ x 60″
Recken – ideal desktop size 30″ x 48″ up to 72″ wide as long as the weight does not exceed 60lbs.
Andern – ideal desktop size 30″ x 48″ or 24″ x 40″
How do I maintain my desk?
Our desks are designed for low maintenance and longevity. For cleaning, a damp cloth and mild detergent are sufficient to keep your desk looking new. We recommend occasionally checking and tightening any accessible screws to ensure stability.
How much lift do I need?
Read our guide on Understanding Weight Lift Assistance
How soon will my product ship?
Most orders are dispatched the same day if placed before 12 pm, or the next business day, ensuring swift delivery. Most customers in the lower 48 states can expect their products to arrive within 2 to 5 days.
Do you have a payment plan like Affirm, Klarna or Paypal?
Yes, we offer flexible payment options through Paypal’s Pay Later program, available at checkout for your convenience.
30 day risk free trial
We’re confident you’ll love your new desk, but if you’re not satisfied, you can return it within 30 days in its original packaging. We’ll refund your purchase and even cover the return shipping costs. This offer applies to desks only, as our chairs are made-to-order. (Note: This offer is only available within the United States.)
Warranty
Our comprehensive 5-year warranty covers:
- The desk and all its components
- Work Surface
- Cable Management
- Casters and Glides
- Any defects in materials or workmanship of the base affecting the operation of the height-adjustable desk
Is the product stress tested?
Yes, all our desks meet the rigorous BIFMA x5.5 standards, ensuring they withstand the demands of daily use while maintaining strength and functionality.
How environmentally friendly are your desks?
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our choice of materials and manufacturing processes. From using recyclable Swiss steel and German engineering to ensure longevity, to selecting Formica laminates and recycled wood substrates for our work surfaces, we strive for an eco-friendly product lifecycle.
Can the desks support dual-monitor setups?
Absolutely! Our desks are designed to accommodate various setups, including multiple monitors. The Klöud, for example, with its adjustable weight capacity, is perfect for tech-heavy configurations, ensuring stability and ease of use.
