Standing desks have been around for hundreds of years, although modern designs serve a different purpose than antique designs. In the 18th and 19th centuries, standing desks were considered a sign of prestige. Today, they are an ergonomic option for those looking to reduce pain and discomfort.
As the name suggests, a standing desk is a desk where the user stands instead of sitting. Standing desks are designed so that users can easily stand and perform tasks without having to crouch or elevate. In fact, standing desks in the past were often measured to precisely match the user's height and needs. Due to the bespoke nature of standing tables, only the wealthy can afford them.
While modern standing desks don't necessarily have to fit exactly one user, they have certain features that allow users of different heights to use the same desk. The most common method is to tilt the desk surface. This way, each user can slide the job to the position that best suits their height.
The legs of the standing desk are also adjustable. This way, the surface can be kept flat while its height can be adjusted. This design is less popular with many users because it is more difficult and time-consuming to make adjustments each time than with a tilted model. Another option for a standing desk is to place a base near it on which various users can stand to achieve the appropriate height. However, this solution is often impractical because most users want the freedom to move back and forth while using a standing desk.
A popular solution for standing desks is to adapt the surface to a variety of users. This design is usually the easiest to maneuver and can accommodate the largest number of users while still allowing the desk to have a horizontal area where items can be placed without having to worry about them falling. Often, the tabletop can also be raised to reveal the storage area below.
Proponents of using standing desks argue that they reduce back pain and injury compared to sit-stand desks. Some advocates also argue that standing desks could solve the growing problem of obese children in the United States because it encourages more activity and movement.