I have been working online from home for over a decade, and I spent the 10 years before that building my own sites and figuring out how AOL worked. I have really loved every single thing about it. But after 20 years of nerding on the internet in some form or fashion, I have decidedly not loved that the experience has caused a bit of a pain in my right wrist.
A few years ago, I started noticing that my arm would randomly get a little tingly when I was at my computer for long periods of time. Because I have been both a professional writer and a professional photographer, I have been at my computer more than most. I didn't immediately connect the pain with what I was doing until I mentioned it to a friend, who suggested I try yoga for carpal tunnel syndrome.
I was surprised since I thought carpal tunnel was something that happened … I don't know, down the road? But it turns out that in this digital age, when you are a digital person, carpal tunnel is just lying there, waiting for you. Just like a spider.
A few months ago, I noticed the tingly feeling again, followed by actual periods of semi-numbness. These are the consequences of pumping out all of those Prince Harry posts for you, lovely readers. I decided that there was no time like the present to try out a standing desk, and it turns out it was exactly what I needed.
As I tend to do when I need something in my life, I turned to my favorite place: Ikea. And as it tends to do, Ikea had exactly what I was looking for: a standing desk with reasonable reviews that would fit in my home without taking up too much space AND that is aesthetically pleasing.
Enter the Knotten: the standing desk of my dreams! At $159, it was a steal, so I even paid the extra $20 for shipping so that I wouldn't have to drive to Atlanta to pick it up.
My favorite thing about the standing desk is how quickly it alleviated my symptoms. I'm not a doctor, and I'm not giving you medical advice, but I can tell you that I noticed an improvement the first day I used it. Plus, it has super-cute drawers where I can keep all my pens and a space for my books and my Passion Planner. It even has little hooks on the side that are perfect for these colorful candleholders I picked up at an antique shop but had no idea what to do with. It's truly the best fit for myself and our home.
And perhaps the greatest thing, my cat loooooves the desk and uses it all the time as a napping (and, uh, grooming) spot. We're all so pleased.
Of course, I would be failing each and every one of you reading this if I didn't mention other standing desks that are worth your time and, potentially, your dollars. I began my search by just Googling "standing desk" and was immediately hit with millions of results. I do not recommend that you take this path. First, decide a few things:
- How much do you want to spend?
- Do you care what material your desk is made of?
- Do you also want a sitting desk?
I knew I didn’t want to spend more than $200, that I wanted a wooden desk, and that I didn’t care about being able to sit at it because my kitchen table is 2 feet away and I just go sit there. It’s important to consider this last part because you should only stand at your desk for up to an hour at a time. I just rotate back and forth between my standing desk and my kitchen table and it works for me.
But you guys? You have options.
1. Sit to Stand Rolling Adjustable Laptop Cart
For those of you who are looking for something easy-peasy that you can (bonus!) take anywhere in your office or home, may I present to you this little number from Target. It will set you back only $75 (not counting shipping, but you can get it delivered to your local Target for free), and it's very functional. What it lacks in aesthetic appeal it certainly makes up for in portability because it's on wheels and can travel wherever you can, friend.
Shop Now: Sit to Stand Rolling Adjustable Laptop Cart ($74.99, Target)
2. Brecht Adjustable Height Sit Stand Desk
If you're into the all-white aesthetic, that's cool! Don't come to my home; it might break your eyes. But besides that, Target also has an all-white standing desk that is wooden and fancy-schmancy. My favorite thing about this desk is that the top part of it lifts up, so that you can stand or sit and be happy with either life choice.
Shop Now: Brecht Adjustable Height Sit Stand Desk ($412.29, Target)
3. Archer Standing Desk
This standing desk is pretty cool, especially if you have the space for it. I love the way the drawers on my desk are all very horizontal, but space was a consideration that I was making because I had one specific spot in mind for the desk. If I could, I might have gone with something like this instead. If anything, there's more room for books (and cats).
Shop Now: Archer Standing Desk ($159.99, Target)
4. Height Adjustable Standing Desk With Keyboard
This standing desk is pretty cool because it has space for a keyboard and two monitors, which means you can live my nerding dreams. I love a good two-monitor scenario! The desk is also reasonably priced, and it can be adjusted for sitting and for standing.
Shop Now: Height Adjustable Standing Desk With Keyboard ($86.33, Walmart)
5. Laminate Tabletop Standing-Height Desk
This last standing desk is a little interesting. It can function as a desk or a table, so it’s really a choose-your-own-adventure type of situation. You can also fit a stool or chair in front of it, so you could definitely set up your own sit/stand situation.
Shop Now: Laminate Tabletop Standing-Height Desk ($194.99, Walmart)
Psst: If you choose to purchase an item on this list, LittleThings may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
