Why Consider Alternatives?
Full standing desks are great, but they're not always the right choice:
- You already have a desk you like and don't want to replace it
- Budget is limited
- You want to try standing before committing to a full desk
- Your space can't accommodate a new piece of furniture
- You move frequently and want something portable
- You only need standing capability occasionally
Desktop Converters
Also called "stand-up desk converters" or "sit-stand workstations," these sit on top of your existing desk and raise your keyboard and monitor to standing height.
How They Work
Converters use gas springs, pneumatic lifts, or electric mechanisms to move your workspace up and down. Your underlying desk stays at fixed height; the converter adds the adjustability on top.
✓ Pros
- Lower cost than full standing desks
- Keep your existing desk
- Easy to remove if you change your mind
- Quick adjustment (often pneumatic)
- Good way to test standing work
✗ Cons
- Takes up desk space even when lowered
- Limited weight capacity
- Can't lower keyboard below existing desk height
- Some are wobbly at full extension
- Doesn't raise items left on the desk underneath
Best For
- Testing whether you'll actually stand before buying a full desk
- Renters who don't want to buy/move heavy furniture
- People who already have a desk they like
- Office workers who can't replace company-provided furniture
Monitor Risers and Laptop Stands
Simple platforms that raise your screen to a fixed standing height. The most budget-friendly option.
Fixed-Height Risers
Sturdy platforms or stands that hold your monitor at standing height. No adjustment—you pair them with a separate keyboard solution for sitting.
✓ Pros
- Very affordable
- No moving parts to fail
- Can be DIY (books, boxes)
- Portable
✗ Cons
- No height adjustment
- Need separate keyboard for sitting vs. standing
- Clunky workflow (switching keyboards)
- Takes desk space
Adjustable Laptop Stands
Stands that raise your laptop screen and allow height/angle adjustment. Great for laptop-only setups.
✓ Pros
- Affordable
- Portable—works anywhere
- Improves ergonomics generally
- Some adjust enough for standing
✗ Cons
- Requires external keyboard for ergonomic use
- Only works for laptops (no desktop monitors)
- Many don't reach standing height
Wall-Mounted Solutions
Wall-Mounted Monitor Arm + Keyboard Tray
Mount your monitor to the wall with an adjustable arm, add a wall-mounted keyboard tray, and you have a standing workspace that uses zero floor space.
✓ Pros
- No floor footprint
- Highly adjustable
- Can be positioned at exact height needed
- Works in very tight spaces
✗ Cons
- Requires wall mounting (holes)
- Permanent location
- Limited work surface (no desk)
- May need landlord approval
Best for: Very small spaces, standing-only use, built-in home office nooks.
Existing Furniture Hacks
Kitchen Counter
Many kitchen counters are at or near standing desk height (36-42 inches). For occasional standing work, your kitchen counter may work fine with a laptop.
High Dresser or Bookshelf
Furniture around 38-44 inches tall can serve as a standing work surface. Not ergonomically optimized, but works for brief standing sessions.
Stacked Items
Books, boxes, or dedicated risers on any surface can create a temporary standing workstation. Not pretty, but functional and free.
💡 Test Before You Buy
Use existing furniture or a stack of books to simulate a standing desk for a week. Work at standing height for increasing periods. If you find yourself actually using it and wanting better ergonomics, then invest in a proper solution.
Treadmill and Walking Desks
Taking standing one step further (literally)—desks designed to be used while walking on a treadmill.
Under-Desk Treadmills
Compact treadmills that fit under a standing desk, allowing you to walk at slow speeds while working.
✓ Pros
- Actual movement, not just standing
- Burns significantly more calories
- Can improve focus for some people
- Works with existing standing desk
✗ Cons
- Takes significant floor space
- Expensive addition to desk cost
- Can be distracting for some tasks
- Noise may be an issue
- Not suitable for precise mouse work
Best for: People who want maximum activity integration, have space, and mostly do tasks like reading, calls, or light typing.
Comparison Table
| Solution | Cost | Space Needed | Adjustment | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop Converter | Medium | Desk surface | Good | Keep existing desk |
| Fixed Riser | Low | Minimal | None | Budget testing |
| Laptop Stand | Low | Minimal | Limited | Laptop-only work |
| Wall-Mounted | Medium | Zero floor | Good | Very small spaces |
| Existing Furniture | Free | Varies | None | Testing the concept |
When to Skip Alternatives and Get a Real Standing Desk
Alternatives work well for many situations, but consider a full standing desk if:
- You work at your desk 6+ hours daily
- You've tested standing and know you'll use it regularly
- You have heavy equipment (multiple monitors, desktop PC)
- Ergonomics matter significantly for health reasons
- Your current desk isn't the right height for sitting anyway
- You want a clean, professional workspace appearance
See our best standing desks guide if you decide a full desk is the right choice.