Stylish and Functional: Standing Desks That Aren’t Ugly

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s possible to find standing desks that aren’t ugly, you’re in luck. Modern adjustable-height desks are designed to fit seamlessly into your workspace, offering a perfect balance of style and function. Whether you’re transitioning between a sitting position and standing or simply looking to upgrade your office, these chic designs prove that you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for practicality. Say goodbye to clunky furniture and hello to a workspace you’ll love!

If you’re looking to create a workspace that’s both functional and stylish, you’re not alone. From adding unique touches like tile lettering to designing a custom craft room workbench, there are countless ways to make your work area reflect your personality and needs.

What is a Sit Stand Desk?

A standing desk or sit-stand desk can adjust up and down so you have the option to either sit or stand during your workday. There are manually height-adjustable desks or electric standing desks where with a push of a button your workstation rises to your ideal standing position. To learn more about the benefits of using this type of desk you can read about it here.

Designing an Attractive Standing Desk

When it comes to creating a standing desk that’s both functional and stylish, there are a variety of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a manual frame, an electronic adjustable desk, or a desk converter with multiple height ranges, there’s a perfect fit for your needs. Designing an office where you feel inspired to do your best work and comfortable while doing it doesn’t have to be daunting.

Start by assessing your space and making a list of what you need. Think about what’s working—and what isn’t—about your current setup. Consider the storage you require, how you want your desk height to function, and how you manage cables and electronics for a clean, clutter-free look. Pinterest can be an excellent source of inspiration for the office furniture and vibe you want to create. With careful planning, transitioning to a standing desk will feel like a seamless upgrade for your workspace.

How to Make a Standing Desk More Attractive

Choose a Sit Stand Desk Frame

There are many places to buy stand-up desks. I use an electronic programable standing desk frame, like this one from Amazon- ERgear desk. 

You can also use a laptop riser on your old desk to adjust your computer to eye level, making your workspace more comfortable and ergonomic. This standing desk converter from Amazon is a great solution.

Sourcing Desktop Material

While purchasing an adjustable standing desk frame with a pre-made desktop is an option, many of these setups lack style and can look like something straight out of a college dorm room.

Choosing an attractive material for your desktop can significantly enhance your desk setup, whether you work from home or in a shared office space. A well-designed desktop not only improves the overall aesthetic but also complements the build quality of your standing desk, making adjustments smooth and functional.

Laminate Desktop-

There is a wide range of laminate options, you are sure to find a colour, pattern and even a bit of texture to coordinate with your office decor. Formica has a variety of laminate surfaces that would be ideal desktop material. Laminate is wear and impact-resistant, is relatively affordable and can be as short or up to 10′ long with no seams. To have your surface finished on both edges you’ll need to order a bar top.

Solid Surface-

If you want a desktop that performs like a workhorse solid surface is your go-to material. A durable, non-porous surface that is appropriate for every setting, a solid surface is sure to give your desk the high-end look you’re after. Mimicking many natural stones but offering the warmth you can’t get from a stone, a solid surface makes an attractive option. Everform™ Solid Surface can be shaped into any design, offering you the ability to have a truly custom standing desk. With many modern colours and patterns to choose from you can construct a desktop to suit the mood of any home office or workplace.

Solid Wood Desktops-

A desktop made of wood is sure to add warmth and a degree of class to your office space. However, a professionally finished wood desktop is the most expensive of all desktop materials and easily susceptible to dents, scratches, and stains. Alternatively, there are bamboo desktops available that could substitute for wood if you don’t have the budget for the real thing.

Laminate Desktop- 

There is a wide range of laminate options, you are sure to find a colour, pattern and even a bit of texture to coordinate with your office decor. Formica has a variety of laminate surfaces that would be ideal desktop material. Laminate is wear and impact-resistant, is relatively affordable and can be as short or up to 10′ long with no seams. To have your surface finished on both edges you’ll need to order a bar top. 

Solid Surface-

If you want a desktop that performs like a workhorse solid surface is your go-to material. A durable, non-porous surface that is appropriate for every setting, solid surface is sure to give your desk the high-end look you’re after. Mimicking many natural stones but offering the warmth you can’t get from a stone, solid surface makes an attractive option. Everform™ Solid Surface can be shaped into any design, offering you the ability to have a truly custom standing desk.  With many modern colours and patterns to choose from you can construct a desktop to suit the mood of any home office or workplace. 

Solid Wood Desktops-

A desktop made of wood is sure to add warmth and a degree of class to your office space. However, a professionally finished wood desktop is the most expensive of all desktop materials and easily susceptible to dents, scratches, and stains. Alternatively, there are bamboo desktops available that could substitute for wood if you don’t have the budget for the real thing. 

Decide your Ideal Desktop Size for a Sit Stand Desk

One of the key benefits of many sit-stand desks is their versatility—most adjustable legs not only allow for height adjustments but also offer width flexibility, so you can create a workspace that fits either a large work area or a more compact space. This feature gives you the freedom to customize your desk based on your specific needs, workload, and body alignment. While most materials are adaptable to the width of your desk, choosing a solid surface top will allow for a seamless look without visible seams, regardless of the depth. Just be sure to check the specifications for your particular base to ensure it can support the weight of your ideal desktop, helping you achieve the best standing desk setup for your needs.

Attaching The Desktop to a Sit Stand Desk Frame

Attaching the desktop is the easiest step of all. If you can operate a drill, I’m confident you can master this step. All the desktop materials mentioned above will have a wood surface on the underside you will be able to drill into with screws to securely attach the top to the frame.

Sit Stand Desk Accessories

When planning your workspace, it’s important to think about how you want your desk to function. Since standing desks are open on all sides, consider the placement of your monitor and whether you’ll need a monitor arm to adjust its height and position. You may also want to request a hole drilled in the surface for your cords to keep everything organized. Cable management is essential depending on your tech setup. Some desks come with a cord basket that attaches to the underside to keep cords out of sight. I use a power strip attached to one of the legs, leaving just one cord to the outlet. A keyboard tray can also improve ergonomics by bringing your keyboard to a more comfortable position. Lastly, don’t forget about anti-fatigue mats to provide extra comfort during long hours of standing.

Incorporating Style Into Standing Desk Design

When designing your standing desk, it’s important to think outside the box and consider how the desk will function in your space. Not only should it work ergonomically, but it should also complement the aesthetic of your workspace. For example, I designed a desk where the framework of the legs fits inside a wooden box, effectively concealing the legs. With a matching wood top, it looks sleek and polished in the down position, giving the desk a more traditional appearance. However, when raised, the black metal legs are revealed, but this isn’t an issue for me. This flexibility allows me to present a stylish, professional setup when meeting with clients while still enjoying the practical benefits of a sit-stand desk.

Desk built by Red Beard Rustics.

Examples Of Stylish And Functional Standing Desks

Below are some examples of stylish and functional standing desks. These combine design and durability, offering the best desk setups for a premium workspace.

• Mid-Century Adjustable desk
• Oak Top Standing Desk
• Westerleigh Desk
• Wade Logan Standing Desk
• Metro 60″ Desk
• White Oak Standing Desk
• ERYK Standing Desk– Rove Concepts
• Athena Standing Desk- Rove Concepts
• Walter Knoll Desk

Tips for Finding the Perfect Standing Desk for Your Workspace

• Assess Your Space- Start by measuring your workspace and considering the layout. Do you have room for a larger desk, or do you need a more compact option? Think about how the desk will fit with your other office furniture and whether it aligns with the overall aesthetic.
• Choose the Right Type- Decide between a fully adjustable standing desk, a manual crank version, or a desk converter. Each option offers unique benefits depending on your needs and the level of adjustability you want.
• Prioritize Build Quality- Look for a desk with a sturdy frame and durable materials to ensure it can handle daily use. High build quality will make transitions between sitting and standing smooth and reliable.
• Consider Ergonomics- A good standing desk should promote comfort and productivity. Look for features like height adjustability, space for a monitor arm, and the option to add accessories like a keyboard tray to ensure proper alignment.
• Plan for Cable Management- Keep your workspace neat and organized by choosing a desk with cable management features. Cord baskets, holes for cords, and power strips can make all the difference in maintaining a clean setup.
• Match Your Style- Your desk doesn’t have to sacrifice style for function. Consider the materials and finishes that work best with your office design. A wooden top or a unique DIY touch can make your desk a focal point of your workspace.
• Test the Adjustments- If possible, test out the desk’s adjustment features to ensure smooth transitions and that it can easily reach your preferred desk height for both sitting and standing positions.
• Think About Add-Ons- Accessories like anti-fatigue mats, storage solutions, and lighting can enhance your overall desk setup and create a workspace that’s both functional and inspiring.

FAQ

In conclusion, finding a standing desk that is both stylish and functional is entirely possible. By carefully considering the design, materials, and add-ons, you can create a workspace that looks great and promotes comfort and productivity. Remember to prioritize build quality, test the adjustments, and plan for cable management to ensure a seamless transition to a standing desk. With the right approach, you can upgrade your workspace with a standing desk that is both attractive and beneficial for your health and productivity.