How To Convert Your Regular Desk Into A Standing Desk

Sitting down for long periods is bad for you. It can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal issues, and increase your risk of chronic health problems.

Standing desks, on the other hand, have been credited with several science-backed benefits, from improved posture and reduced back pain to increased energy levels and enhanced focus. Research even suggests standing desks can help lower your blood pressure, build muscle (when paired with the right equipment), and help individuals with ADHD manage their symptoms.

In short, there are a growing number of psychological and physical health benefits to look forward to when you make the switch. 

However, standing desks can be expensive or impractical for some spaces. If you're ready to ditch the sedentary lifestyle but don’t want to invest in a brand-new standing desk, don’t worry—converting your existing desk is easier than you think. In this guide, we share four practical ways to transform your regular desk into a standing desk, and when it might be time to commit to a full-size standing desk. 

1. Use a Standing Desk Converter

A standing desk converter is one of the most popular and cost-effective solutions for upgrading your desk. These height-adjustable, multi-leveled mini-desks sit atop your current desk, allowing you to switch between sitting and standing positions. 

Standing desk converters tend to use mechanisms like pneumatic lifts, scissor lifts or telescopic arms to allow you to adjust the height. However, fixed-height converters are available at a more affordable price, with the obvious downside of being unable to adjust them to your preferred height. 

Some converters have built-in keyboard trays, screen platforms, cable ports, USB and phone slots, and other useful features that you might expect from a regular desk. Just make sure you choose one that will support the weight of your equipment and give you ample room to complete your tasks. 

If you're just looking to lift your laptop to eye level, a laptop stand could be a cheaper solution. Laptop stands are designed to elevate your laptop into a more ergonomic and comfortable working position with better cooling and ventilation than a DIY riser. 

2. Add a Height-Adjustable Monitor Arm

If you already have a sturdy desk, adding a height-adjustable monitor arm can help you achieve a standing desk setup without replacing your entire workspace.

If needs be, you can pair the monitor arm with a separate keyboard tray or platform to ensure your arms and wrists are at the correct height while standing up. 

3. Stack Books or Other DIY Risers

If you’re on a tight budget, a DIY solution using sturdy books, boxes, crates, or other "DIY" risers can work in a pinch. It’s a quick, no-cost approach to elevating your monitor, keyboard, and mouse to a comfortable standing height, before committing to a more permanent solution.

You can use non-slip pads or adhesive strips to keep items in place, but this is still much less stable and secure than a converter, monitor arm or standing desk, so approach with caution to avoid accidents. 

If you want a more polished look and have a keen interest in DIY, you could have a go at building a custom riser out of wood or metal.

Get creative! While we don't recommend this set-up, you can use sturdy boxes from deliveries and other materials to create a stable DIY riser.

4. Upgrade Your Desktop with an Electric Frame

For a more permanent solution, consider upgrading your current desk by replacing its legs with a standing desk frame. This more affordable option allows you to keep your existing desktop while adding the functionality of a height-adjustable desk. Choose between manual and electric options in standard and corner variations, depending on your preferences and budget.

There is also the more advanced option to change your current desk into a standing desk by modifying its components. New legs, an adapted desktop, and mounted power - such as this impressive transformation of an executive desk into a standing one - can help you preserve the look and feel of your current desk, with the added function of a standing one. 

When a Dedicated Standing Desk is Worth It

Converting your regular desk into a standing desk doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Whether you decide to use a standing desk converter or upgrade to an electric frame, the end goal is to create a setup that promotes good posture and allows you to alternate between sitting and standing positions with ease. 

However, it’s worth considering the trade-offs. While these solutions are practical and budget-friendly, they can lack the convenience, precision, and stability of a dedicated standing desk.

If you’re serious about making standing a regular part of your workday, have a heavy or complex workstation, or just want to avoid the hassle of manual adjustments, investing in a high-quality standing desk might be the best long-term solution for you. Here's why: 

• Most modern standing desks come with electric motors that allow you to adjust the height with the push of a button. This eliminates the need for manual lifting or repositioning, which can otherwise be cumbersome
• Bluetooth standing desks often include programmable memory settings. You can save your preferred sitting and standing heights, so the desk automatically adjusts to your ideal positions with a single touch
• Standing desks typically offer a wide range of height adjustments, often in small increments, which allows you to fine-tune the desk to your exact height. 
• Standing desks are built with high-quality materials, such as steel frames and durable desktops, to remain stable and wobble-free. This is especially important when supporting heavy equipment.