Finding a Sometimes Standing Desk Topper

December 14, 2014 9:30 AM

I would like to stand while I work sometimes. Ideally I'd like to find a topper for the desk I have at work (which I cannot replace with a full standing desk) that I can easily adjust to standing or sitting heights throughout the day. The ones I've found for sale are incredibly expensive ($300). I use a desktop computer with a monitor and all I really need is to raise and lower the monitor easily.

There are several DIY standing desk toppers, like this one made from $25 of Ikea parts, but I'd have to find a place to stash this while I'm sitting. A shoe rack, like this, also seems like a cheap easy way to raise and lower the monitor easily without resorting to a box. Both of these would get the job done, but I really want something that's more adjustable.

I'm hoping that I could re-purpose something else with a height adjustable mechanism.

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for something more like this adjustable height side table that could be raised and lowered from 2-3 inches up to 12 inches. There are also some adjustable speaker stands that would fit the bill if they were smaller.

Maybe there are height adjustable platforms that are used for something like plants or speakers or tables or something else that costs less than $150 that I just haven't thought of that would fit the bill for the monitor.

posted by forkisbetter to Work & Money (5 answers total)

Best answer: I don't know that this is easy enough, but I use this adjustable laptop stand to raise and lower my keyboard (by putting it on my desk or taking it away).

But can you not use some version of the adjustable monitor mount? That one clamps, others are on stands, they come in all kinds of sizes and formats (single, double, etc). And they tend to run $50 or less, for a single monitor.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:36 AM on December 14, 2014

But can you not use some version of the adjustable monitor mount? That one clamps, others are on stands, they come in all kinds of sizes and formats (single, double, etc). And they tend to run $50 or less, for a single monitor.

But then where would the keyboard/mouse go?

I am very interested in the answers to this question as well.
posted by Ragini at 10:57 AM on December 15, 2014

On a separate riser. OP said "all I really need is to raise and lower the monitor easily" so I assumed that part is taken care of, but on re-read I'm not sure anymore.
posted by Lyn Never at 11:47 AM on December 15, 2014

Response by poster: I actually have a small riser for the mouse and keyboard already. It easily fits in one of my desk drawers. The standing desk "converters" I've seen though tend to be way too big for me to be able to store easily.
posted by forkisbetter at 4:13 AM on December 17, 2014

Response by poster: The Lift from a company called Uncaged Ergonomics also looks like it might be a good option. Anyone tried it before?
posted by forkisbetter at 4:22 AM on December 17, 2014