Are height-adjustable desks worth buying?

If you’ve spent any time in a modern office or even scrolling through social media, height-adjustable desks have probably caught your eye.

Fans of this growing trend make bold promises about how these desks can revolutionise the way we work.

But is it really possible for a desk to make such a big difference in our lives? Or are they just a fad we’ll all forget about in a few years?

At Millar West, we have a unique perspective on height-adjustable desks. Not only do we supply them to customers across the UK, but many of our team members use them in our Norwich office.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what they’re all about, what the science says, and give our honest opinion on if they’re right for you.

The science behind height-adjustable desks

There are some pretty bold marketing claims about height-adjustable desks – that they’ll put a stop to your back pain or make you 10 times more productive. It’s easy to get swept up in the hype, but the proof is in the research.

Fortunately, height-adjustable desks have been the subject of several high-quality scientific studies. And while science can sometimes feel a bit dry, we’ll break it down into bite-sized takeaways for you.

Let’s start with one of the most notable studies. In 2018, researchers conducted a year-long study to see how sit-stand desks performed in a real-world office environment. They compared the outcomes between users of adjustable workstations and those using traditional desks. Here’s what they found:

47% of participants reported reduced upper back, shoulder, and neck discomfort.
65% noted improved health outside work, including better energy levels and physical activity.
65% reported increased productivity and better concentration, attributed to reduced discomfort.

This wasn’t just a small, casual study. It was a randomised control trial with a large sample size, and it was published in a reputable journal. In other words, it’s about as reliable as it gets.

But that’s not all. A 2022 peer-reviewed University of Leicester study also found a small but significant benefit to using sit-stand desks. They helped to reduce workers’ stress and lower body pain. The researchers conclude that height-adjustable desks are an effective intervention for well-being at work.

And if that’s not enough, a 2021 Japanese study revealed that users reported a significant reduction in neck and shoulder pain after switching to a sit-stand desk.

So, while height-adjustable desks might not be a magic fix, the evidence suggests they can make a real difference—especially if you’re someone who spends hours sitting at a desk every day.

Is it bad to sit for too long?

We all know that sitting down for too long, whether in a car or at a computer, can cause aches and pains. But in a world where office jobs are the norm, there’s not much other choice.

The average office worker spends 6.5 to 8 hours per day sitting. And that’s on top of the time spent sitting to drive, eat meals, and relax. Day after day, it all adds up to a lot of hours.

The consequences of a sedentary lifestyle can be serious, and it’s not just back pain to worry about.

Research has linked prolonged sitting to metabolic syndrome—a cluster of conditions (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and unhealthy cholesterol levels) that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Sitting for more than 8 hours a day increases all-cause mortality risk by 22%, particularly among inactive adults.
Sedentary behaviour correlates with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and workplace stress.
In terms of the musculoskeletal system, it’s also a pretty bleak picture. Reduced muscle strength, hip flexor shortening, and spinal disc compression can lead to chronic pain. It’s a big reason why back pain sick days cost the UK economy so much each year.

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘sitting is the new smoking.’ While that might be a bit of an exaggeration, it does highlight a serious public health crisis. Prolonged sitting isn’t just uncomfortable – it’s a legitimate risk to your long-term health.

The bottom line on sit-stand desks

Height-adjustable desks allow users to spend less time sitting, and that in itself is a good thing. Even if their benefits stopped there, they’d be worth trying.

But the proven health perks of height-adjustable desks go much further. As well as several scientific studies backing them, there are hundreds of thousands of positive reviews of height-adjustable desks online.

In our experience, customers have reported increased productivity and creativity after switching to a sit-stand desk. We’re seeing more and more customers specifying height-adjustable desks for their projects. They’re making their way into educational and medical environments, not just offices.

The height-adjustable desk market is projected to grow to USD 12.6 billion by 2032. As such, all manufacturers are looking to get a piece of the action, providing competitive prices for customers like you. Reputed manufacturers like Flexipsot now offer great value products.

The bottom line is that height-adjustable desks are not a magic cure, but they can help mitigate the effects of a computer job. They can help you stay active at work and reduce the time you spend sitting down, which we know is not good for us.

If you want a healthier workspace, investing in a height-adjustable desk is a smart idea.

Where did the height-adjustable desk hype come from?

Standing desks have been around much longer than you might think.

The artist Leonardo da Vinci is believed to have used a standing desk in the 1500s. British novelist Charles Dickens wrote many of his famous works while standing at a high desk in the 1800s. Even Winston Churchill favoured a standing desk for much of his life.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that Scandinavian designers began experimenting with adjustable desks as part of ergonomic office design. By the 1980s, electric height-adjustable desks had been invented and started to appear in corporate offices.

The rise of research on sedentary behaviour and workplace health led to a boom in electric height-adjustable desks in the 2010s. These modern desks offer push-button adjustments, memory settings, and even AI-powered posture reminders.

As usual with ergonomics, the Scandinavians continue to lead the way. In Denmark, it’s mandatory for employers to offer their staff height-adjustable desks. In Norway, Finland, and Sweden, over 90% of office workers using computers work at sit-stand desks.

How to shop for a height adjustable desk

If you’re looking to buy a height-adjustable desk, be sure to measure your space, just like you would when buying a traditional desk.

Think about your desktop setup. If you use multiple screens and like to load your desk with stuff, check the weight capacity of the desks you’re looking at. Memory settings and stable construction are also important—you don’t want a wobbly desk.

You might be tempted by a manually height-adjustable desk to save money, but they can be strenuous to use. For a more ergonomic and efficient option, get an electric motor desk. It’s a matter of pressing a button to go up or down in a few seconds.

Consider getting a screen and monitor arm so the screen will be at the right level for your eyes, and you won’t be looking down or craning your neck—this ties into the point that not everyone uses them correctly.

Cost is a barrier to entry when it comes to height-adjustable desks. But you can find stylish options with the frame and top colour you prefer for a fair price if you shop around. You can always reach out to an office furniture dealer for advice.

At Millar West, we can advise you on sitting and standing desks that meet your needs. Whether you have a home office or want to furnish an office building, get in touch with our team today.