Best standing desk accessories to get you on your feet – Ars Technica

If you bought a standing desk, chances are you’re interested in the health benefits of, well, not sitting all day. Better posture, reduced back pain, and an increase in productivity due to a boost in mood and focus are among some of the top benefits of standing, according to a 2021 research paper published by the National Institutes of Health.

But without the proper equipment to support you while you’re standing, there are some health drawbacks compared to sitting. Those who stand have reported an increase in leg and foot pain and vein issues, including varicose veins, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety reported. Experts recommend having the proper support to mitigate pain issues and frequently switching between standing and sitting to maximize the ergonomic benefits while reducing the risk of injury. We’ve compiled some of the best accessories to help get you standing safely and ergonomically while you’re working at your standing desk.

Anti-fatigue mats

Paired with comfortable, supportive sneakers, anti-fatigue mats help you take the pressure off of your feet, knees, and legs. When it comes to padded support for your feet, you’ll want to look for a thicker mat—some mats start at just 0.5-inches thick while industrial mats can be upward of 1 inch in thickness—though the actual footprint of the mat doesn’t really matter if you don’t intend to move around too much. These mats can come in several different colors and patterns to match your decor or provide a pop of color to your workspace.

ComfiLife Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat

One of the best options we tested was ComfiLife’s Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat. Available in three sizes, with the largest option covering a footprint of 24×70 inches, these mats make it seem like you’re standing on clouds. It comes with a non-slip bottom, making it safe for the office, and it’s versatile enough to be used desk-side or in the kitchen, bathroom, or any place where you find yourself doing a lot of standing. A lifetime replacement warranty, stain-resistant cover with anti-microbial treatment, and three-fourths-inch high-density memory foam core make this the top option on our list.

The good

• Very comfortable
• Multiple size and color options
• Softer foam than competing options
• Versatile design can be used throughout the house
• Lifetime warranty

The bad

• Strong smell out of the box
• Heavy weight makes it difficult to reposition for those with limited mobility

Flexispot DM1 Anti-Fatigue Mat

Another great option is Flexispot’s DM1 Anti-Fatigue Mat. Like the ComfiLife, this mat’s high-density polyurethane foam core provides excellent support, and its manufacturer advertises that the mat can help reduce fatigue and spinal and coccyx compression while promoting active standing. What sets this particular Flexispot mat apart is that it comes with molded beading on the left and right sides of the mat to help massage your feet and encourage blood flow while you work. Given the massage beads, this mat is more suited for barefooted users. The feel of the mat is also slightly firmer than the ComfiLife, and it’s a matter of preference how much you want your feet to sink into your mat—I prefer the former’s softer feel.

The good

• Comfortable and soft feel when standing
• Ergonomic beaded design at edges helps massage feet
• Not as “intense” looking as topographically inspired mats

The bad

• Strong smell out of the box
• One-size-fits-all design

StarTech Anti-Fatigue Standing Mat

StarTech’s Anti-Fatigue Mat for Standing Desk is a terrific option for those who want a denser, firmer foam anti-fatigue mat. There isn’t anything inherently wrong with this mat—it’s slightly thicker than the other options on our list at 0.7-inches thick, but I found that the denser polyurethane foam core is just slightly too firm to be comfortable for me during long standing periods. Again, this is a matter of preference. And like its competitors on this list, it comes with an anti-slip backing on the bottom, though I did find that the material is less grippy on my hardwood floors than the ComfiLife. But at $128, it’s the most expensive option here.

The good

• Comfortable to stand on for long periods of time
• Versatile design can be used throughout the house
• Thick construction for durability and comfort

The bad

• Harder feel, but that helps to reduce wear on the foam
• Heavy weight makes it difficult to reposition for those with limited mobility

Fluidstance Springboard

Fluidstance’s Springboard is a beautiful alternative to the black, drab rubber anti-fatigue mats. Made for design-conscious home users, the Springboard is constructed with all-natural materials, including a wood-clad top surface, natural wool felt, and a non-skid bottom. True to the manufacturer’s claim that you’ll experience a subtle yet responsive bounce, standing on the Springboard is exactly how it sounds—it’s a springy feel, and you can definitely notice the materials on the back compress and expand to help relieve tension. Although it looks beautiful, it’s still not quite as comfortable as a standard anti-fatigue mat, and when paired with shoes with a comfortable sole, you’ll get more support standing on the Springboard than if you were to stand on hard flooring.

The good

• Very comfortable
• Multiple size and color options
• Softer foam than competing options
• Beautiful design; can be used throughout the house

The bad

• Doesn’t provide as much cushion as traditional anti-fatigue mats

Ergodriven Topo

Ergodriven’s Topo is the fidget-spinner version of an anti-fatigue mat. As its name implies, the Topo comes with exaggerated raised edges and a small bump near the center, which Ergodriven calls a “calculated terrain.” The goal is to have you move your feet to different positions across the terrain, which will help with restlessness and encourage a bit of legwork and movement while you’re standing. You don’t need as much coordination as some of the core-building options on our list, and the mat delivers relief with its anti-fatigue foam construction. Given its topographic-inspired design, the Topo isn’t as versatile as a standard anti-fatigue mat and may not look quite as elegant in the kitchen as the ComfiLife or Flexispot options on our list.

The good

• Helps promote leg movement while standing
• Unique design adds value to the standard anti-fatigue foam mat
• Compact design makes it easy to reposition

The bad

• Needs to air out—polyurethane material can smell bad out of the box
• Not a replacement for walking or exercising
• Can feel a little cramped

Core-builders

While taking standing breaks and raising your desk to an ergonomic height frequently throughout the day comes with health benefits, standing on its own isn’t a workout and doesn’t replace walking or strength-building exercises. If you want to strengthen your core muscles, there are a few accessories to consider. Along with the benefits of taking frequent standing breaks throughout the day, building a stronger core will contribute to better posture.

Fluidstance Balance Board

Fluidstance’s Balance Board is like a surfboard for your desk. Built with a curved metal skeleton on the underside and a wood surface on the top that gives it a premium feel, the Balance Board will help tone your tummy as you rock back and forth while standing. Given how clumsy I can be, I never felt unsafe on the Balance Board, so even beginners can quickly hop on and not fall off. It’s a pricey investment but worth it if you are restless and can’t stand still. If you have hardwood floors, consider the Fluidstance Basemat, which will help protect your flooring from scratches from the metal backside of the Balance Board while helping ensure your Balance Board doesn’t slide. It’s an expensive accessory, at $99 (at Amazon), that carpet owners don’t need.

The good

• Great for balancing and strengthening core
• Solid design and construction
• Fun and easy to use

The bad

• Requires additional (pricey) mat to protect flooring if using on non-carpeted floors
• Expensive

Jump Sport Wurf Board

While Fluidstance took a more professional and elevated approach to its Balance Board, rival Jump Sport’s more affordable Wurf Board embraces the skeuomorphism design. Made to look like a wooden surfboard from the 1950s, the affordable Wurf Board is constructed with a vinyl-like material, the Wurf Board is an inflatable accessory that you fill with an air pump. Designed to provide a springy surface, the Wurfboard is built as a lightweight alternative to heavier anti-fatigue mats. This is great for those with mobility issues who have difficulty bending down to position their mats. Additionally, the Wurf Board encourages you to move around and try different postures and positions while you work.

The good

• It’s decent at reducing fatigue, but more traditional anti-fatigue mats do the job fine without having to reinvent the wheel
• Fun experience and great for kids if they want to get into the standing desk space
• Won’t leave scratches on hard floors

The bad

• Requires manual inflation to work
• Not as elegant or chic as other products on our list

Top standing desks to consider

We tested these standing accessories on several different standing desk setups. Even though the standing desk you use or choose will not affect the performance or usefulness of our curated list of accessories, we found these desks excellent for their materials, build quality, ease of use, and in many cases, simple setup.

Vari Standing Desk

Vari’s Electric Standing Desk is a terrific and elegant option if you’re looking for a premium worktop. Like its competitors on our list, this standing desk is more expensive than rivals that you’ll find on Amazon, but you really get what you pay for. Premium build quality, attention to detail, a quiet motor when it’s raised or lowered, and an intelligently designed notched edge on the rear that helps with cable management without having to mar the top with a grommet. What sets the Vari apart from all its competitors is that this desk is extremely simple to assemble—the rails are already pre-installed on the tabletop, and all you need to do is attach the legs and motor controller. The downside is that there is no natural wood option, and users have complained that the fake wood finish can look cheap, but our solid white top looks elegant.

The good

• Beautiful powder-white finish
• Elegant design
• Quiet motor
• Clever cable management notch at rear
• Super easy to assemble

The bad

• Wood grain finish looks cheap, so choose a black or white top instead!

Ergonofis Sway Standing Desk

Although assembling the Sway was more involved than the Vari, Ergonofis earns a much-beloved spot on our list with its clean and minimal design. The elegant solid-wood top really pops on our Walnut top, and the Sway brings a touch-sensitive control panel that is more discrete and modern than the buttons on other competing models. You can also opt for a grommet for cable management, an option we did without since we didn’t want to detract from the gorgeous wood.

The good

• Gorgeous solid-wood finish
• Innovative touch-sensitive control panel
• Elegant and elevated design

The bad

• Wood top is heavy and expensive

Flexispot E7Q Odin

Say goodbye to stodgy executive desks. If you need a premium large desk, the Flexispot E7Q Odin is the ticket. With a large, premium wood top, more affordable and sustainable bamboo top, or a chipboard finish, the E7Q is versatile and flexible. Four quiet motors help to raise and lower this desk, and the larger size of this model means that it can double as a desk, smaller conference room-size table, or just a communal table for small gatherings. It’s one of the more versatile offerings for larger offices, and it’s among our favorite standing desks given that the U-shaped legs make it look more like a modern table than a standing desk, allowing it to blend in better with your decor. For apartment dwellers without a dedicated office space, this desk can double as an elegant dining room table when you’re not working.

The good

• Bamboo finish looks good
• Innovative U-shaped legs make it look like it belongs in a home
• Large surface can double as a dining table, bar top, or conference room table for small gatherings

The bad

• Bamboo top can benefit from a more protective finish/varnish
• Packaging was a little flimsy, resulting in some damage while in transit from FedEx