Whether you work at the office or are working from home, your desk is one of the most important pieces of furniture. Without one, you're working on a dinner table, coffee table, or, worst of all, your lap. Because desks are so crucial to a productive and comfortable workday, it’s wise to invest in one of the best. If you ask us, the ‘best’ is a standing desk.
Standing throughout the day to combat sedentary lifestyles is more important than ever, which is what makes sit stand desks so advantageous. In this post, we’ll discuss how standing desks help, and the Herman Miller desks that we believe top the standing desk market.
What is a standing desk?
A standing desk, also known as a sit-stand desk, height-adjustable desk, or electric desk, allows users to work while standing up. Almost all standing desks can be raised and lowered to suit the user’s height and comfort.
Are standing desks good for you?
Research studies have shown that sitting for prolonged periods is bad for your health. It can lead to cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and other illnesses, especially when you sit for more than 10 hours a day. By standing and moving regularly, you can help prevent your health from deteriorating from being sedentary for too long. This is where standing desks come in.
With a standing desk, you can spend far fewer hours sitting in an office chair. We tend to naturally move when standing, shifting our feet and stretching our spines. A standing desk allows much more movement and because of this, is said to be better for your health.
Is it okay to use a standing desk all day?
Despite the health benefits, there is such a thing as too much standing. Standing all day long isn’t easy - just ask anyone with a job that requires them to constantly be on their feet. Being upright all day, especially if you’re not actively moving, could eventually lead to lower back pain and discomfort in your leg muscle.
Fortunately, this is only likely to happen if you spend every moment of every day standing, which isn’t the intention of a sit stand desk.
These desks have been designed to incorporate change into your day, with some time standing and some sitting. It’s also important to note that if you’ve spent your life sitting, then going straight to standing isn’t all that beneficial. Experts suggest starting with 30 to 60 minutes of standing a day, then gradually increasing the amount until you find a comfortable balance.
Standing desks are very beneficial, but they’re adjustable for a reason: so that you can switch from sitting to standing and back again throughout the day with ease.
Is it worth getting a sit stand desk?
The simple answer is yes. Standing desks are beneficial to your physical health, as well as your mental health. Engaging your body and muscles more throughout the day helps with blood flow, which is said to be great for productivity.
Because of this, it’s clear that introducing a standing desk to your workplace or home office is worth it for the health benefits and, possibly, your work results.
Why are some standing desks more expensive than others?
Sit stand desks come in a wide range of sizes and designs, each sporting different functions, which all affects the price point.
A prominent difference in price points is down to how the desk works. Certain standing office desks come at a budget cost due to manual crank features, whereas electric standing desks will cost more because of the easy-to-use electric functions.
The quality of the materials used also makes a difference. High-quality materials such as solid wood and steel will make a better desk and therefore come at a greater cost, while cheap plastics and malleable metals will be cheaper. Strong, durable materials will also result in a desk that lasts longer, which drives the price up. These desks are a much more worthwhile investment than one that may break within a year or two of use.
Some desks can be raised and lowered by the flick of a switch, but others take it further. The Herman Miller Ratio Sit Stand Desk, for example, can come with a memory preset option. This allows for you to save your favourite heights for quick and easy adjusting on this useful standing desk.
A final price point difference lies with brand authority. Brands that are well-known for exceptional design and quality may be more expensive than lesser-known brands, as people are buying not just the desk, but the name and the trust that comes with it. Herman Miller is a great example of a famous brand that is synonymous with quality, known for its stylish office furniture that lasts year after year.
Herman Miller sit stand desks
If you’ve heard of the prowess of Herman Miller office chairs, then you may be wondering if Herman Miller’s standing desk is good, too. With their style and expert knowledge in the office furniture world, going back to when the company was founded in 1905, it’s not hard to believe that their sit stand desks are also amongst the top tier of desks.
Electric standing desks such as the Herman Miller Atlas and the Herman Miller Ratio are among the most popular in the office world. While both are brilliant desks, there are some key differences that make them suitable for different markets.
Herman Miller Ratio Sit Stand Desk
This versatile desk is a good choice for those that are looking for excellent quality on a slightly smaller budget. They’re designed to handle light to moderate weights, such as a single monitor and small desktop or laptop, and are highly customisable to suit the style of its surroundings. At Office Furniture Scene, we offer this desk with the option of collision sensor control, as well as memory presets to save your favourite heights.
Herman Miller Atlas Sit Stand Desk
This electric height adjustable desk has more advanced features than the Ratio for those looking for something truly special. With integrated cable management, memory presets, and a sleek and modern design, this innovative piece of office furniture is incredibly popular with workplaces. It is available in configurations that can be connected with other Atlas desks for a seamless office space and can take a lot more weight than the Ratio for those with ample equipment.
Herman Miller desks at Office Furniture Scene
The team here at Office Furniture Scene are experts in all things workplace furniture, including Herman Miller desks. We believe that these desks are worth the investment as they will last a long time, looking good and working smoothly. Our customers choose these desks for their quiet mechanisms, advanced functions, and style, opting to fill their workplaces and home offices with furniture that works for them.
To learn more about our sit stand desks, head to our standing desk page, or give us a call at 01603 722483 to talk to one of our experienced team. They’ll help you find the best Herman Miller desk for your budget and preferences.