Standing desks are becoming more and more popular, and adding one to your home can be good for mind and body. Style blogger Reichel Broussard of Copy Cat Chic shows us how she put together a modern office space that lets her stay on her feet while she works.
So, it’s a new year. What are your resolutions? Am I a bad blogger if I say I didn’t make any? I’m going for just a feeling of all around well-being. That being said, I figured it was time to work on my office space. I’m on my computer a lot, but before this year, I never had a dedicated desk for my work. I’d sit on the sofa and use my laptop. This was not the best situation for my back and wrists as you can imagine. I figured this was the year to graduate to a big girl’s desk. 😉
Choosing a Desk
I’ve been hearing a lot about how sitting at a desk all day isn’t great, so I researched alternatives: ergonomic chairs, backless stools, yoga balls, you name it. Then my husband mentioned that he uses a standing desk at work and that idea really stuck with me. I decided to take my measurements using ergonomic recommendations and hunt down a desk that was the exact height I needed.
Also tricky? My husband said he doesn’t stand all day at his desk, but switches the height so he can sit down as well. So I needed to find a desk that was the correct height while standing AND sitting with a footstool. So back to the hunt to find a desk, stool, and chair that worked together with the right dimensions!
Below is a not-so-pretty, but useful diagram that I mocked up of how to find the correct measurements. The short story is that your desk should be about elbow height when standing, your chair should be tall enough to allow you to sit and reach your keyboard comfortably, and the footstool should keep your legs comfortably bent rather than dangling.
My Modern Desk + Chair
Luckily I was able to find exactly what I needed at Hayneedle. I ordered this modern white table that was the perfect height for a standing desk and combined it with the Dominica bar stool. They look amazing together, don’t they? And even better? They’re exactly what I need height-wise.
I added a footstool that raised my feet to a comfortable height when seated, and I also bought a few accessories to go along with the desk/table: a versatile file cabinet for storage and a matching 12-inch planter, because of course every modern office needs some greenery! I found a great split leaf philodendron to go in it.
Oh and let’s not forget one of the most important things! This cushioned mat, which is heavenly when standing for long periods at a time. So key you guys, so key.
As you can see I’ve made myself right at home in my new office space. It’s hard to believe I went so long without a desk, but I absolutely love sitting there every day. What do you guys think of my new standing desk? Have you heard of them before? Or do you have one at home too? I’m such a fan!
