Standing desks may seem like the hot new thing, but they're actually not. Also known as standing desks or height-adjustable desks, this office prop has gained popularity in recent years as a way to improve health and productivity in the workplace. But the concept of standing up to work is nothing new. In fact, the history of standing desks dates back hundreds of years.

Early Standing Desks

The lectern is one of the earliest known examples of a standing desk, the angled stand used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to place text while speaking in public. Long before microphones existed, podiums allowed speakers to stand upright and project their voices, making them easier for audiences to hear and understand.

Standing desks have a long history in the art world, too. Many famous artists, including Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh, used standing desks when creating their masterpieces. These desks allow artists to stand upright and move around more freely, improving their posture and allowing them to work long hours without fatigue.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, standing desks began to be used more frequently in the workplace. Factory workers and office clerks often stand at their desks for long periods of time, requiring ergonomic solutions to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. One solution is the introduction of sit standing desk, which allow employees to adjust their workspace to a more comfortable height with less strain on their bodies.

As technology improved, standing desks began to evolve. In the 1980s, electric standing desks were introduced, allowing users to easily adjust the height of their workspace with the push of a button. This small change makes standing desks more accessible to a variety of users and paves the way for their widespread adoption in a variety of workplaces.

Modern standing desk

Today, standing desks come in a variety of styles and designs, from simple manually adjustable height desk to complex motorized desks and cordless pneumatic desks. Many companies have also started offering standing desks as a way to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees, recognizing the benefits of standing at work.