7 Simple Tricks to Make Your Standing Desk Blend In Beautifully

There's a lot to love about a good ergonomic standing desk, but its aesthetics don't typically make the list. Between bulky frames and tech clutter, they aren't necessarily easy on the eyes.

A love of beautiful spaces shouldn't deter you from improving your health and workflow with a standing desk. Here are some practical tips on how to make your standing desk more stylish and integrated into your home's environment.

1. Corral Those Cords

Cords are already a nuisance when it comes to traditional desks, but standing desks further exacerbate this issue. The black line of a monitor's power cord always stands out against a wall, mainly when you elevate your desk.

This is why fabric cord covers can be a standing desk's best friend. You can often fit multiple cords in one, making it a chic way to prevent them from tangling. For a more modern or minimalist look, consider investing in cord hooks that can be inserted along the back and underside of your standing desk.

2. Layer Lighting

Interior designers know that lighting is a significant tool for pulling a space together. The way you illuminate your workspace is no exception, which is why adding two or three light sources to the area surrounding your standing desk will set the mood for a cozy yet productive workday.

A standing desk with two tiers presents a unique opportunity to get creative with layered light sources. For starters, consider installing a light strip under the top tier of your standing desk to provide additional lighting for the lower level.

There are other ways to layer lighting, even if your standing desk only has one tier. You might feel hesitant to put a table lamp on your standing desk for fear of it falling as you lower and raise the desk, but that's where museum putty comes in handy. Simply put some museum putty on the bottom to hold it in place. If you prefer not to deal with cords, opt for a small, battery-operated lamp. And if there isn't any room for a table lamp on your small standing desk, put a pair of wall sconces and a floor lamp nearby.

3. Put Large Plants Around It, Not on It

The urge to fill your workspace with touches of nature is a common one, but a small standing desk doesn't leave you with a ton of surface space for sprawling leaves. Certain compact plants could fit on your standing desk with no issue, but there's an easy workaround for larger ones. Opt for hanging plants and tall floor plants, or perch one on a stand nearby.

4. Choose Coordinating Organizers and Accessories

Standing desks notoriously lack built-in storage. Reduce visual surface clutter by selecting coordinating organizers to conceal your paperclips, scissors, notepads, and pens. Place them all on a single tray to further create a cohesive look.

However, you don't need to hide everything away. Consider purchasing prettier versions of basic office supplies, such as pastel highlighters or a white and brass stapler that is worthy of display.

5. Use Mats as a Design Opportunity

Mouse pads, chair pads, and standing pads don't have to be basic and sad like much else in a typical cubicle. Think of these pieces as a way to infuse texture and pattern into your standing desk area, much like rugs and throw pillows do in a living room. Take a little time to search for ones that coordinate with the rest of your home.

6. Hang Art at Different Levels

When hanging a piece of art above your desk, a good rule of thumb is to hang it about 8-10 inches above its surface. But with standing desks, the height obviously varies. We suggest stacking two pieces of art on top of each other. Hang the lower piece at the appropriate height for when your desk is in the lower position. Then, hang the top piece a few inches above the bottom piece to create balance when your desk is in the standing position. A full gallery wall will also achieve a similar effect.

7. Opt for a Nontraditional Standing Desk

If you've tried to make your standing desk blend into its surroundings with no luck, remember that any piece of furniture can be a standing desk if it's the right height. You can pop open a laptop on it when you feel like standing, and head over to your traditional desk when you feel like sitting.

A standing desk should ideally be tall enough for your arms to sit at a right angle when you're typing. Depending on your height, a sofa table or dresser might sit at just the right height.