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If you spend hours staring at your screen, a simple riser or stand can change everything — posture, desk space, even your mood. From tiny laptop risers to full-blown adjustable monitor stands, the UK market is packed with options. This guide walks you through the types, the best places to buy, what to look for, and how to pick a setup that fits your body and budget. Think of it as your cheat sheet for turning any workstation into a comfortable, productive nook.
It’s easy to underestimate a small slab of wood or a metal bracket, but a riser or stand does two big things: raises your screen to the right eye level and frees up space beneath for storage. When your monitor is too low, you crane your neck and slouch — the classic recipe for neck and shoulder pain. A good stand nudges your setup toward neutral posture and keeps the desk tidy at the same time.
Ergonomics is not just for office therapists. Even a 4–6 inch lift can mean the difference between sitting upright and curling into a C-shape. Ideally, the top of your screen should sit roughly at eye level or an inch or two below. If you’re switching between laptop and external monitor, a riser helps create a consistent viewing angle so your eyes and neck don’t have to relearn positions constantly.
Risers are also excellent space hackers. Slide a keyboard or documents underneath a raised monitor to reclaim desk surface. For laptops, an elevated platform improves airflow; that matters if you push your device hard and want to avoid throttling. Plus, tidy cable channels and built-in drawers on some stands keep things neat and reduce clutter-induced stress.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. Different stands serve different needs — some are stylish, some are ultra-adjustable, and some are cheap and cheerful. Let’s look at the main types so you can match form to function.
Monitor risers are simple platforms that lift a monitor a fixed height or offer limited adjustability. They’re great if you want a cleaner desk and slightly raised display without a complex mechanism. Look for ones made of sturdy material that won’t wobble and that have non-slip feet or pads to keep the screen steady.
Laptop stands come in many shapes — vertical storage, tilted platforms, foldable stands for travel, and more. They’re aimed at better cooling and raising the laptop screen for an external keyboard setup. If you work on a laptop and don’t want to buy an external monitor, an adjustable laptop stand with tilt options gives the best compromise.
If you move your screen a lot or run multiple displays, monitor arms offer freedom. They clamp to the desk and let you tilt, swivel, and height-adjust screens. Dual and triple monitor brackets are especially useful for traders, designers, and multitaskers. The trade-off is a slightly higher cost and, sometimes, installation effort.
Want the sit-stand benefits without replacing your desk? A standing desk converter raises the entire workspace, bringing your keyboard and monitor to standing height. These range from simple platforms to gas-spring models that lift with one hand. If you plan to alternate between sitting and standing several times a day, a quality converter is a smart investment.
Shopping in the UK gives you a healthy mix of general retailers and specialist outlets. Below are reliable places to find a great range of risers, stands, and arms.
Amazon UK is often the first stop because of selection and fast shipping options. You’ll find everything from budget acrylic risers to branded Ergotron arms. Read user reviews to spot wobbles, missing hardware, or great hidden features. Prime delivery can be handy if you need a last-minute upgrade.
Currys PC World stocks reliable brands and often bundles deals with monitors or laptops. Their store pages include specifications and compatibility notes, making it easier to choose an arm or riser that fits your monitor’s weight and VESA pattern. In-store pickup means you can see certain models before committing.
John Lewis carries stylish and sturdy stands that pair well with a more design-led desk. If you’re after wooden or woven finishes that elevate the aesthetics of your workspace, this is a good place to browse. Their customer service reputation also helps if you want guidance pre-purchase.
Argos is handy for affordable, no-frills risers and laptop stands. Their catalog includes practical, value options for temporary setups or kids’ desks. The click-and-collect model lets you secure the product online and get it the same day from a local store.
AO.com and Ebuyer offer a broad electronics range with competitive pricing, while Scan and Overclockers UK are more specialist for PC builders and gamers. These retailers often stock higher-end monitor arms and desk converters, plus the technical details that matter for heavy or oddly shaped monitors.
IKEA is a surprising source of smart, minimal risers and stands, with many modular solutions that fit a Scandinavian interior. The brand’s simple monitor lifts and laptop stands are inexpensive, durable, and easy to assemble — ideal if you want a neat look without spending a bundle.
Choosing the right stand is less about brand and more about fit. Ask yourself a few questions first: Do you need adjustability? How heavy is your monitor? Do you prefer a minimalist look or extra storage? Answer those and you’ll avoid buyer’s regret.
Measure the ideal eye level using a piece of paper or tape — then match that to a stand’s height range. For many people, 3–8 inches is a practical fixed lift, while arms often provide 10–18 inches or more of movement. Tilt and swivel matter if you share the screen or vary working positions frequently.
Check your monitor’s weight and VESA mounting size. Many arms advertise a maximum weight in pounds and list compatible VESA patterns like 75 x 75 or 100 x 100. If your monitor is heavy or ultrawide, pick an arm or riser rated above your monitor’s weight for safety.
Materials influence durability and aesthetics. Metal arms are robust but cost more; wooden risers add warmth; acrylic looks modern but can scratch. Consider the footprint too — clamp-mounted arms free desk space, while large converters take up more room but offer a full sit-stand surface.
Little things add up: cable channels, USB hubs, and built-in drawers keep your desk tidy. If you work with multiple devices, integrated cable clips and pass-throughs make the setup feel intentional rather than chaotic. Some stands even include wireless chargers or phone docks for smart multitasking.
Not every desk needs the Mercedes of monitor arms. Sometimes a humble wooden riser will do the job. Here’s how to decide whether to splurge.
For less than the cost of a nice lunch, you can get a stable riser or foldable laptop stand that lifts your screen and improves posture. Budget options are perfect for casual users or secondary workstations. Expect fewer frills and limited adjustability, but many great buys exist that perform well for everyday tasks.
If you sit at your desk all day, premium arms and converters repay their cost through comfort and improved productivity. Look for gas-spring arms, durable metal construction, and certifications for load capacity. Premium stands often come with longer warranties and superior ergonomics — they’re an investment in your health.
Installing a stand or arm is rarely rocket science, but a few tips will save time and frustration. Think of setup like tuning a bike — small tweaks make the ride smoother.
Place your monitor about an arm’s length away, then adjust height so the top edge is at or slightly below eye level. Angle the screen to reduce glare and tilt slightly back for reading. If you use bifocals, you might want the screen a tad lower; trial and error helps find your sweet spot.
When using two monitors, set the primary screen directly in front of you and angle the secondary inwards. If both are equally important, align them centrally on a dual arm. Use small risers under one screen to fine-tune heights when exact matches are impossible due to differing stand designs.
A little upkeep extends a stand’s lifespan. Treat your riser like a small piece of furniture — wipe it down, tighten fasteners, and watch for wear. That way, you get years of reliable use rather than a creaky replacement after a few months.
Use a microfibre cloth and a gentle cleaner for metal and wood surfaces. Avoid harsh solvents that strip finishes. For plastic and acrylic, a mild soap solution keeps things clear and smudge-free. Clean cable channels to prevent dust buildup and rattling.
Replace a riser or arm if it starts to sag, creak, or if it no longer supports the monitor safely. Consider upgrading when you buy a larger monitor or when your workflow changes — for example, adding a standing desk converter when you start standing more frequently.
Choosing the right riser or stand is a small decision with outsized benefits. Whether you want a sleek wooden riser from John Lewis, a heavy-duty arm from a specialist like Scan, or a bargain pick from Argos, there’s a fit for every desk and budget. Think about how you work, how often you switch postures, and what will keep your setup tidy. Then pick the solution that makes your desk feel just right — like a favourite mug on a rainy morning.
Happy shopping, and may your neck thank you for years to come.
