Lift the screen, keep the space
A monitor riser is a shelf that sits on the desk and lifts a monitor, or a laptop, a few centimetres higher. The space underneath is not lost: a keyboard slides under it at the end of the day, or papers and a notebook go there, and many risers have drawers built in. It suits a monitor that sits too low, which is common on a desk whose monitor came without much height adjustment.
What is in this range
- Fixed-height shelves that raise the screen by a set amount. Those here state 8cm and 11.5cm.
- Adjustable risers. One has three heights from 10.5cm to 14.5cm, others are telescopic or have legs you can change.
- Risers with drawers, with one, two or three, for stationery, cables and small things.
- Open risers with space underneath for a keyboard.
They come in anodised aluminium, wood, steel and plastic, PVC and moisture-resistant wood-plastic board.
How high to raise the screen
The Health and Safety Executive's guidance puts the top of the screen level with your eyes and about an arm's length away, straight in front of you if it is the screen you look at most. Its checklist says to set the chair first, so your forearms are roughly horizontal, and then the screen. So sit as you work, note how far the top of the monitor is below your eye line, and choose a riser that closes the gap. Allow for the riser's own height, not just the space under it.
If you use the laptop's screen beside a monitor, raise the laptop so the two sit at a similar height, rather than leaving it down on the desk. A laptop stand or vertical stand sits beside a riser, or a monitor arm tray lifts it off the desk altogether.
How to choose a riser
Width. Measure the monitor's foot and the space on the desk. The riser should be wider than the foot, with room to spare.
Weight. Check the riser is made to hold your monitor.
Underneath. If a keyboard will go under it, measure the keyboard's height against the gap.
Questions people ask about monitor risers
Can I put a laptop on a monitor riser?
Yes. Several risers here say they suit a laptop as well as a monitor. With the laptop raised, use a separate keyboard and mouse for typing.
Is a riser better than a monitor arm?
A riser stands on the desk with nothing to fit. An arm clamps to the desk edge and moves further, but needs a monitor with mounting holes.
How long does delivery take?
Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives.
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