I became a homeowner in the summer of 2020. As a creator, my No. 1 priority was to set up my office as soon as possible. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a severe shortage of office supplies, including desks. I quickly purchased whatever I could find on Amazon at the time. My workspace was small and cramped, and with all my audio and video equipment attached it was a rickety setup. I decided this summer that four years was long enough and it was time for a change.
After a week of research, and conversations with a few other creators, I nailed down a few options and eventually landed on the FlexiSpot E7 Plus, which has become my favorite purchase this summer.
FlexiSpot's four-leg adjustable desk provides extra stability and support for those who plan to mount monitors or other heavy equipment. The built-in anticollision system ensures you don't accidentally knock something over when adjusting height, and the three-stage legs let you adjust your desk height to anywhere from 26 to 51.6 inches with the push of a button. Loved by prolific creators, this desk has plenty of oomph and durability to withstand years of use in a home office or college dorm.
Changing a desk or any other furniture in your office can be a daunting task. Aside from cost, the assembly process and rearranging the rest of your workspace can take significant time and leave you out of your rhythm for a while. Make sure a space as important as your desk checks all the boxes and gives you what you need.
Here is what I took into consideration.
Desktop size and dimensions
A big enough desk was a top priority for me. Sufficient width allows me to place enough devices and other electronics on the desk to the left and right of my main computer screen. It also opens up the opportunity for an additional person to sit next to me if needed. Imagine livestreaming or podcasting with another guest next to you, or looking at the screen together with a client or colleague. This was impossible with my small desk, but is now an easy arrangement with my new FlexiSpot E7 Plus.
The depth of the desk is just as important. A standard desk is 24 inches in depth, which accommodates a small computer or laptop easily. However, with my 27-inch iMac, the standard depth is taken up so much by my computer that it leaves me very little space for a mousepad, keyboard and other accessories.
The FlexiSpot E7 Plus desktop I chose is 72 by 30 inches, which has made a world of difference for my work. You could go even bigger if you wanted to: For this model, FlexiSpot offers up to 80 inches in width and 35 inches in depth.
A desk with 72 inches of width gives me plenty of desk space without overly obscuring windows.
Because I'm in front of the computer most of the day, I had decided years ago that I would only purchase desks that come with programmable height buttons. Specifically, I'm able to set the height for standing vs. sitting once and for all, then with a single button push my desk moves to the exact sitting or standing height I like.
For example, I'm 5 foot 4 inches tall and prefer to have my desk be as low as 28 inches for my arms to comfortably rest on the surface when I sit. The maximum height of the desk is not an issue for someone of my height, but if you are much taller, it's important to check and see if the desk can extend high enough while you are standing.
The FlexiSpot E7 Plus has one of the most flexible height adjustments I've seen on the market today, ranging from 26 inches to 51.6 inches.
A heavier standing desk is a good option if you plan to mount lights or monitors along the back of the desktop.
Built-in anticollision system
How many times have I changed the height of the desk and knocked over important equipment like a light or a camera? Let's just say that it's happened more than once. If you'd had a similar experience, you probably know how nerve-wracking it can be. You don't have enough time to react or reach for the pause button on the standing desk to prevent a collision.
The built-in anticollision feature from FlexiSpot's E7 Plus was something I didn't know I needed, and now it's something I never want to live without. As I change the height of my desk, FlexiSpot automatically detects if there are objects or people in the way and pauses the height change to prevent accidents.
Upgrading from 2-stage to 3-stage legs
While looking for more height adjustment for my standing desk, I came across a new concept I didn't know before: two-stage vs. three-stage legs. Usually, two-stage legs can adjust between 27 and 40 inches, whereas three-stage legs can go from about 23 to 50 inches, offering significantly more height flexibility to accommodate both shorter and taller people.
Three-stage leg desks are also more stable because there is more overlapping area between each segment as the height changes.
Three-stage legs give an adjustable desk more height options, which might be an important factor for shorter or taller people.
Durability with 4-leg vs. 2-leg desks
In addition to the stages of the desk legs, I find the design of a four-leg desk offers much more support and stability. With so many items strapped to my desk, the four-leg desk put my mind at ease. Even if I'm leaning or sitting on my desk, it feels very stable and safe. In case you are curious, FlexiSpot E7 Plus has 540 pounds of static capacity, making it very sturdy. (But I don't recommend you perform circus acrobatics on any desk to find out!)
Desktop material, color and size
FlexiSpot desks are constructed very well and offer many choices for desktop materials, colors, and sizes. In the checkout process, you build your desk to your exact specifications step by step. I chose the bamboo material and color and 72 inches by 30 inches for desktop size, as well as a white frame.
The checkout process lets you customize your desk step-by-step and add upgrades wherever you want.
I also opted for the slightly curved design that helps me more easily reach everything on the desk, and it looks more modern in the office, too. It does feel more ergonomic, especially for a more petite person such as me, but is more anesthetic than anything else and should not be a deal-breaker when deciding which desk to buy.
How do I like my desk just a few months later?
It's been transformative! I don't regret the purchase of my FlexiSpot E7 Plus.
The desk is beautiful, sturdy and very well-made. I can see myself using this desk for a very long time. There's plenty of space on this new desk to place all the devices I have and more, yet I'm quite motivated to keep it clean and minimalist, just like how I set it up on day one. The comfort provided by this new desk makes me genuinely more excited about being a creator.
Check out the FlexiSpot E7 Plus here.
