A standing desk is the foundation. But if you've ever stood at one for 20 minutes and ended up with sore feet, a stiff neck, or cables dangling everywhere, you already know the desk alone isn't the full answer.
The right accessories are what turn a good desk into a setup you actually want to use every day. Here are the five that make the biggest difference.
1. Anti-Fatigue Mat — The One You'll Regret Skipping
Standing on a hard floor for extended periods puts continuous pressure on your heels, knees, and lower back. An anti-fatigue mat solves this by encouraging subtle, constant micro-movements in your legs — reducing fatigue and improving circulation.
Without one, most people default back to sitting within a week. With one, standing actually feels good.
What to look for:
- Thickness of at least 20mm for meaningful cushioning
- Bevelled edges so you don't trip stepping on and off
- Non-slip base
- Easy to wipe clean
Ideal size: 50×90cm fits most desk widths without taking over your floor space.
2. Monitor Arm — Free Up Your Desk and Save Your Neck
Most monitor stands that come with your screen are fixed height — which almost never lines up with your ideal eye level when you switch between sitting and standing. A monitor arm lets you reposition your screen in seconds as your desk moves.
Beyond ergonomics, a monitor arm also clears up significant desk real estate by lifting your monitor completely off the surface.
What to look for:
- VESA compatibility (75×75mm or 100×100mm — check your monitor's back)
- Weight rating that matches your monitor (most arms handle 2–9kg)
- Full articulation: tilt, swivel, and height adjustment
- Clamp-mount for clean installation with no drilling
For dual monitors: a dual monitor arm keeps both screens at the same height and allows independent adjustment — a significant upgrade for any multi-screen setup.
3. Cable Management Tray — Underrated, Immediately Noticeable
Moving a desk up and down 20 times a day with loose cables is how you end up with tangled cords, yanked plugs, and a setup that looks messy from every angle.
A cable management tray mounts underneath your desktop and holds your power bar, cables, and adapters completely out of sight. The difference in how your workspace looks and functions is immediate.
What to look for:
- Under-desk mount (screws or clamp — clamp preferred for clean installation)
- Metal mesh design for airflow around power adaptors
- At least 60cm wide to hold a standard power bar
- Cable spine or sleeve to bundle the vertical run of cables down the leg
This is the lowest-cost, highest-visual-impact upgrade on this entire list.
4. Desk Pad — Protects the Surface and Ties the Setup Together
A quality desk pad protects your desktop from scratches, gives your mouse a smooth consistent surface, and visually anchors the whole setup. It's one of those accessories that seems optional until you have one.
What to look for:
- Full-desk size (80×40cm minimum, ideally 90×45cm or larger)
- Stitched edges — unstitched pads curl at the corners within weeks
- Non-slip backing
- Neutral colour that complements your desktop finish — grey, black, or navy work well with most setups
Avoid cheap rubber-backed pads that leave marks on laminate surfaces over time.
5. Ergonomic Chair — The Other Half of the Equation
A standing desk doesn't mean standing all day — the goal is movement and variety. You'll still sit for a significant portion of your workday, and if your chair isn't supporting your lower back, hips, and posture correctly, the ergonomic benefits of your desk are only half-realized.
What to look for:
- Adjustable lumbar support (not just a fixed lumbar bump)
- Seat height range that matches your desk's sitting height
- Adjustable armrests — ideally 4D (height, width, depth, angle)
- Breathable mesh back for all-day comfort
- Seat depth adjustment for proper thigh support
A standing desk paired with a quality ergonomic chair is a complete ergonomic workstation. One without the other leaves a significant gap.
None of these accessories are optional extras — they're what make a standing desk work the way it's supposed to. Start with the anti-fatigue mat and monitor arm if you're building out your setup gradually, and add the rest as your workspace evolves.
Browse Apex Stand's full collection of standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and workspace accessories — with free shipping across Canada.
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