IKEA offers a range of standing desks designed to suit different work styles, preferences, and budgets. But are they actually worth buying, especially when brands like Desky and UpDown are also in the market?
In this review, I’ll look at IKEA’s standing desks available in Australia and assess how they perform in terms of quality, design, value, and overall practicality. The goal is to break down each model clearly and help you decide whether an IKEA standing desk is the right fit for your workspace.
Understanding IKEA
Founded in Sweden, IKEA makes functional furniture at accessible prices. And its standing desks follow the same approach, with different sizes, finishes, and styles for different setups.
A big part of IKEA’s appeal is practicality. The flat-pack model keeps costs down, assembly is usually simple, and the desks are designed for everyday use rather than premium showmanship.
IKEA Standing Desks
I conducted a comprehensive evaluation of IKEA's premium height-adjustable desks to form a conclusive opinion of the brand.
1. IKEA Bekant Standing Desk
Versatile and Elegant Standing Desk
The IKEA Bekant Standing Desk has a clean, minimalist design and comes in several tabletop finishes to suit different spaces. The stained ash veneer looks better than the plain white or linoleum options, but the plastic parts take away from the overall premium feel.
It uses steel legs in a T-frame design and offers a height range of 65 to 125cm. The cable management tray underneath is useful, though the pop-rivet construction does not feel especially durable.
Performance, Price & Availability
The Bekant looks solid, but its stability is not its strong point. It tends to wobble with movement or vibration, which is not ideal if you have expensive gear on it.
That said, it handles its 70kg load capacity well and offers enough space for a multi-monitor setup or a desktop PC. So while stability is a weakness, usable space and weight support are still strong points.
Height adjustment is smooth and fairly quick. The issue is the keypad. There are no memory presets, so you have to keep holding the button the whole time whenever you want to raise or lower the desk.
That may seem minor at first, but it gets annoying over time, especially if you switch positions often during the day.
At the price, it should offer more. The smallest 120 x 60cm Bekant starts at AUD $579, which puts it in the higher range. For that kind of money, more advanced features should be standard.
Customisability and Accessorising
The Bekant gives you a fair amount of flexibility. It comes in different tabletop finishes, from simple white to stained oak veneer, with black or white frame options to match different spaces.
It also works well with IKEA’s wider range of accessories, including monitor stands and drawer units, which makes it easier to build out the setup you want.
The weak point is cable management. It is not as refined as it should be, so keeping the workspace tidy may take extra effort or third-party add-ons.
Despite some room for improvement, the Bekant standing desk does an admirable job of balancing form and function. Its customisability and adaptability, coupled with IKEA's extensive range of matching accessories, make it a promising contender in the standing desk market.
Is IKEA Bekant Worth It?
The IKEA Bekant Standing Desk has several attractive qualities, such as its modern design and customisation options.
Its drawbacks, including a lack of advanced features, questionable quality control, and a higher price tag, may outweigh the benefits. If you are seeking a feature-rich standing desk with fewer drawbacks, you might want to consider the UpDown Pro Desk or the Stand Desk Pro.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Wide array of customisation options
- Ample space for desktop and legroom
- Acceptable maximum height
Cons
- Keypad functionality is basic
- Construction feels less sturdy
- Questionable quality control and material
2. IKEA IDÅSEN Sit/Stand Desk
Best for Efficient and Comfortable Work Sessions
The IKEA IDÅSEN Sit/Stand Desk is one of the better desks in IKEA’s range. It feels sturdy, has a large work surface, and offers a 63 to 127 cm height range for both sitting and standing.
The ash veneer finish looks clean and is easy to maintain. It also has a cable management net underneath. Assembly is also clear, but the desk is heavy, so setup can take time. Once built, it feels solid and durable.
Performance, Price & Availability
The IDÅSEN works well overall. Height adjustment is smooth, and you can control it either manually or through the Desk Control app.
The main issue is the app. Bluetooth can disconnect at times, which makes the remote control feature less reliable than it should be. The motor is also a bit louder than expected.
Still, the desk performs well where it matters. It is stable, easy to use, and handles sit-stand transitions without much trouble.
Being a more premium option in IKEA’s lineup, the desk costs more than some alternatives, but the sturdy build, smart features, and large work surface help justify the price.
It also gives you some flexibility in appearance, with four colour options available to suit different spaces. While it does not come with notable accessories, the desktop is spacious enough for multiple monitors and other essentials without feeling cramped.
Is the IKEA IDÅSEN Worth It?
Despite a few minor drawbacks, the IDÅSEN is still a strong standing desk. It combines solid build quality, useful features, and a clean design in a way that makes the higher price easier to justify.
The desk performs well, looks good, and comes backed by a 10-year guarantee, which adds real confidence to the purchase.
Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Cable management system
- Stylish and robust design
- Desk Control app
Cons
- Slightly hefty price
- Movement is louder
3. IKEA Trotten Standing Desk
Manual Height Adjustment Standing Desk
TROTTEN keeps things simple. The design is clean and understated, with a rectangular top and matching legs, but it is also fairly basic. Cable management is a weak point since there are no cutouts or openings, and the limited colour options do not give you much room to personalise the look.
It is also lighter-duty than other models, with a 50kg weight limit. That should still be enough for most standard setups, just not for heavier equipment.
Assembly is more involved than you might expect for a non-motorised desk. You need to fit brackets under the desktop and attach the legs and feet yourself. The manual is clear in the usual IKEA style, and the Allen keys are included, but you will need your own Phillips head screwdriver.
Performance, Price & Availability
The main thing that sets TROTTEN apart is its manual crank. It works smoothly and reliably, but larger height changes take effort since you have to keep cranking. When you are done, the handle folds neatly under the desk.
Price is one of its strongest points. TROTTEN starts at AUD $340, with a larger version at AUD $380. You can also buy just the frame for AUD $270 if you already have a desktop.
For the money, it is a practical option. But if you are open to spending a bit more, the Artiss Sit-Stand Desk offers more overall.
Customisability and Accessorising
As with most IKEA products, Trotten's customisation options are quite minimal. With only two choices each for table-top and leg colours, the range is narrow compared to other standing desks. This desk, therefore, is ideal for those who appreciate simplicity and ease of choice.
Is the IKEA Trotten Worth It?
TROTTEN is a solid pick if you want a simple standing desk at a lower price. It looks clean, works well, and covers the basics without trying to do too much.
The trade-off is that it feels more limited. You get fewer customisation options and a lower weight capacity than some alternatives.
Still, if affordability and simplicity matter most, TROTTEN does the job. It is also worth comparing it with other brands before deciding.
Pros
- Minimalist aesthetics
- Highly affordable
- Easy-to-follow assembly
- Convenient storage
Cons
- Limited customisation options
- No integrated cable management
- Limited weight capacity
4. IKEA Rodulf Standing Desk
Best for Smooth Sit/Stand Transition
RODULF gives you the convenience of electric height adjustment, with a range of 70 to 117 cm for easy switching between sitting and standing.
It also includes a cable management net underneath, though that may not be enough if you have a lot of cables. The desk itself is sturdy and spacious enough for a typical setup with two monitors, a laptop, and a keyboard, so it works well for both home and office use.
At AUD $459, it is fairly competitive, but the single grey-and-white colour option is limiting if you want more flexibility in how your workspace looks.
With an electric height adjustment feature, a 10-year guarantee, and a sturdy design, the IKEA Rodulf standing desk makes a strong case for itself. The limitations in assembly and customisation are slight trade-offs for an otherwise robust and ergonomically designed desk. Therefore, if you're looking for a reliable sit/stand desk that caters to your physical well-being during work, the Rodulf is certainly worth considering.
Pros
- Cable management net
- Electrically adjustable
- Durable and sturdy
- 10-year guarantee
Cons
- Only available in one colour
- Tabletop could be thicker
5. IKEA Gladhöjden Sit/Stand Desk
Minimal Standing Desk Design
GLADHÖJDEN is a compact sit-stand desk with a clean, understated look. It comes in light grey/anthracite or white, with a 100 x 60 cm top that gives enough space for a basic work setup. The melamine surface is durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, which makes it practical for everyday use.
Its best feature is the gas spring system. Height adjustment is smooth and quiet, and you can move it between 72 and 115 cm by holding the handle and guiding the top up or down. Once in place, it feels stable, with rubber feet helping keep it steady.
Assembly is manageable but not perfect. The instructions are detailed, though the tool shape and screw labels can slow things down.
GLADHÖJDEN is one of IKEA’s more affordable sit-stand desks at AUD $374. Its compact size, simple design, and manual height adjustment make it a practical option for smaller spaces.
The main limitation is the 10kg weight capacity. That is low, so it is better suited to lighter setups rather than heavier equipment.
Pros
- Compact for smaller spaces
- Durable, stain-resistant melamine surface
- Gas spring operation
Cons
- Manual operation
- 10 kg load capacity
So, Are IKEA Standing Desks Worth It?
IKEA standing desks balance price, function, and design well, even if some models are a better value than others. The real question is how they compare with other standing desks on the market.
Build Quality
IKEA’s standing desks are good, but not the best in their price range. The build quality is generally solid, and even the cheaper models feel reasonably well-made for everyday use.
Where IKEA does well is in value. It gives buyers a balance of price, function, and design that makes standing desks more accessible. But at the higher end, brands like UpDown and Desky usually offer better build quality, better features, and a more polished overall product.
Customisation
IKEA does well on customisation. There are enough styles, sizes, and colours to help most people find something that fits their space, and the simple design works easily in both home and office setups.
Where it falls short is accessories. The desk range is broader than the add-on ecosystem, so you may have to rely on third-party extras to get the setup you want.
Value for Money
IKEA standing desks are popular because they look good, work well, and are usually priced fairly for what you get. They fit easily into modern home and office setups without feeling overdesigned or overpriced.
Another advantage is the overall buying experience. IKEA backs its desks with reliable customer support, clear return policies, and assembly help, which makes the purchase feel lower risk.
They also provide high-quality height-adjustable desks catering to both premium users and office workstations.
However, in the space of high-end standing desks, we've found that most competition in Australia offers better choices at comparable or slightly higher price points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about IKEA desks.
Is IKEA Bekant strong?
The IKEA Bekant series is designed to be sturdy and durable. Its frame is made from steel, and the tabletop is from particleboard, both robust materials. The Bekant standing desk has a weight limit of 70kg, indicating its strength and capacity to handle various work equipment.
Is IKEA adjustable desk good?
IKEA's adjustable desks, including the Bekant and Idåsen lines, are generally well-regarded for their functionality, quality, and value for money. They offer the flexibility of sitting and standing work options, feature a simple yet stylish design, and are known for their durability.
How much should I spend on a sit-stand desk?
The amount you should spend on a sit-stand desk depends on your budget and needs. A good quality sit-stand desk can range from a few hundred to over a thousand Australian dollars. Consider factors like the desk's durability, adjustment mechanism, size, and added features when making your decision.
Darren Sherwood
Wrapping Up
IKEA standing desks are worth considering if you want something reliable, well-designed, and reasonably priced.
They cover the basics well, and a mix of function, style, and affordability is what makes them appealing. So, while they may not be the strongest option in every category, they offer solid overall value.
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