Are you interested in the history of standing desks? Great, you have come to the right place. In this article, I will go over...
- Where the standing desk came from
- Famous people who were known for using standing desks
- Standing desks designs from then till now
- The benefits of using standing desks
So, without further ado, Let’s get started!
Where Did Standing Desks Originate
Although the idea of standing at your desk to write or work seems like a new idea due to the recent influx in popularity of the years, it actually isn’t very new at all. In fact, you will find records of people standing at their desks while working as far back as the 1600s.
These types of desks may look much different today, but the bases are still much the same; getting your work done in the standing position.
While no one really knows who thought of the idea, we do know the first location they were ever used.
The very first documented standing desks were positioned in the library of one of the world's most notorious, famous, and influential colleges, The University of Cambridge.
Here readers, writers, and researchers were able to take their supplies to a desk, where they could freely move around the library, with all of the other benefits standing your desk; of course.
From there you will find the trend was set and people began noticing the advantages to a high sitting desk option; used throughout the years by artists, inventors, politicians, and so much more.
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What Historical Famous People Used Standing Desks?
Over the last few decades pictures have surfaced of historical figures using these standing desks for many reasons.
One of the most notorious uses of a standing desk is the Mona Lisa. Yes, Leonardo Divinci, spent his days, standing at his desk, painting the famous grinning girl, known all around the world.
Do you remember Napoleon Bonaparte? Who doesn’t?
Well, he used a standing desk to strategize and document his battles, using this piece of furniture to improve his ability to produce tactical movements, providing him with different angles and focal points while creating maps and plans.
Then there was Thomas Jefferson, who used the standing desk for many infamous documents and work, one being the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson is also known for improving or reinventing the standing desk, giving it the ability to move, making it the first adjustable standing desk on the books.
Maybe you have heard of Charles Dickens or Ernest Hemmingway? Yep, both of these authors utilized the standing desk to create many of their astonishing creations.
It is said that standing while writing helps the author productive in their work and keeps the blood pumping, improving focus and consistency.
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Standing Desks Throughout the Years
Obviously, the standing desks we use today look nothing like the ones used by authors and leaders from our past, and as time goes by, they continue to become more innovative and ergonomic.
While this desk started off as heavy wooden tables with high standing legs, they have morphed into adjustable, movable, and comfortable desks, allowing the user to get their work done in a much more comfortable fashion.
Why Use Standing Desks?
The main benefits of using a standing desk haven’t changed much since the 1600s. However, more studies have been done, showing many health benefits that can be associated with working at a desk while standing upright rather than sitting for hours.
Previously, the idea of standing at your desk was ideal for flexibility.
These tables gave the user the ability to move around quickly and freely while working compared to the stationary positions provided by sitting desks.
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When the artist was drawing, they were able to get different views, angles, and insight. The great leaders of our country could move from one map to the other with ease, and writers were able to focus much better and also take a break to move, pace, and think.
Today, many people use standing desks because it is much better for your health. With so many jobs requiring you to sit behind a screen for many hours a day, the health of the population is decreasing dramatically, due to a sedimentary lifestyle.
Here are 5 Health Benefits of Using standing desks
you should think about if you are stuck in an office chair for most of your day.
1. Lowers the Risk of Weight Gain:
It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that sitting for most of your day increases the chances of weight gain.
2. Decreases the Chances of Heart Disease:
Standing provides better circulation and mobility in your body, decreasing the chances of deadly heart disease.
3. Reduces Back, Hip, and Knee Pain:
Sitting all day long can put your body into an unnatural position causing problems in your back, hip, and knees.
4. Increases Energy:
Many believe that standing increases your energy. Sitting for long periods of time can make you feel sluggish and drowsy.
Being able to move at your desk at all times can increase your energy and even improve your mood.
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5. Increases Productivity:
It is believed that people who stand while working are more likely to get the job done quicker and more efficiently than those who sit.
Along with these health advantages, it is also believed that standing instead of sitting while working can reduce the chances of developing diabetes, reduce upper back pain by nearly 50%, and decreases the chances of weight-related illness, injuries, and fatalities.
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Final Thoughts On the History of Standing Desks
There is a reason these desks have been around for hundreds of years. If they were not beneficial to productivity, health, and the job at hand, then they would have died out many years ago like so many other historical creations.
While standing desks today may not look quite like that of Leonardo Divinci or Ernest Hemmingway, they are still just as practical and enjoyable to use and continue to get more popular as the years go on.