Cold take incoming — working from home is pretty neat.
It’s not just me that feels like this job perk is one of the few good things to come from our year spent indoors. According to a recent study from Forbes, 98 percent of workers prefer working remotely at least some of the time, with 65 percent saying they prefer a solely remote schedule. This structure has allowed us to cut down on commutes, achieve new work-life balances and re-engage with our pets and families, all while still staying productive in our day-to-day.
One of the biggest challenges in working from home, though, is separating the work when it’s time to log off. If your home office is constantly a few steps away, you’re probably more inclined to hop back online to answer some emails, wrap up a project or complete some other endeavor you’d probably let rest until the next working day. I know I’m guilty of this (more than I’d like to admit).
But what if that home office was removable from eyesight? What if packing up for the day literally meant packing everything up until it was time for your next shift? That’s essentially the notion behind the Lillipad Standing Desk, a mobile working station that folds down for convenient storage under your bed or couch. The all-in-one profile boasts a wheeled base for easier maneuvering throughout your home, and the working height range of 27”–48” gives you enough room for seated or standing setups.
Yet still, is having the option of tearing down your workstation day after day a benefit to your psyche, or is it just another chore to be added to your WFH regimen? To find out, I upgraded my ancient corner desk setup to this Lillipad silhouette, taking note of its features including adjustable heights, built-in power sources, monitor mounts and more. I wrote and edited countless stories atop this standing unit, and also tried my best to place it in varying environments around my home. Is this the working station I never knew I needed? Here’s what I found.
Lillipad Standing Desk: What We Think
Thanks to its all-in-one, no-assembly design and smooth operation, I really enjoy working atop this desk. I appreciate the convenient power source at the back that has enough outlets for my needs, and the wheeled nature of the Lillipad Standing Desk is sure to be a treat for those with more open-concept floor plans. The 25-inch depth across the desktop has more than enough space for comfortable efficiency, and adjusting the height takes all but a few seconds.
Naturally, there are some pitfalls with a desk valuing mobility over stability, though. You can feel a slight lean and jostle during work, as the weight is focused toward the back of the unit itself. Still, if you value switching up your work environment (and don’t need to traverse staircases to do so) I feel this can be an excellent pick for those WFH days.
The built-in power supply keeps cords organized
One of the first features I came to appreciate with this standing desk from Lillipad was the built-in power source at the rear of the structure. This power strip includes three outlets, as well as one USB-A and USB-C port, respectively. This was more than enough juice to power my typical monitor and MacBook setup, with room to also house an iPhone cord and other tools. Additionally, there are two USB-A ports at the toggles of this Lillipad desk, which make charging my headphones or other devices a breeze.
I like how Lillipad kept these plug-ins more toward the rear of the desk, as it eliminates any unruliness across my cables. I also didn’t have to give my cords a ton of slack, so there wasn’t much overhang that could get in the way as I adjusted heights throughout my work week. Granted, those needing a few extra ports for all their equipment may need to opt for an additional power strip, but Lillipad has that covered as well with a convenient net underneath to keep things somewhat organized.
Toggling through the height range is quick and simple
There’s nothing more frustrating than having to wait an entire morning for a standing desk to reach your desired height. Having a slow operating mechanism can essentially eliminate any conveniences of the feature in a hurry. Thankfully, I didn’t experience any delays when toggling this Lillipad offering and was easily able to adjust through the impressive height range in a matter of seconds. I also like the pre-set toggles that you can utilize at the controls, which makes getting to your desired seated or standing height a more efficient ordeal.
This Lillipad Standing Desk also has a locking feature that keeps the desk from dropping below a set height. The controls cannot function until unlocked, which helps defend against any bumps or changes when working. Additionally, there are specific instructions to get the desk back to its 6-inch storage height, so there’s no fear of dropping below your chair when trying to switch from a standing position.
Be wary of wobbles if you're a heavy typer
The Lillipad Standing Desk houses a majority of its weight at the back of the desktop, and while this clears up the undercarriage for extra legroom, it does create a bit of wobbliness at the front of the structure. The scissor-legged design also lends itself to this toppling, which I experienced on some of my initial rounds with the workstation. If you’re a heavy typer (like myself) or tend to lean on your desk while working in a standing position, expect to experience some shaking across your monitor(s).
While the jostling is noticeable, I wouldn’t say it's a sign of weakened structural integrity. This standing desk has a listed max weight rating of 75 pounds, so there’s enough sturdiness to support all your equipment and then some. I would just recommend taking a lighter hand to the desktop when typing out your emails and tasks.
Mind your surroundings when adjusting the height
As mentioned above, the Lillipad Standing Desk adjusts its height via a scissor-lift style mechanism. While this makes setup simple and intuitive, I do recommend ensuring your wheels are unblocked before hitting the toggles. If a wheel is locked, the desk will rise at a diagonal approach, meaning any nearby structures could be caught in the path. If you’re looking to switch to a seated position, this also means you’ll need to ensure your legs have room to expand as the desktop lowers to your desired height.
This isn’t a huge negative in my opinion, but I do believe it’s worth calling out. You don’t want to catch a nearby picture frame or stall out overtop a filing cabinet if you can avoid it. Plus, other adjustable standing desks often rise from side legs rather than this scissored aesthetic, so it could be a new experience for those switching between models.
Lillipad Standing Desk: Alternatives
The maneuverability of this Lillipad Standing Desk (barring any staircases) makes it a clear standout in the home office category. Of course, though, there are other profiles out there for those looking to elevate their working environment. For example, the Fully Jarvis Standing Desk from Herman Miller continues to be a top pick for its impressive stability and range of accessories. Multiple sizes can suit multiple heights, but the setup is more involved than simply unboxing the desk and getting to work.
Branch’s Standing Desk is another sleek and stylish option, and the available 60-inch model is prime for taller users. Just note, though, that a power source is an add-on, so expect to shell out a few more dollars if embedded outlets are a must-have.
