Buying a standing desk is the first step. Actually enjoying the standing part is the second. Standing still on a hard floor can quickly leave your feet, knees and lower back feeling achy, and that discomfort is one of the main reasons people stop using the standing feature of their desk. Fortunately, what you put under your feet can make a real difference.
The three most common standing-desk accessories are anti-fatigue mats, footrests and balance boards. They take very different approaches: one cushions, one gives your feet a place to shift and prop, and one introduces gentle motion. Here is how they compare, using real examples from our catalog.
Quick answer: Start with an anti-fatigue mat if you want simple, everyday cushioning for standing on hard floors. Add a balance board if you get restless standing still and want subtle movement. Choose a footrest primarily for seated work, where it supports your feet when the chair is high; when standing, it can give you a spot to prop one foot and shift your weight.
Standing Accessories at a Glance
| Factor | Anti-Fatigue Mat | Footrest | Balance Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Cushioning on hard floors | Supports feet while seated; a place to prop a foot | Gentle rocking motion while standing |
| Movement encouraged | Small, natural shifts | Alternating foot position | Continuous subtle motion |
| Effect on standing height | Slight | None when standing on the floor | Raises you noticeably |
| Learning curve | None | None | Short |
| Use while seated | Usually moved aside for a rolling chair | Yes, its primary use | No |
| Best for | Everyone who stands on hard floors | Seated users with feet that do not reach the floor | Fidgeters and active standers |
Anti-Fatigue Mats
An anti-fatigue mat puts a layer of cushioning foam between your feet and the floor. Many people find standing on a mat noticeably more comfortable than standing on hard flooring, and the slight give underfoot tends to encourage small, natural movements.
For example, the Ergotron WorkFit Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat measures "36" x 24" x 5/8" thick" and uses "Medium-density polyurethane foam with tear-resistant outer membrane," with "a beveled edge that helps prevent trips." The GelPro Eco-Pro Anti-Fatigue Mat is listed at "2' x 3' x ¾" Bio-Foam polyurethane" with "NFSI-certified non-slip backing."
Pros
- Immediate cushioning with no learning curve
- Encourages subtle movement
- Beveled edges on many mats reduce trip risk
- Easy to clean and slide aside when you sit
Cons
- Can be in the way of chair casters when seated
- Does not create much active movement on its own
- Lower-quality foam may compress over time
Footrests
Footrests are designed primarily for seated work. When your chair is raised so your elbows clear the desk, your feet may no longer rest flat on the floor, and a footrest fills that gap. At a standing desk, some people also like to prop one foot on a low, stable surface and alternate sides, a bit like the foot rail at a counter, to vary their posture.
The Workrite Height & Angle Footrest (215-WIDE) lists a "Height Range: 6" to 15" above the floor in ¾" increments" and a "Heavy gauge steel frame." The Kensington SoleSaver Adjustable Footrest offers "Three tilt settings: 10°, 15° and 20°" and a "Large non-skid foot surface."
Pros
- Supports feet when your chair is set high
- Helps you vary foot position throughout the day
- Useful in both sit and stand phases of a sit-stand routine
Cons
- Most models are designed for seated use and not for standing on
- Offers no cushioning for standing
- Must be stable enough if used to prop a foot while standing
Never stand on a footrest with your full weight unless the manufacturer says it is designed for that.
Balance Boards
A balance board adds gentle, continuous motion to standing. Rocking slightly forward and back or side to side can help break up a static posture, and many people simply find it more engaging than standing still.
The Ergotron Steppie Balance Board lists a "440 lb (200 kg) weight capacity," dimensions of "22.4" x 14.5" x 2.1"; 5 lb," and notes that it "Raises standing height by 2.1"; check your desk's range."
Pros
- Encourages ongoing, subtle movement
- Can make standing feel less monotonous
- Compact and easy to slide under the desk
Cons
- Short adjustment period; start with short sessions
- Raises your standing height, so your desk must go higher
- May be distracting during tasks needing very fine mouse control
- Not suitable for anyone with balance concerns without medical advice
Don't Forget Desk Height
Anything you stand on changes your effective height. A mat adds a little; a balance board adds more. Re-check your desk and monitor height after adding an accessory so your elbows stay at roughly 90 degrees and the top of the screen remains near eye level. Our Workspace Calculator can help you find recommended standing desk heights.
Who Should Choose Which
- Anti-fatigue mat: Almost every standing-desk user on hard floors. It is the easiest starting point.
- Balance board: Restless standers who want movement, as long as balance is not a concern and the desk rises high enough.
- Footrest: Anyone whose feet do not rest flat when seated, and sit-stand users who like a foot-propping spot.
Many people combine them: a mat for daily standing, a balance board for part of the afternoon and a footrest for seated stretches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do anti-fatigue mats really help?
Many users report that standing on a cushioned mat feels more comfortable than standing on hard floors. Comfort varies by person, footwear and mat quality. They are not a medical treatment.
Is a balance board safe to use at work?
For most people, yes, with sensible use. Start with short periods, keep the area clear and step off if you feel unsteady. If you have balance, joint or circulation issues, ask your doctor first.
Can I use a footrest at a standing desk?
You can use a sturdy footrest to prop one foot while standing, alternating sides. Most footrests are designed for seated use, so do not stand on one with your full weight unless the manufacturer allows it.
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