A monitor riser does two things: raises your monitor to the ergonomically correct viewing height and creates storage space underneath. Most desks have a dead zone directly under the monitor — a flat riser or a riser with drawers converts that into usable storage for keyboards, notebooks, small items, or a laptop.
This is different from a monitor arm, which mounts to the desk edge and holds the monitor in the air without a surface below. Risers sit on the desk, add height (typically 4–6"), and fill the space underneath with shelves or drawers.
Why monitor height matters: visual ergonomics explained
The human eye has an optimal vertical viewing field. When your gaze is directed straight ahead (eyes looking horizontally), the comfortable downward visual range without moving the head is approximately 15–30° below horizontal. The center of the monitor should sit at or slightly below this line — typically at or just below eye level when seated.
What happens at wrong heights:
- Monitor too low (most common at standard desks): Head tilts forward 20–40° to look at the screen — adding 40–60 lbs of effective cervical load, as documented in research on neck flexion and spine loading. Over an 8-hour day, this cumulative stress builds toward chronic neck and upper trapezius pain.
- Monitor too high: Eyes must elevate above neutral gaze, forcing the neck into extension (backward tilt). Extended upward gaze strains posterior cervical muscles and compresses the upper cervical facet joints.
- Monitor at correct height: Head stays near neutral (0–5° downward gaze), neck muscles support the weight of the head with minimal sustained tension. Blinking rate and eye moisture retention are also better in a slight downward gaze vs. upward gaze.
The riser arithmetic:
- Sit at desk in normal posture
- Measure eye level height above desk surface (typically 18–22" for most adults)
- Identify your monitor's center height above its base (usually 10–14" for a 24–27" display)
- Difference = riser height needed:
(eye level - 2") - monitor center above base - Most users need 4–6" of riser
Example: Eye level 20" above desk. Monitor center 13" above its base. Target: (20" - 2") - 13" = 5" riser.
Riser vs. monitor stand vs. monitor arm
| Monitor riser | Monitor arm | |
|---|---|---|
| Height adjustment | Fixed (some adjustable) | Full range |
| Surface underneath | Yes — storage possible | No |
| Desk footprint | Matches monitor base area | Minimal (clamp only) |
| Max weight | 20–50 lbs | 20–30 lbs |
| Best for | Fixed desk with storage need | Flexible positioning, cable-free look |
If desk space and storage matter more than flexibility: riser. If you want floating monitor + clean cable look: monitor arm.
Types
- Simple shelf riser: Flat platform, open underneath. Keyboard and mouse slide under. Cheapest.
- Riser with drawer: One or two drawers for small items — sticky notes, cables, pens, adapters. Most useful for home offices.
- Riser with shelves: Multiple open shelves for speakers, plants, charging accessories. Good for larger desks.
- Stackable/modular: Multiple units that stack or connect. Good for corner or L-shaped desks.
What to look for
- Surface dimensions: Must be wider and deeper than your monitor base (or VESA mount footprint if using a stand). Measure your monitor stand base.
- Height: 4–6" is standard for most seated users. Use the riser arithmetic above to find your exact need before buying.
- Load capacity: Monitor alone is 10–20 lbs for most 24–27" displays. Add anything placed on top of riser.
- Drawer dimensions: Check internal drawer dimensions. Typical small drawers (3" × 8" × 10") fit charging cables and small accessories. Some are deep enough for a full keyboard.
- Material: Wood/bamboo risers are the most popular — warm aesthetic, heavy enough to stay stable. Metal risers are more durable. Acrylic is lightweight but can crack at the corners.
Our top picks
1. Best with drawers (FITUEYES Monitor Stand with Drawer)
Two pull-out drawers, 23.6" wide × 9.3" deep surface, bamboo and steel construction, holds up to 33 lbs, compatible with monitors up to 32". Drawers fit small accessories, charging cables, adapters, and desk clutter. Natural bamboo top surface can hold speakers, small plants, or phone stand alongside monitor. One of the most popular monitor risers on Amazon across several generations.
2. Best large surface (VASAGLE Monitor Stand Riser)
31.5" wide surface (wide enough for dual monitor or monitor + accessories), bamboo shelf construction, open bottom shelf (no drawers but open storage), 22 lbs capacity, simple assembly. Best if you want the full desk width raised and used as a second organizational surface rather than enclosed drawer storage. The open shelf underneath fits a keyboard neatly for sliding under when not typing.
3. Best budget (SONGMICS Monitor Stand)
23.6" × 9.3" surface, two drawers, MDF construction, cable management holes, 33 lbs capacity, available in multiple colors. Similar functionality to FITUEYES at lower cost — MDF rather than bamboo, slightly less premium feel but same functional storage layout. Best for budget-conscious home offices that still want drawer storage.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Width | Storage | Material | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FITUEYES | 23.6" | 2 drawers | Bamboo + steel | Drawers + premium look |
| VASAGLE | 31.5" | Open shelf | Bamboo | Wide surface, dual monitor |
| SONGMICS | 23.6" | 2 drawers | MDF | Budget with drawers |
Ergonomic setup after adding riser
After installing a riser, recheck your full ergonomic setup — raising the monitor affects the rest of the chain:
- Monitor height: Top of screen at or slightly below eye level — use the riser arithmetic above
- Monitor distance: 20–28" from eyes (arm's length). Don't push monitor back to compensate for added height
- Chair height: Unchanged — riser affects monitor only, not keyboard height
- Keyboard position: If you slid keyboard under the riser, verify you're not hunching forward to reach it
A riser solves monitor height but doesn't change keyboard height. If you need both fixed: combine a riser with an under-desk keyboard tray to lower the keyboard simultaneously.
Keyboard under riser
Many home office workers slide their keyboard under the riser when not in use — reclaiming full desk surface. For this to work cleanly:
- Riser needs at least 1.5" clearance under the back edge for thin keyboards
- Most full-size keyboards are 1.3–1.5" thick — check clearance before assuming a keyboard slides under
- Laptop (closed) often slides under a riser easily — good for desk-clearing when using an external monitor
FAQ
Can I put a monitor riser on a glass desk? Yes, but check the riser's rubber feet — they need to grip glass without sliding. Bamboo and steel risers with silicone/rubber feet work well. Avoid lightweight plastic risers on glass — they can shift when you tap the keyboard if it's slid underneath.
Monitor riser vs. monitor arm — which gives better ergonomics? Both can achieve the same monitor height. Monitor arms allow more precise adjustment (exact height, tilt, swivel) and return the full desk surface below. Risers are simpler, cheaper, and add storage. Choose based on whether storage or flexibility is the higher priority.
Will a 23.6" riser fit a 27" monitor? Yes — the riser width is the shelf width, not the monitor width. A 27" monitor has a base footprint typically 7–9" wide × 8–10" deep, which fits on any riser 9"+ deep. The 23.6" width refers to the full riser shelf, not the monitor it supports.
Can I put things on top of the riser surface? Yes — the monitor typically occupies the back half of the riser surface; the front half is free. Common additions: phone stand, small plant, Bluetooth speaker, headphone stand.
What if I need more than 6" of height raise? Stackable risers or adjustable-height risers (rare) can go higher. Alternatively, a monitor arm achieves any height — often the better solution if you need more than 6" of correction, as it indicates your desk is quite low for your height.
