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.
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 (supports monitor + items) | 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: 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. Check: seated with eyes level → distance to current monitor center → how much raise needed.
- Load capacity: Monitor alone is 10–20 lbs for most 24–27" displays. Add monitor + anything placed on top of riser.
- Drawer dimensions: If buying a drawer model, 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 not tip). Metal risers are more durable. Acrylic is lightweight but can crack.
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. Drawer dimensions accommodate standard accessories.
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 drawer storage.
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.
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 height check
Correct monitor position:
- Top of screen at or slightly below eye level when seated in normal posture
- Distance from eyes: 20–30" (arm's length)
- Screen perpendicular to line of sight (not angled up or down)
How to measure riser height needed:
- Sit at desk in normal posture, eyes looking straight ahead
- Measure height of your eye level from desk surface
- Subtract the height of your monitor's center above its base
- Difference = riser height needed (typically 3–6")
Most factory-standard monitor stands place screen center at 14–16" above desk, while seated eye level is typically 18–22" above desk. A 4–6" riser usually bridges this gap.
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 interact with the keyboard if it's slid under the riser.
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 give you the full desk surface back. 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.
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.
