Monitor Stands: Check These 4 Things Before You Buy
A monitor stand is a low shelf or riser that lifts a screen and leaves room for a keyboard, a laptop or storage underneath. It only works well if it fits the desk, the monitor's base sits fully on top, the screen ends up at a comfortable height, and it can take the weight. Use these checks before choosing one. This guide is a planning aid, not a compatibility guarantee.
Jump to the products to check against this list (affiliate links)
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1. Desk space
Measure the free desk width and depth, leaving room in front for the keyboard and your arms. IKEA's LÅNESPELARE stand is 97 cm long, 19 cm wide and 14 cm high, and IKEA says "The stand has space for two 24-inch monitors." Both stands we checked are 20 cm deep: one is 40 cm long, and the other comes 30, 40 or 50 cm long.
2. Monitor base
Measure the monitor's base or the span of its feet, front to back and side to side. A reviewer on IKEA's UK page wrote: "Note that the stand is a little narrow so some monitor feet will stick out over the edges slightly, especially if placed at an angle." Another bought it to raise a TV, "but it didn't fit so had to return". Compare the base with the stand's top, not just the screen size.
3. Height
Add the desk height, the stand height and the monitor's height to see where the screen will sit. A reviewer on IKEA's UK page found LÅNESPELARE "unfortunately too tall on my desk. I recommend measuring before purchasing." One stand we checked is 8 cm high; the other comes 8 cm or 16.5 cm high. If the keyboard goes underneath, check the gap: IKEA says you can "slide the keyboard and mouse under the stand".
4. Load
Check the weight of the monitor and anything else on top, such as speakers or a laptop. IKEA lists LÅNESPELARE's "Max. load: 20 kg." Neither stand we checked on AliExpress lists a load: one is described as "iron art + woodenboard" and the other has a steel frame and a fibreboard top. Ask the seller, and check that the stand does not rock or slide.
Before you order
Keep the desk width and depth, the monitor base size and weight and the screen height you want next to the stand's length, depth, height and load. After setting up, press gently on each corner and check that it does not rock or slide. If a figure is missing, ask the seller.
Products to check against this list
The links below are affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Specifications are as listed by the seller on the date shown; we have not measured, tested or approved these products for your space.
- Steel-frame wooden monitor stand, 40 x 20 x 8 cm. Seller-listed: Size option: '40X20X8cm'. Text: 'Material: iron art + woodenboard'; 'Color: white/black/wood grain color'. Photos: monitor on top, books or a tablet underneath. Load not listed. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
- Steel-frame monitor riser shelf, 30, 40 or 50 cm long, 8 or 16.5 cm high. Seller-listed: Options: 30, 40 or 50 cm long, 20 cm deep, 8 or 16.5 cm high (e.g. '50X20X16.5CM A'). Images: 'Solid Steel frame'; 'Stable load bearing' with no figure. Specs: density board/fiberboard top. Load not listed. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
Your fit worksheet
Use centimetres or inches consistently. These cells are intentionally unfilled: we have not measured your space or approved a product for it.
| Check | Your space or equipment | Product requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desk space | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Monitor base | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Height | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Load | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
Reference and evidence limits
Retailer example: IKEA LÅNESPELARE monitor stand, Ireland listing.
The linked retailer page and its public customer feedback supplied research leads, not independent performance evidence. Comments can reflect individual experiences. We have not independently reproduced them or verified compatibility, stock, price, load limits or current numerical specifications. Check the product page and instructions for your market before buying. Source reviewed on 2026-09-29.