Have you guys found anything to raise your computer monitor that looks nice?

47 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
  • |
Hey all, I've always just propped my monitor up with some books, but it looks ugly. Does anyone sell something that looks nice and is used for this purpose?

Thanks.
#computer #found #guys #monitor #nice #raise
  • Profile picture of the author Lucian Lada
    I used some books, too. I actually think it looked cool, but granted, the books were some very expensive college textbooks.

    That being said, this one looks nice. This one even more.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489129].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Brad Callen
      Originally Posted by Lucian Lada View Post

      I used some books, too. I actually think it looked cool, but granted, the books were some very expensive college textbooks.

      That being said, this one looks nice. This one even more.
      Thanks. I took a look and they look nice, but I don't think they would match well with my desk. I have this desk and am looking for something that would match well:
      https://www.restorationhardware.com/...yId=cat1676047
      Signature
      iWriter.com - The Original Content Creation Service. Now with over 350,000 active writers. Let us write or re-write your articles, eBooks, blog posts and more... for as little as $1.25! 3,711,814 articles written to date!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489417].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Heck back in the mid-2000s when I was running a metal fab shop I plasma cut and had welded a custom stand. Powdercoated gunmetal gray.

    Basically a C-shape (flat on the top and bottom, of course, with a gusset running up the middle. Round top. Even plasma cut my initials into the front of the top.

    Thing's still in storage 3000 miles away...oh well.

    So...something with a drawer/storage might be nice looking and functional.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489224].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    Painted cinder blocks. LOL

    Maybe IKEA has something.

    I want to be able to stand up and work.

    ---------

    We have some plasma cut iron work at my hotel.
    A head board depicting the local narrow gage train, and
    a wild life scene fireplace screen. Lot's of compliments.
    The artist did a million dollar fence for somebody up by Boulder, CO.
    Signature

    "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489388].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Brad Callen
      Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post

      Painted cinder blocks. LOL

      Maybe IKEA has something.

      I want to be able to stand up and work.

      ---------

      We have some plasma cut iron work at my hotel.
      A head board depicting the local narrow gage train, and
      a wild life scene fireplace screen. Lot's of compliments.
      The artist did a million dollar fence for somebody up by Boulder, CO.
      Yeah, I also tried the whole stand up and work thing. I got an updesk.com, but I found myself not able to concentrate well enough to write sales copy while standing. So, am now sitting and ruining my back. haha..

      Brad
      Signature
      iWriter.com - The Original Content Creation Service. Now with over 350,000 active writers. Let us write or re-write your articles, eBooks, blog posts and more... for as little as $1.25! 3,711,814 articles written to date!
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489421].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
        Originally Posted by Brad Callen View Post

        Yeah, I also tried the whole stand up and work thing. I got an updesk.com, but I found myself not able to concentrate well enough to write sales copy while standing. So, am now sitting and ruining my back. haha..

        Brad
        I figure something where you could stand for a time and then sit on a barstool for a time.

        I had a boss who wrote best by furiously pacing in the conference room while dictating into those old micro-recorders.
        Signature

        "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489426].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
          Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post

          I figure something where you could stand for a time and then sit on a barstool for a time.

          I had a boss who wrote best by furiously pacing in the conference room while dictating into those old micro-recorders.
          I think you should do your work in a bar.

          The high bar stool would be a bit difficult when you have Taylor Swift sitting on your lap a lot. of the time, I would have thought.
          Signature

          Feel The Power Of The Mark Side

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489504].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author sconer
            If your desk is up against the wall, mount the monitor to the wall. If the wall is too far away or your desk isn't up against a wall, use an adjustable arm that mounts to the back edge of your desk. This will allow you to put your monitor (or two, you should always have two!) at any height you want while giving you much more desk space.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489749].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
          Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post

          I figure something where you could stand for a time and then sit on a barstool for a time.

          I had a boss who wrote best by furiously pacing in the conference room while dictating into those old micro-recorders.
          Actually Biz, it's a known fact that people think better while standing up (seriously) I would always pace the back porch when trying to solve a problem on the computer.

          That's why a lot of tec support people smoke. They have to pace up and down, a lot of them have switched to Vaping at my work.

          The wife has her computer setup at work on high furniture. She stands up to do graphic design most of the day.
          Signature

          Feel The Power Of The Mark Side

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489757].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author sconer
            Originally Posted by lanfear63 View Post

            Actually Biz, it's a known fact that people think better while standing up (seriously)
            No way. It's well known that people think best on the toilet.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489765].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
              Originally Posted by sconer View Post

              No way. It's well known that people think best on the toilet.
              "No way. It's well known that people stink best on the toilet."

              Fixed
              Signature

              Feel The Power Of The Mark Side

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489821].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
      Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post

      Painted cinder blocks. LOL

      Maybe IKEA has something.

      I want to be able to stand up and work.

      I had sciatica pain about a year ago, and used a tallboy dresser with some books to get to the right height. Pretty cheap solution as we already had the dresser and it worked just fine.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10490730].message }}
  • You could mebbe saw your chair legs in half.

    That would do away with the need for ugly books.

    If your monitor was still too low, you could prop it up with the 4 pillars you jus' made.

    Failin that', any decent carpenter could fix you up with a custom-made stand.
    Signature

    Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489423].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author David Beroff
    I've always used a sturdy footstool, which also gives a nice space underneath to organize pens, receipts, and the like. (The latter doesn't help as much when you have cats.)
    Signature
    Put MY voice on YOUR video: AwesomeAmericanAudio.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10489779].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I use 4 phone books and drape a towel over them so it's a uniform colour at least.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10490071].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DURABLEOILCOM
    Originally Posted by Brad Callen View Post

    Hey all, I've always just propped my monitor up with some books, but it looks ugly. Does anyone sell something that looks nice and is used for this purpose?

    Thanks.
    Here you go I have the first one works great.

    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=3m+stand&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3A3m+stand
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10490159].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author perryny
      Why not scrap the stand idea and get an adjustable-height monitor?



      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10490698].message }}
      • Hey Perrio -- your monitor array is almost Olympian in its podiumsy.

        It is cool that mebbe ur gonna smoke your pipe while you trio on out to maxo tech.
        Signature

        Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10490714].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author perryny
          Originally Posted by Princess Balestra View Post

          It is cool that mebbe ur gonna smoke your pipe while you trio on out to maxo tech.
          As we speak...
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10490727].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author perryny
            I want to add...

            When I'm sitting and working, I have my monitors at the same height, as in pic 1.

            When I feel like standing and working, I raise the middle monitor and tilt it up. Perfect viewing angle. Because I'm quickly and easily able to adjust my monitor this way, I now work while standing very, very frequently.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10490738].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
              Originally Posted by perryny View Post

              I want to add...

              When I'm sitting and working, I have my monitors at the same height, as in pic 1.

              When I feel like standing and working, I raise the middle monitor and tilt it up. Perfect viewing angle. Because I'm quickly and easily able to adjust my monitor this way, I now work while standing very, very frequently.
              I just updated my 2008 24 inch HP monitor to a 28 inch Viewsonic one. The HP had a flexible, adjustable stand just like yours, you could even swivel the monitor around to vertical angle. I love my new one but miss the old ones stand.

              I sit down to work but stand to think things through.

              Of course, having a good comfortable, supportive, adjustable chair should also be a consideration.
              Signature

              Feel The Power Of The Mark Side

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10490764].message }}
          • Originally Posted by perryny View Post

            As we speak...
            Hope the clouds billow beauties.

            Prolly I should research danglin' like a bat, cos traction therapy is hot now for the spinally disenchanted.

            Gonna hang upside down with my monitor suspended by a rope.

            Keyboard, I can fix to some kinda strap round my waist.

            Or mebbe I jus' strap my laptop there.

            Or -- f*ckin' eureka -- I jus' finger my tab.

            K, so next week is figured.

            I am gonna dangle like a bat, tab inverted like a hymn book in a satanic rityool.

            If I am wearin' the virtual kilt from the automated transport thread, I will not care.
            Signature

            Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10490770].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Brad Callen
        Originally Posted by perryny View Post

        Why not scrap the stand idea and get an adjustable-height monitor?



        I like that, but adjustable height monitors don't adjust very high, unless I just haven't found the right one. Do you have a link somewhere?
        Signature
        iWriter.com - The Original Content Creation Service. Now with over 350,000 active writers. Let us write or re-write your articles, eBooks, blog posts and more... for as little as $1.25! 3,711,814 articles written to date!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10490982].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Kay King
          When I wanted to raise my monitor I built a simple wooden base - one piece of wood salvaged from an old bookcase and two smaller pieces to attach to the two ends to provide the height.

          I stained it to 'sort of' match the desk (used stain I already had on hand) and it worked great.

          The stand part was about 8" deep and 12-13" long. I'd still have it except before I moved north I sold that desk and the man who bought it insisted I include the "matching stand".
          Signature
          Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
          ***
          Please do not 'release balloons' for celebrations. The balloons and trailing ribbons entangle birds and kill wildlife and livestock that think the balloons are food.
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10491020].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author Brad Callen
            Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

            When I wanted to raise my monitor I built a simple wooden base - one piece of wood salvaged from an old bookcase and two smaller pieces to attach to the two ends to provide the height.

            I stained it to 'sort of' match the desk (used stain I already had on hand) and it worked great.

            The stand part was about 8" deep and 12-13" long. I'd still have it except before I moved north I sold that desk and the man who bought it insisted I include the "matching stand".
            I also like that idea, but unfortunately hanging pictures in my house is basically the extent of handy man work I know how to do.
            Signature
            iWriter.com - The Original Content Creation Service. Now with over 350,000 active writers. Let us write or re-write your articles, eBooks, blog posts and more... for as little as $1.25! 3,711,814 articles written to date!
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10491126].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
              Originally Posted by Brad Callen View Post

              I also like that idea, but unfortunately hanging pictures in my house is basically the extent of handy man work I know how to do.
              You probably know someone who knows someone who does woodwork
              and somebody can find some old wood pieces. Possibly somebody who
              works at the local lumber store, Home Depot or Lowes.

              My hotel had some old whiskey barrels that were used for flower planters, and then
              totaled by some drivers (the neighboring business built their deck to their property line
              making the drive appear too narrow). One customer took some of the wood to make
              some signs that could be used for wall hangings.
              Signature

              "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10491196].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
                [DELETED]
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10491333].message }}
                • Profile picture of the author David Beroff
                  Joe Mobley: Have you guys found anything to raise your computer monitor that looks nice?


                  Well, yes; that'll certainly get a rise, but where on earth would you secure the mounting brackets?
                  Signature
                  Put MY voice on YOUR video: AwesomeAmericanAudio.com
                  {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10491337].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
              Originally Posted by Brad Callen View Post

              I also like that idea, but unfortunately hanging pictures in my house is basically the extent of handy man work I know how to do.
              Mr Callen, I am psychic, I know what your going to buy.....

              Signature

              Feel The Power Of The Mark Side

              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10492494].message }}
              • Profile picture of the author David Beroff
                Originally Posted by lanfear63 View Post

                Mr Callen, I am psychic, I know what your going to buy.....
                $600? I think I'll just put a few cinder blocks under my table.
                Signature
                Put MY voice on YOUR video: AwesomeAmericanAudio.com
                {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493071].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author perryny
          Originally Posted by Brad Callen View Post

          I like that, but adjustable height monitors don't adjust very high, unless I just haven't found the right one. Do you have a link somewhere?
          The monitor in the middle is a Dell P2414h: Amazon.com: Dell P2414H 24-Inch Screen LED-Lit...Amazon.com: Dell P2414H 24-Inch Screen LED-Lit...

          At max height, the very base of the screen's frame is 6 1/2" from the desk.

          I stacked some of the fatter books from my bookshelf you might have on hand to help give some perspective.

          Hope this helps.

          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10491186].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    The first one Lucian provided a link to could be stained to look more antique.

    Custom Riser Stands RS B TV Stereo Monitor Printer Laptop Office Hard Wood | eBay
    Signature

    "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10491634].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author sconer
    Is this thread still here?

    Go to Amazon and search for Monitor Stand and there are endless options for cheap.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10491807].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    Yeah...

    So OK here are the cheapest but still nice-looking options I can think of.

    1 > go on CL and find something like this (posted at $15)



    I really like this because it's functional as well as decorative.

    However, in my individual case it's too high at 8".


    2 > Go to a home build-it store like Lowe's, and get a pre-made shelf. They are around $4 - 7 so not exactly a huge investment. Then get some furniture legs. These can be metal. Maybe you can find some on CL as well. Now you have a nice shelf and total cost is probably under $12.


    For something from Wallymart etc., the term to search for is "monitor riser".
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493258].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David Beroff
      Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

      However, in my individual case it's too high at 8".
      You got me curious, so I just measured my footstool; it's nine inches high, which brings the bottom of my monitor screen to 14" off of the desk. When I sit properly, my eyes are right at the middle of the screen, another six inches up.

      It's funny; one of my dad's roles when he was working full-time was ergonomics consulting. Yet, when I saw him recently, he wasn't aware of his own struggling when he looked down at his monitor, (with his head tilted up, so as to be able to see it with bifocals). It made such a difference to raise it (with a few thick books), so as to relieve the strain on his neck and back, and then encourage use of separate computer glasses, (with a focal point of about 18"), to eliminate the head-tilt thing.
      Signature
      Put MY voice on YOUR video: AwesomeAmericanAudio.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493291].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
        Originally Posted by David Beroff View Post

        You got me curious, so I just measured my footstool; it's nine inches high, which brings the bottom of my monitor screen to 14" off of the desk. When I sit properly, my eyes are right at the middle of the screen, another six inches up.

        It's funny; one of my dad's roles when he was working full-time was ergonomics consulting. Yet, when I saw him recently, he wasn't aware of his own struggling when he looked down at his monitor, (with his head tilted up, so as to be able to see it with bifocals). It made such a difference to raise it (with a few thick books), so as to relieve the strain on his neck and back, and then encourage use of separate computer glasses, (with a focal point of about 18"), to eliminate the head-tilt thing.
        Right, but where's your ass?

        Our bodies are all different, the chairs are at different heights...there are a few other variables than monitor height, unfortunately. Otherwise I'd have bought this thing yesterday. #longtorso

        Heck, I still might buy it. I like it.

        My suspicion is around a 4" lift is what my monitor needs...for this desk, this chair.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493309].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author David Beroff
          Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

          Right, but where's your ass?
          Seems like a rather personal question....

          But yeah, I agree, there are a whole bunch of variables for each person. Usually, the goal is to get everything comfortable for you so that your eyes meet the middle of the screen. Of course, your mileage may vary.
          Signature
          Put MY voice on YOUR video: AwesomeAmericanAudio.com
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493334].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
            Originally Posted by Jason Kanigan View Post

            Right, but where's your ass?
            Originally Posted by David Beroff View Post

            Seems like a rather personal question....
            He was just trying to rub it in about that poker game.
            Signature

            "If you think you're the smartest person in the room, then you're probably in the wrong room."

            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493379].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author David Beroff
              Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post

              He was just trying to rub it in about that poker game.
              OK; now I'm really lost!
              Signature
              Put MY voice on YOUR video: AwesomeAmericanAudio.com
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493430].message }}
  • Gonna fling this discussion on its head now.

    Cos' I have been sittin' a cushion under my laptop,

    Man, I am such a slacko.

    Thing is, I am not #longtorso, figure I am kinda average, an' with the laptop on my knees, it is like I am bendin' over to see anythin'.

    Cushion swings it right, an when I switch to a regular monitor I kinda wannit to fall where my eyes are watchin' — readin' a magazine, holdin' a tab', anywhere in the orb my 'opposable thumbliture of clever' kinda operates — an' I figure most monitors are already too elevated for this purpose to require needin' a neck workout to hit on.

    So I am callin' in some people gonna chop a hole in my desk, so I can gaze down upon my screeno from the Gods.

    Snoggin' aside, I kinda see now why I always made for the rear of the cinema.
    Signature

    Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493372].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sconer
      You mean like one of those desks with the glass in it and the monitor underneath?
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493377].message }}
      • Originally Posted by sconer View Post

        You mean like one of those desks with the glass in it and the monitor underneath?
        Not originally.

        But, hey -- if I had onea those I would lay down on my stomach an' watch Sherlock all day.

        Him, alla swankin'.

        Me, alla plankin'.

        Oh, yeah, shallow lakes of breath easin' over the glass as I pant hard on edible vowels an' a uniquely lickable cheek structure.

        Squeaka shoes when supsense grips me tight up close.

        I got evrythin' at my fingertips, every rerun of Benedict's creative juices -- all I gotta do is feel for the mouse with my off hand.

        Careful now, don't wanna Skype Mom by accident.

        Last time she saw me writhin' like this, I was in diapers.

        OMC -- is that the time? Did I jus' watch a whole episode?

        K, gonna sit up now an' straighten my tights, mebbe call the guys who took away my old desk.

        Or I am gonna get frick all done this year...
        Signature

        Lightin' fuses is for blowin' stuff togethah.

        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493615].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Brad Callen
    umm... what happened to this thread?
    Signature
    iWriter.com - The Original Content Creation Service. Now with over 350,000 active writers. Let us write or re-write your articles, eBooks, blog posts and more... for as little as $1.25! 3,711,814 articles written to date!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493966].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author David Beroff
      Originally Posted by Brad Callen View Post

      umm... what happened to this thread?
      Well, your signature says you're looking for good creative writers....
      Signature
      Put MY voice on YOUR video: AwesomeAmericanAudio.com
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493972].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author sconer
      Originally Posted by Brad Callen View Post

      umm... what happened to this thread?
      It actually got interesting.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[10493979].message }}

Trending Topics