Good Thinking

XTable: A height-adjustable workstation for those who like both sitting and standing

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XTable offers a simple height-adjustable workspace
XTable offers a simple height-adjustable workspace
The XTable legs can be raised or lowered to the desired height
XTable offers a simple height-adjustable workspace
The XTable legs are raised and lowered using a simple hand crank positioned on one corner
XTable features an optional storage space
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It's a positive thing that we're all different; that humanity isn't made up of automatons who all have the same wants, needs, and desires. Unfortunately while each of us can furnish our homes in whichever way we see fit, the same isn't true of our places of work. Those who work in offices generally have to make do with whatever furniture is provided, even if it doesn't suit their individual needs. Providing options is therefore a good strategy, and XTable from Holmris offers nothing but options.

There is a current craze for standing desks, sweeping homes and offices around the world. The idea – born from the suggestion that inactivity is responsible for long-term health issues – is to force people who sit down all day to stand while working at their computers. Some people have taken to standing desks well, while others – myself included – need to adjust their positions throughout the day to remain comfortable. For those in the latter group, a height-adjustable desk would seem to be both a simple and elegant solution ... that's assuming the Locus workstation, which attempts to split the difference between sitting and standing, is not appropriate.

XTable, designed by Danish design studio KiBiSi, takes what is an established method for adjusting heights and applies it to office furniture. The table comprises a rectangular tabletop supported by a cross-shaped pair of legs. These are set far enough back from the sitting position so as not to limit legroom, but are planted on the floor by sturdy horizontal runners lying front to back on each side.

The XTable legs are raised and lowered using a simple hand crank positioned on one corner

The legs can be adjusted to different heights using a hand crank, in a similar way to how ironing boards and car jacks operate. This means that XTable can be raised or lowered to suit an individual's needs as and when required. XTable could also be used in a hot desking environment, with each person who shares the workspace able to quickly and easily modify it to suit their own individual tastes.

There are of course existing solutions in a similar vein, such as legs that can be adjusted individually, but these tend to require the tabletop to be cleared before any adjustment is made. As XTable rises and falls as one unit, such clearing shouldn't be required. XTable also features an optional storage unit, and the voids necessary to hide any ugly leads.

XTable is fresh off the design table and so isn't yet listed on the Holmris website. Therefore, pricing and availability aren't currently known.

Source: KiBiSi via Core77

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16 comments
Michael Mantion
I love standing while I work.. So much better on my productivity and back. Sadly I asked for a standing desk at work.. Still haven't gotten one.
I love the minimal design of this, I might be one of the few people that has little or no use for clutter or drawers.. Just give me a flat surface for the office phone and computer and I am good.
kinda reminds me of an ironing board. If they price this well I would buy it. sadly I bet it will be out of my budget.
Joel Detrow
As soon as I get some money, I have got to get one of these. Been wanting to have a standing desk for a while now, but I've been hesitant because of the lack of sitting ability. This gets the best of both worlds.
Frank Ohara
I kinda wished I had one of these when I first started using my standing desk. I've been using an Ikea Fredrick desk set permanently at standing height and it's sometimes hard to get myself to work (because it's more annoying to stand). Although it might be a double edged sword since if I could move my desk easily back down to sitting height I might not be standing as much... I've documented my transition to a standing desk and eventually to a treadmill desk here, if anyone's interested: www.treadmilldeskdiary.com
Weihan
Great-looking desk! Let's guess: $45,000.00? $50,000.00? Another piece of "designer" furniture that costs as much as a new 5-Series BMW?
Mary Saunders
So, when is the hydraulic version arriving? I like to take guests to Rimsky-Korsakoffee House, in Portland, to sit at the hydraulic table that slowly goes up and down. This would be even better because you could put a skirt on it, for those of us who like to hide things under desks. You could attach shelves under the top. If somebody does this, could you let me know? I'm full of ideas, but have a bit of an implementation challenge. There have got to be some simple, used hydraulic contraptions floating around.
Maverick62
How do you write an article like this and not give the highest and lowest level in inches or mm?
Stan Sieler
I read this while sitting at my split-top desk, where either the front or back can be raised from sitting to standing height ... by a motor. With junk on the desk top (which mine always has :)
Of course, it's 15+ year old technology.
Bruce H. Anderson
Much like an ironing board, but the scissors action appears to be moveable on both ends judging from the under shot. That may make for a little more complicated mechanism to lift the top and to keep it stationary. I hope I'm wrong. Unlike some other adjustable desks, it needs no power. Not bad.
bergamot69
This is nothing new- similar furniture has been produced since Noah was in short trousers for the benefit of varying table or worktop heights to accommodate wheelchairs of various sizes, and with a choice of manual hand crank or electric adjustment.
Dawar Saify
This plus those shoes with the curving sole will make for the ultimate exercise. Maintaining posture will always remain the ultimate work out