An under-desk footrest can make your workday a lot more comfortable. There are many under-desk footrest options to choose from and this article will help you navigate your decision.
One of the main components of an under-desk footrest is the height of the footrest. The height of an under-desk footrest should be high enough to create a 90-degree angle at your knees.
In general, the height of a footrest is between two to five inches from the ground.
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What is the Standard Height of an Under-Desk Footrest?
Although the height of an under-desk footrest varies from person to person, the standard height ranges from two to five inches from the ground.
The height of an under-desk footrest is determined by each person’s physiology. The height of your footrest should put your body in the proper posture when working at your desk. Your posture is determined by the footrest, your chair settings, desk height, monitor height, and chair arms.
Most footrests are adjustable from two to five inches in height. Keep in mind, a shorter person may need a footrest more than five inches and a taller person may need less than two inches.
The footrest you choose should get your knees as high as your hips to form a 90-degree angle.
How High Should a Footrest Be?
Your under-desk footrest should be high enough to keep your feet lying flat on the footrest. A proper height footrest will keep the rest of your body in the correct posture.
Before you choose a footrest you will need to set up the rest of your office space in the correct ergonomic position. Position your desk, chair, and monitor to the correct height as shown in the diagram above and then you can adjust your footrest.
Footrests can be useful with other sitting furniture, such as couches and barstools. The height of a footrest for these pieces of furniture is different from an under-desk footrest.
The ergonomics specific to sitting on your couch are designed for the way you will be sitting on your couch rather than how you sit at your desk. A footrest for your couch is either an ottoman or a footstool and the heights are different for each of these.
The standard height for a footstool is twelve inches or less. The standard height for an ottoman is the same height as or slightly lower than your couch.
A barstool is much taller than a desk chair or couch. Therefore, the height of the footrest on a barstool is higher as well.
The standard height of the footrest on a barstool is between six and twelve inches. The height of a barstool footrest will depend on the height of the barstool and its design.
Should a Footrest be Flat?
Yes and no. Many studies show that your feet should be flat and firmly planted on the floor or footrest. The reason for this is to keep your body aligned properly for good posture which can help with pain associated with sitting for prolonged periods.
However, many studies also show that having an angle on a footrest can help increase blood flow and comfort, and decrease leg swelling while sitting at your desk. If you’ve ever sat for prolonged periods with your feet flat on the ground, you may have experienced the pain that can creep into your feet and legs.
Poor blood circulation in your legs and feet can cause many health problems including pain, swelling, blood clots, wounds that won’t heal, and strokes. These conditions form over time and are caused by an interruption in blood circulation.
An angled footrest can provide added comfort, as well as increase blood flow. These types of footrests also help you maintain a healthy and proper body posture.
What Angle Should a Footrest Be?
In general, the angle of your footrest should be between five and thirty degrees. Ultimately, the angle you choose will depend on your preferences and what is most comfortable to you.
If you’re searching for a footrest that will increase blood flow to your legs and feet, any of the angles between five and thirty will help you. If you are having problems with swelling in your legs, a 30-degree angle has been shown to help the most.
Most angled footrests have an adjustable feature to suit your specific needs. Adjustable footrests are helpful to increase movement in your legs while you are sitting and they allow you to change positions for comfort.
Angled footrests also provide more options including angle adjustments, position adjustments (sliding), and a variety of materials for increased comfort. Many angled footrests also come in varied materials with varying levels of hardness and softness. Some are made of hard plastic, gel type material, foam, wood, or plush.
Conclusion
A footrest should be high enough to plant your feet firmly while making a 90-degree angle at your knees when sitting at your desk. This height varies from person to person, but the standard height of a footrest is between two and five inches.
Footrests can be flat or angled and there are arguments for both. Some experts say that your footrest should be flat so your feet can be firmly planted and in the proper position. Other experts say an angled footrest can provide more benefits than a flat footrest.
There are many under-desk footrests to choose from to make your workday more comfortable and injury-free. I hope this article helps you in your search for the perfect footrest.
My name is Vance, and I am the owner of To Ergonomics. Our mission is to improve your workflow by helping you create a supportive and welcoming environment. We hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for while you’re here.