Although a laptop is intended to be placed on the lap, doing so can be unforgiving to the thoracic or lumbar region. There is a reason why people prefer a laptop stand for a couch, sofa, or bed.
When working long hours, it is normal for people to place the computer on their lap once in a while because changing positions prevents the body from getting stiff and also promotes blood circulation. However, sitting in this position for more than an hour will result in back and/or neck pain.
Also, some people prefer to use their laptop with an external monitor. When the monitor is mounted on the wall or placed on a desk, it can feel uncomfortable to type. Ideally, you want the monitor to be placed perpendicular to your line of vision. Or as close to it as possible.
There are several scenarios when a laptop user wishes to raise the height of the keyboard, so he/she can be more productive while also being comfortable. Let's have a look at the best laptop stands for the couch.
Best Laptop Stands For The Couch
1. Kavalan Portable Laptop Table
Best Overall
The Kavalan portable lap table comes with foldable legs. It can be carried like a board or placed in a backpack. The versatile design makes it possible to use this laptop stand while sitting on a couch or lying comfortably on the bed.
Besides, you can also use it as a standing laptop desk for office by placing it on a desk and adjusting the height as per your requirement.
Furthermore, this product comes with an anti-slip stopper, so the laptop or the other contents placed on the table do not slip down. This feature is quite useful when dining on a couch or a bed. No one likes to spill food on the upholstery.
There is also a soft wrist provided to support your right arm while using the mouse. Unfortunately, left-handed people cannot benefit from this feature.
Kavalan Portable Laptop Table is Suitable For -
Standing desks are becoming popular these days. Office workers are beginning to realize the necessity of ergonomic furniture in the workplace. However, not all workplaces have ergonomic chairs.
Sitting on an ordinary chair can lead to aches and pains in your lumbar region. For those who face this situation daily should consider carrying this stand to the office and use it as a standing desk for a couple of hours.
Pros
Cons
2. TigerDad Rolling Laptop Table
Best Overall Runner-Up
Not everyone prefers to sit in a laid back position while working. TigerDad Rolling Laptop Table can be used as a desk when sitting on a chair, sofa, bed, or couch. It comes with a rolling cart so you can move it quickly and easily. The wheels do not cause the table to wobble or shake even on a smooth surface. The whole structure remains quite stable all the time.
A unique thing about this laptop stand is it has a separate tray for the mouse pad. One tray (the larger one) is for the laptop and the other to place the mouse. Interestingly, both sections can be tilted at a 360-degree angle.
Also, edge-stoppers mounted on the top and bottom keep the laptop in place. Even other items like a book or a pen will not fall off the tray.
TigerDad Rolling Laptop Table is Suitable For -
This laptop stand can be used by anyone who prefers to work sitting on a couch, bed, or sofa. The height of the legs is fully adjustable, so you don't have to worry about getting the right size. You can place this table in the living room or the bedroom. Its black color goes well with the usual home furniture.
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3. Homfa Movable Computer Desk
Best Value
This is another dark-colored bedside laptop table designed to sustain the heavy load. Unlike the one from TigerDad, this table does not come with a rolling cart. Instead, the base has two horizontal rods flat enough to keep the whole structure stable.
The bottom part can be inserted in the lower space of a couch, bed, or sofa, so the tray gets tucked into your upper body.
These days, a lot of people gravitate towards organic and naturally-occurring materials. Homfa has come up with a laptop stand made from high grade 100 percent natural bamboo. The flexibility of bamboo makes the table quite reliable.
No matter the load, it will sustain it without ever falling apart. Such is not the case with legs made from plastic or ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) material.
Homfa Movable Computer Desk is Suitable For -
Homfa Movable Computer Desk is multipurpose. It can be used for reading, working on a laptop, writing, dining, or gaming. This may not be the right product for those who need their stand to be 100 percent ergonomic.
Homfa has maintained a perfect balance between the aesthetics and utility of this product. The versatility of this laptop stand makes it one of the best-valued products in this list.
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4. Desk York Portable Laptop Table
Best Value Runner-Up
The portable laptop table from Desk York lets you enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies in bed. This stand is fully adjustable. You can tilt the tray at whatever angle you desire.
To change the position of the tray, simply press the lock button joints on each side. Desk York understands that when you are lying comfortably on your bed, it can get challenging to use a laptop for more extended periods.
Other similar products usually come with a vertically adjustable top. It is impossible to get a proper angle when the surface of the table does not tilt at all. This is where this product beats everyone else.
Besides, Desk York has also provided vented holes on the top surface of the table. This is to promote the "dissipation of heat" from the laptop to the environment. This feature also prolongs the shelf life of the laptop.
Desk York Portable Laptop Table is Suitable For -
Portable laptop stand from Desk York is suitable for those who love to enjoy TV shows and movies in bed.
The adjustable height of this stand allows you to set the monitor at an angle ideal for everyone watching. Your family members can join in as well. Also, you can place this stand even in a tight space like under the bed because the legs fold easily.
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5. Lamicall Adjustable Laptop Stand
Best Budget
Lamicall height adjustable laptop stand comes with just two major parts: the tray and a support foot. This product is a part of Lamicall's STAND series. It is designed by experts who understand how office ergonomics works.
Although this laptop stand is for home use, you can easily carry it to work. It can accommodate any laptop with a screen size of 17 inches or less.
The support foot height is adjustable from 0 to 3.3 inches. Primarily, this product is designed for those who want their keyboard elevated and monitor height raised by a few inches. It is perfect for a bed or a traditional desk.
You can use it while sitting on a couch with your spine rested on the backrest. Just place the stand on your lap and adjust the height if you feel discomfort (which, in my opinion, is inevitable when you sit in this position).
Lamicall Adjustable Laptop Stand is Suitable For -
Not everyone likes to have a large and bulky laptop stand present on their bed or couch. They can occupy a lot of space. Lamicall height adjustable laptop stand is minimalistic in design. This stand is also quite liked by backpackers who prefer to carry lightweight equipment while on the road.
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6. Mind Reader 8 Position Laptop Table
Best Budget Runner-Up
Eight position laptop table from Mind Reader 8 is designed specifically to lift the work surface higher by a few degrees. Although Mind Reader has used Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) plastic as the primary raw material, it is sturdy enough to support even the older bulkier laptop. You can also rest your arms or lean your upper body onto it while sitting on a couch or a sofa.
Furthermore, it accommodates laptops and tablets with size 15.6 inches or less. The carry handle allows you to fold the laptop table and take it anywhere you want. You don't even need a bag.
You can adjust the work surface at eight different angles. To change the angle, you are required to lift the pop-lid and place the lock in one of the eight slots. Some of the higher angles are perfect for tasks like reading or watching movies. You can also place a hardcover book on it.
Mind Reader 8 Position Laptop Table is Suitable For -
This product allows you to use home furniture items like a couch, sofa, or a bed as your primary work station. By elevating the work surface at the desired angle, you can solve all the problems that usually occur when someone uses a couch, sofa, or bed as their work station. You can also use this laptop stand in a cafe or shared workspace.
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What is a Laptop Stand?
A laptop stand is a computer peripheral intended to lift or raise the work surface off the desk or other surfaces like lap, bed, couch, etc. No matter what position you work in, a laptop screen can be adjusted quite easily.
Such is not the case with the inbuilt keyboard. Typing on a flat keyboard can put undue pressure on your fingers, wrist, and also strain your back muscles. This is where a laptop stand comes into the picture.
Laptop stands come in several shapes and sizes. Factors like versatility, affordability, and adjustability characterize a good laptop stand. Some can be used while sitting on a couch, whereas others can also be used as a desk. Desk stands have adjustable legs and a wider work surface.
Furthermore, laptop stands also promote heat dissipation. Some come with additional cooling fans or ventilation holes. Those who use laptops for prolonged periods will know how much of a nuisance heating is. Irrespective of brand, laptops get heated after 3-4 hours of use and could potentially get damaged without additional cooling.
Should You Elevate Your Laptop?
There is no one answer to this question. Whether you should elevate your laptop or not entirely depends on what you use it for.
For instance, if you use your laptop to perform rudimentary tasks that do not take more than one hour, then you could do so by simply placing the laptop on a flat desk or your lap.
Most people who feel the need to elevate their work surfaces generally have long work hours (6-10 hours a day).
Professions like graphic design, computer programmer, content writer, software tester, etc. are required to stare at the monitor and type for hours on end. Hence, to reduce strain on the neck, shoulder, and back muscles, it is advised to elevate the laptop by a few degrees.
How Do I Make My Vertical Laptop Stand?
A laptop table can be useful to elevate the work surface and also help cool off the machine quickly. However, none of them come with a vertical laptop stand. A vertical laptop stand holds your laptop vertically. It has a solid base and a slot where you can slide your laptop in.
Why do you need a vertical laptop stand? It saves desk space and protects your laptop from scratches or pen marks occurred while performing other functions on your workstation. You can also find one in a store, but they are generally quite expensive and are not adjustable in size.
These are the raw materials you will need to build a DIY vertical laptop stand:
Napkin holder from Ikea.
Felt pad or felt blankets.
A napkin holder from Ikea won't cost you more than $2 and felt pads or felt blankets could be bought online for less than a dollar. You won't need a lot of felt pads -- eight would suffice. You can go for felt blankets if you want more stable support and also wish to safeguard the laptop from scratches.
Follow the steps to create your DIY vertical laptop stand:
Place the napkin holder on a flat surface like a desk or firm couch.
If you are going with the felt pads, make sure you attach 3-4 pads on the inner sides of the napkin holder. Also, see if they are correctly aligned.
For felt blankets, simply take one blanket and stick it in the inner side of the napkin holder. Do the same on the other facet.
Open the napkin holder and place your laptop vertically in the slot.
Conclusion
A laptop table is necessary for people who use a couch, sofa, or bed as their work station. Apart from a traditional office desk and chair, no other furniture can be 100 percent ergonomic. There is always a compromise on comfort, convenience, productivity, and health. A laptop stand makes your life a lot easier.
For those seeking a bedside table, Homfa Movable Computer Desk is the best. It is easy to assemble and can be well-suited for multiple purposes. The natural bamboo adds to the decor of your home.
On the other hand, Kavalan Portable Laptop Table works best as a bed and breakfast table tray. You can also mount this table on an office desk and use it as an ergonomic standing desk.
An adjustable mobile laptop table will anyway work as a versatile piece of furniture. Keep your needs in mind when selecting a model.
