5 Ergonomic Desk Accessories That Actually Work (and 3 to Avoid)
You have invested in a premium ergonomic chair and perhaps a height-adjustable desk. You might think your home office setup is complete. However, the difference between a good workspace and a great one often comes down to the smaller accessories that fine-tune your posture.
The ergonomic accessories market is flooded with products claiming to fix back pain or improve productivity. Some of these are essential tools for a healthy workspace, while others are simply marketing noise that can actually cause more harm than good.
This guide breaks down exactly which ergonomic desk accessories are worth your money in Australia, and which ones you should leave on the shelf.
The Essentials: Accessories That Make a Real Difference
If you are looking to upgrade your current setup, these are the investments that provide a measurable return in comfort and posture.
1. A Proper Monitor Arm
The single biggest mistake in most home offices is using the factory stand that came with the monitor. Factory stands rarely go high enough, forcing you to tilt your head downward. Over an eight-hour day, this places immense strain on your neck and shoulders.
A quality monitor arm, such as the CBS Flo or CBS Ollin, allows you to position the top third of your screen exactly at eye level. More importantly, it allows you to easily push the screen away when reading, or pull it closer when focusing on detailed work. It also reclaims valuable desk space underneath the screen.
2. Active Footrests (For the Right Users)
Do you actually need a footrest? If your feet rest flat on the floor when your chair is adjusted to the correct height for your desk, the answer is no. However, if you are shorter, or if you use a fixed-height desk that forces you to raise your chair too high, a footrest is mandatory to prevent circulation issues in your thighs.
Instead of a static plastic wedge, look for an active footrest. The HÅG Quickstep acts like a seesaw, encouraging micro-movements in your ankles and calves while you sit. For users of the HÅG Capisco, the HÅG StepUp provides two extra levels for your feet, allowing for a much wider variety of sitting positions.
3. The Correct Floor Castors
This is the most overlooked accessory, yet it dramatically affects your daily comfort. Office chair castors come in two distinct types:
| Floor Type | Correct Castor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet | Hard castors | Allows the chair to roll easily without getting bogged down in the pile. |
| Timber, Tile, Concrete | Soft castors | Prevents the chair from slipping out from under you and protects the floor from scratches. |
If you have recently moved your home office from a carpeted room to one with floorboards, simply swapping your castors (like these HÅG 65mm castors) is cheaper and more effective than buying a plastic floor mat.
4. The Right Gas Lift
If you have transitioned to a sit-stand desk, your standard office chair might no longer serve you well. Chairs like the HÅG Capisco are designed to be used at higher elevations, but only if they have the correct gas lift. Upgrading to a 200mm or 265mm replacement gas lift allows you to "perch" halfway between sitting and standing, which is often much more comfortable than standing completely flat-footed.
5. A Capisco Footring
If you work at a high bench, drafting table, or a standing desk that you rarely lower, your feet will dangle. The HÅG Capisco Footring attaches directly to the base of the gas lift, providing a solid platform to rest your feet and take the pressure off your lower back while working at height.
The Fluff: Accessories to Avoid
Not everything labelled "ergonomic" is actually good for you. Here are three common accessories you should think twice about.
1. Fixed Monitor Risers (The Wooden Blocks)
Placing your monitor on a wooden box or a stack of books is better than leaving it on the desk, but it is a rigid solution. A fixed riser cannot be adjusted if you change your posture, get new glasses, or switch between sitting and standing. A mechanical monitor arm is vastly superior.
2. Aftermarket Lumbar Pillows
If you own a premium task chair like a Herman Miller Aeron or a RH Mereo, adding a generic memory foam lumbar pillow will actively defeat the chair's built-in ergonomic design. These chairs are engineered to support the natural curve of your spine. If your chair is causing you back pain, you likely need to adjust the chair's settings, not add a pillow.
3. Gel Wrist Rests
Resting your wrists on a squishy gel pad while typing compresses the carpal tunnel and restricts blood flow. Your wrists should actually float neutrally above the keyboard. If you need support, you should rest the fleshy part of your palm (the heel of your hand) on a slim pad, not your wrists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the gas lift on my chair myself?
Yes, but it requires some force to dislodge the old one. Over time, the gas lift wedges tightly into the base and seat mechanism. We recommend using a proper disassembly tool or unblocking tool to separate the components without damaging the chair.
Are monitor arms difficult to install?
Most premium monitor arms use a simple C-clamp that tightens onto the back edge of your desk with an Allen key. Installation typically takes less than ten minutes and requires no drilling, provided your desk is compatible.
Do I need a footrest if I have a standing desk?
When sitting, you only need a footrest if your feet do not comfortably reach the floor. When standing, an anti-fatigue mat or a balance board is highly recommended, as standing flat on a hard floor for hours can cause joint pain.
The Bottom Line
The best ergonomic accessories do not force you into a single "correct" posture; they give you the flexibility to move and adjust throughout the day. A monitor arm and the correct castors are the two most reliable upgrades for any home office.
If you are looking to optimise your workspace, explore our range of monitor arms and HÅG accessories. If you need advice on which gas lift or castors will fit your specific setup, contact the Chair Dinkum team for expert guidance.
