How to choose the right monitor arm for your desk setup

A dual monitor setup benefits most from proper arms because arms set height and depth correctly, reduce neck strain, and open up desk space. The right monitor arm raises your screens to eye level, lets you pull them closer for tasks, and pushes them back when you need room for notes or a laptop.

This guide explains how to choose the best monitor arm for a dual screen setup, what to measure before you buy, and which models suit different use cases. It includes comparison tables, setup tips, and links to recommended arms from Chair Dinkum.

Why you need a monitor arm, not just a stand

A monitor arm improves posture because it puts the screen at the right height and depth. Standard stands keep your screens too low and too close, which encourages a downward gaze and a forward head position. A good arm lifts the top third of the screen to eye level and allows a shallow downward tilt, which is the most neutral position for the neck.

The simple rule is this, your eyes should naturally land on the top third of the display when you look straight ahead. For many users this means raising monitors about 10 to 15 cm above the height of a typical factory stand. Arms also let you set the correct viewing distance, roughly an arm’s length for most 24 to 32 inch screens.

Single arm per monitor vs dual arm from one post

You have two main options for a dual setup. Two single arms offer maximum flexibility, while a dual arm on one post saves clamp space. Here is a quick summary.

Option	Pros	Cons
Two single arms	Independent height and depth per screen, easiest to align mismatched monitors, flexible placement on different desk edges	Two clamp or grommet points, a little more hardware on the desk edge
One dual arm	Single mounting point, cleaner look, helpful when desk edge depth is limited	Screens share one central post, slightly less independent movement at the base

For most users, two single arms such as a pair of CBS Flo Singles give the best alignment control. If your desk edge is tight or you prefer one mount, a CBS Flo Dual uses one clamp while still giving independent motion at the arms.

Key features to look for in a monitor arm

1. Weight capacity

Match the arm to your screen weight without the factory stand attached. Most 24 to 27 inch displays weigh 4 to 7 kg. Common 34 inch ultrawides can reach 8 to 9 kg. Choose an arm whose supported range includes your monitor’s weight. If you plan to upgrade later, choose an arm with a larger range to avoid replacing hardware.

2. Spring type and stability

Arms with a mechanical counterbalance spring hold position more consistently over time. The CBS Flo uses a patented geometric spring that balances the screen at any height and resists sag. Gas strut arms can feel smooth when new, but some lose pressure and drift. If you move your screens often, invest in a stable counterbalance design.

3. VESA compatibility

Most monitors use 75 x 75 mm or 100 x 100 mm VESA hole patterns. Check your monitor’s rear panel for VESA holes or consult the spec sheet. Some consumer models and ultra-thin screens need a separate VESA adapter. If you are unsure, send us your model via Contact us and we will confirm compatibility.

4. Mounting type and desk fit

Clamps suit most desks and are easy to install. Grommet mounts pass through a cable hole and are ideal for desks with an existing cut-out. Check desk thickness and the clearance to the back wall. Many arms need 8 to 10 cm behind the desk for the clamp and the arm to move freely. If you use a sit stand desk, also check the depth of the frame and crossbar. See our sit to stand desks and our guide, How to choose a sit stand desk in Australia.

5. Reach, tilt, and rotation

Look for an arm with enough reach to bring the screen close for detailed work, then push it back for multi-tasking. Ensure tilt and rotation cover your needs. Portrait mode is useful for coding and document review. A deeper reach helps with curved and ultrawide screens, where you need slightly more depth to centre the display.

6. Cable management

Integrated cable routing keeps power and display leads out of sight. The difference in daily use is real, a neat arm keeps your desk clear and makes sit stand movement smoother. Route cables with slack for lift heights and secure them along the arm’s channels. You can pair this with a cable tray on a sit stand desk for a tidy setup. Explore accessories that help manage cables and power.

Comparison, arm mechanisms and when to choose each

Choose the mechanism based on stability needs and how often you move your screen. The table below explains the differences.

Mechanism	Best for	Pros	Considerations
Mechanical counterbalance spring	Daily adjustment, long term stability	Holds position without drift, consistent resistance, reliable over years	Usually higher initial cost, set tension to match screen weight
Gas strut	Occasional movement, budget builds	Smooth motion when new, broad availability	Can lose pressure over time, may sag with heavy screens
Pole and clamp with tilt head	Set and forget setups, simpler needs	Simple design, strong static hold	Limited dynamic movement while seated, adjust with tools

Our recommendations by use case

Pick an arm that matches your screen weight, desk space, and movement needs. These suggestions cover the most common scenarios.

Use case	Recommended arm	Why
Standard dual setup, up to 7 kg per screen	CBS Flo Single x2	Patented spring, fingertip adjustment, stable hold, 15 year warranty
Heavy or ultrawide screens	CBS Ollin	Handles up to 9 kg, deeper reach for ultrawides, smooth motion
Space limited desk edge	CBS Flo Dual	Single mount point, independent arms, clean footprint
Budget conscious builds	Humanscale M/Flex ZG1	Solid build quality at a lower price point, reliable everyday use

You can browse all options in our monitor arms collection. If you want a full ergonomic refresh, see our task chairs like the Herman Miller Aeron or the HAG Capisco 8106 from our HAG collection. Pairing the right chair and arm makes a bigger difference than either alone. Learn more in The complete guide to HAG ergonomic chairs and What is active sitting.

How to check fit, desk, monitor, and mount

Measure your desk and review your monitor specs before you buy the arm. A few quick checks prevent surprises on install day.

• Desk thickness, confirm the clamp or grommet mount suits your desktop. Many arms fit 10 to 50 mm thickness.
• Back clearance, allow 8 to 10 cm between the desk back edge and the wall for the clamp and for arm sweep.
• Frame and crossbar position, on sit stand desks check for interference with the clamp or grommet.
• Monitor weight without stand, find it on the spec sheet or the manufacturer website.
• VESA pattern, look for 75 x 75 mm or 100 x 100 mm holes. If not present, you may need an adapter plate.
• Cable length, ensure power and display cables have enough slack for height changes.

Special cases, ultrawide, curved, and mixed monitors

Ultrawide and curved monitors need more reach and a stronger arm. Choose a model with capacity up to 9 kg for common 34 inch panels, such as the CBS Ollin. If you run two different sized screens, two single arms like Flo Singles make alignment easier. For stacked setups, ensure your arm has enough vertical range and that the bottom screen can sit low enough to keep the top third at eye level.

Ergonomic setup checklist, get position right in minutes

Set height and depth first, then tilt and angle. Use this quick sequence to dial in your screens.

1. Seat height, set your chair so your hips are slightly above knees. If you use active chairs like the HAG Capisco 8106, set the gas lift height to support a neutral spine. See our ergonomics and movement guide.
2. Monitor height, lift the screens so your eyes land on the top third while sitting straight. For laptops, consider a separate monitor to avoid neck bend.
3. Viewing distance, set roughly an arm’s length, adjust for your vision and screen size.
4. Tilt, aim for a slight downward tilt to reduce glare and neck extension.
5. Angle, turn each monitor so the centre faces you directly. For dual screens, place the primary one in front, secondary slightly angled.
6. Cables, route along the arm’s channels and leave slack for full desk height range if you have a sit stand desk.

Brand comparison, choosing between Flo, Ollin, and ZG1

If you are between a few models, this quick table highlights differences that matter in daily use.

Model	Best for	Capacity guideline	Reach and flexibility	Notes
CBS Flo Single	Most 24 to 27 inch setups	Up to around 7 kg per screen	Excellent everyday adjustability	Great balance and stability, ideal as a pair for dual screens
CBS Ollin	Ultrawide and heavier screens	Up to 9 kg	Deeper reach, smooth movement	Good choice for 32 to 34 inch and curved displays
CBS Flo Dual	Dual screens with limited desk clamp space	Per monitor similar to Flo Single	Independent arms on one post	Cleaner look with a single mount point
Humanscale M/Flex ZG1	Value focused builds	See product page for specs	Solid and simple to set	Reliable, cost effective option for many offices

Common pitfalls to avoid

A little planning prevents most setup issues. These are the mistakes we see often and how to avoid them.

• Buying on screen size alone, always check weight without the stand and VESA pattern.
• Ignoring wall clearance, arms need room to travel behind the desk for full motion.
• Clamping to weak desktops, avoid thin particle board with voids. Use a grommet mount or an under-desk reinforcement plate if needed.
• Skipping tension adjustment, tune the arm to your monitor weight so it stays in place effortlessly.
• Setting both screens too wide, keep bezels close and angle both slightly in so your neck rotation stays minimal.

Who this guide is for

This guide suits home offices, corporate fit outs, and creative studios. If you use a sit stand desk, a stable arm is essential so your screens do not bounce as the desk moves. If you work long hours in front of a screen, pairing a monitor arm with a supportive chair such as the Herman Miller Aeron or a dynamic saddle chair like the HAG Capisco 8106 can reduce fatigue. See our Herman Miller collection and HAG collection for options, and compare chairs in related reads like Steelcase Gesture vs Herman Miller Aeron and Herman Miller vs HAG.

Installation tips, quick and clean setup

Most arms include the tools you need. Clear your desk, protect the surface with a cloth, and follow the sequence below for a clean install.

1. Assemble the post and clamp loosely, position it on the desk edge or through a grommet.
2. Tighten the clamp evenly, check that it sits square and solid.
3. Attach the VESA plate to the monitor on a soft surface to avoid scratches.
4. Lift and click the monitor onto the arm, two person lift for heavier screens is safer.
5. Set the tension using the supplied hex key until the screen floats when you move it.
6. Route cables along the arm’s channels, leave slack for movement and desk height change.

FAQs

What monitor arm do I need for a 27 inch monitor?

Most 27 inch monitors weigh between 4 and 7 kg, so an arm like the CBS Flo Single suits the majority of models. Confirm your exact weight without the stand and check for a 100 x 100 mm VESA mount. If you plan to upgrade to a heavier screen later, consider the CBS Ollin for extra headroom.

Can I use a monitor arm with a sit stand desk?

Yes, monitor arms work well on sit stand desks and help maintain consistent ergonomics at different heights. Ensure your desk has enough back clearance for the arm, and that the clamp does not interfere with the frame or crossbar. Browse our sit to stand desks and see our guide, How to choose a sit stand desk in Australia, for planning tips.

Do monitor arms fit curved or ultrawide monitors?

They do, but you need the right capacity and reach. For many 34 inch curved monitors that weigh 8 to 9 kg, choose an arm like the CBS Ollin. Set a slightly greater viewing distance and ensure the arm’s tilt head can handle the monitor depth. Two single arms are best if you are pairing a curved ultrawide with a smaller secondary screen.

What if my monitor does not have VESA holes?

If your monitor lacks VESA holes, you will need a manufacturer adapter or a compatible VESA adapter plate. Check the monitor manual, then contact our team with your model via Contact us. We can confirm adapter options or suggest a monitor that is VESA ready.

Is a dual arm on one post better than two single arms?

Choose two single arms if you want maximum independent positioning, especially for different sized monitors. Choose a dual arm like the CBS Flo Dual if your desk edge is tight and you prefer one mount. Both can deliver a clean ergonomic setup when matched to the right screens.

How high should my monitors be above the desk?

Set the height so your eyes meet the top third of the screen when you sit tall. For most people this is 10 to 15 cm higher than a fixed stand. Fine tune with a slight downward tilt to reduce glare. Pair good screen height with a supportive chair from our task chairs, such as the Aeron or Capisco, for the best long term comfort.

Next steps

Ready to upgrade your desk setup with a proper arm? Explore monitor arms or go straight to our top picks, the CBS Flo Single, the CBS Flo Dual, and the CBS Ollin. If you want tailored advice, contact us with your monitor model, desk type, and how you work. We can recommend a setup that suits your space.

Building a full ergonomic workspace? Pair your arm with a supportive chair from our task chairs collection and a height adjustable desk from our sit to stand desks. Small changes, like correct screen height and a chair that encourages movement, often make the biggest difference to comfort and focus.

All products mentioned are available online at Chair Dinkum for Australian customers. If you are comparing chairs and arms, see related reads like Herman Miller vs HAG and The complete guide to HAG ergonomic chairs for more detailed chair advice.