Top Personalities Who Are Known To Use A Standing Desk

You’ve probably heard by now that sitting all day is bad for your health. And thankfully, modern innovation has introduced tools and equipment to help us work more comfortably and efficiently.

One of the most popular breakthroughs in workplace ergonomics is the standing desk, a simple yet powerful way to bring more movement into your workday while improving overall wellness.

Why More People Are Switching to Standing Desks

A standing desk allows you to work while standing rather than being seated all day. But this isn’t just about posture—it’s about performance, energy, and long-term health.

Here are some of the top benefits of using a standing desk:

• Eases tension and provides greater comfort
  
  

• Lowers the risk of heart disease
  
  

• Helps manage weight and reduce the risk of obesity
  
  

• Alleviates chronic back pain
  
  

• Supports blood sugar control and lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes
  
  

• Improves mood and boosts energy
  
  

• Enhances productivity and mental alertness
  
  

The physical and mental benefits alone make standing desks a worthwhile investment, but the ripple effect goes even further, supporting a healthier lifestyle and a more efficient, creative, and focused work environment.

A Look Back: Famous Figures Who Used Standing Desks

Believe it or not, standing desks are not a new trend. Some of history’s most influential figures swore by them for their productivity, creativity, and health benefits. Here are some well-known personalities who famously worked while standing:

1. Leonardo da Vinci

While not definitively proven, it’s widely believed that da Vinci preferred working at a standing desk. A modern “Da Vinci” desk model is even named after him. Given his intense focus on design, art, and invention, it’s not surprising he may have opted for a setup that kept him energized.

2. Abraham Lincoln

America’s 16th president was known to use a standing desk while writing speeches. It’s said he found it helped him think more clearly.

3. Benjamin Franklin

The University of Pennsylvania documented that Franklin used a mahogany standing desk for his writing. He’s often cited as one of the earliest advocates for the benefits of standing while working.

4. Charles Dickens

According to his biography, Dickens surrounded himself with books and worked at a standing desk in his office—suggesting it was part of his creative routine.

5. Philip Roth

Roth, a celebrated novelist, used a lectern as a makeshift standing desk. His setup helped prevent back pain while writing, proving how standing desks benefit more than just posture—they support long writing sessions too.

6. Stan Lee

The iconic creator of Spider-Man and the X-Men famously said, “Always wrote standing up—good for the figure—and always faced the sun—good for the suntan!”

7. Vladimir Nabokov

While Nabokov didn’t write standing all day, he often began his work at an antique lectern. He believed alternating between standing and sitting helped with posture and focus—similar to modern guidance for healthy office work.

8. Lewis Carroll

Carroll, the author of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, is also said to have used a standing desk when writing. Historian Morton Cohen notes this detail in his profile of the author.

9. Ernest Hemingway

One of the most famous standing desk users, Hemingway placed his typewriter on a bookshelf to write standing up. He even used an antelope-skin standing mat—an early version of today’s anti-fatigue mats.

10. Michael Dell

The billionaire tech founder often worked from a podium-style standing desk. In a Success Magazine feature, it was noted that his office chairs were reserved for visitors only.

11. Kate White

The former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan shared in an interview that she wrote while standing at a kitchen butcher block. She found it helped keep her alert and focused, especially when she might otherwise doze off in a chair.

12. Winston Churchill

Churchill reportedly worked long hours standing at a custom-built desk while dictating to stenographers late into the night. His desk was made by a local carpenter and reflected his need for focus and command during high-pressure times.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a writer, leader, artist, or entrepreneur, the benefits of standing desks are universal. They’re not just trendy—they’re rooted in a long history of helping high-performers think better, work smarter, and feel healthier.

As we continue to evolve how we work, it’s inspiring to know that some of the greatest minds in history stood up for their productivity—literally. Investing in a standing desk today could be one of the best moves you make for your long-term wellness, creativity, and success.