Add a third screen to a standard desk and the problems show quickly: monitors crowd the edges, cables tangle underneath and the chair gets used for long stretches. A well-planned trading desk solves those problems for anyone who works across several screens, whether for monitoring, analysis or video editing.
This guide covers desk size, sit-stand options, monitor arms, chairs and power, using six products and their stated specs. If you need a wider top first, start with our office desks.
Desk width and depth for three or four screens
Measure the screens before you choose the trading desk. Three monitors side by side can be wider than a 1500mm desk, and a fourth screen usually sits above or beside them on an arm. Depth matters as much as width, because large screens are easier to take in from further back.
The Anvil Straight Desk (from $326) comes in 10 worktop sizes, from 1200mm x 600mm up to 1800mm x 900mm and 2100mm x 900mm. Its loop leg frame uses 50 x 50mm triangle end frames in 2mm steel, with a 25mm E0 melamine top at a fixed 715mm height. Each foot has 30mm of height adjustment, and the desk carries a 10 year warranty.
Sit-stand trading desk options, load and power
A sit-stand desk lets you change position through a long session, but it has to lift everything on it. Add up the screens, arms, computer and speakers, then keep the total well inside the stated rating.
The Agile Double Motor Electric Individual Desk (from $1,017) has a 160 kg weight rating, evenly distributed, with a concealed motor in each leg. It moves through 645-1285 mm, including the worktop, at 30 mm/s. The 4 point memory control can restrict minimum and maximum height and set anti-collision sensitivity. Worktops go up to 1800mm x 800mm on 90 x 60 mm legs, with a 10 year warranty.
Its page lists optional upgrades including cable trays, power and data mounting points and cable snakes to the desktop. A snake carries every lead from the floor to the top in one bundle, so nothing pulls tight when the desk rises.
Several screens, a computer and chargers need more outlets than one wall point. The Power Rails Clamp (from $144) clamps on to the desk and puts power and data at desk height. Options run from 2GPO with a 600mm lead to 4GPO+3Data with a 1000mm lead, in black or white, with a 2 year warranty. It links to a cable basket, an adjoining power rail, a wall starter or a power pole kit.
Dual and quad monitor arms
Arms lift screens off the desk and line them up at the same height, which helps when you scan across several at once. Check the screen size range, the weight per arm and the VESA pattern on the back of each monitor before you order.
The Revolve Quad Monitor Arm ($237) is pole mounted and holds four screens from 10 to 30 inches, with a 10kg weight rating per arm. It has a 708mm centre pole height, 360mm arm reach, 360 degree horizontal adjustment and cable management within the pole. Its page does not state a VESA pattern, and it carries a 3 year warranty.
For two screens, the Core Dual Gas Spring Monitor Arm ($181) takes screens from 17 to 30 inches at 2-9kg per screen. It fits 75mm x 75mm and 100mm x 100mm VESA mounts, has a quick release mechanism and comes with clamp and grommet fixings. Its tilt range is -90° to 15°, and it carries a 10 year warranty.
Our guide on how to choose a monitor arm explains VESA patterns and desk mounts in more detail.
A chair rated for long hours
Multi-screen work often means long sessions or shift work, so choose a chair rated for the hours it will be used. The Monarch 24/7 Controller Chair ($977) is rated for continuous 24/7 controller chair use, with tilt-lock and gas-lift mechanisms tested for continuous operation. It supports users up to 185kg and is upholstered in genuine black leather, with an executive headrest, upholstered armrests and a polished aluminium base on twin-wheel castors. Its 10 Year Warranty is based on 8 hour per day use.
Glare, light and delivery in Australian offices
Strong Australian sun makes glare a real issue on a trading desk, especially in north and west-facing rooms. Set the screens side-on to windows rather than facing them or backing onto them, and use blinds for afternoon light. Keep overhead lights out of the screens' reflection where you can.
Each product page has a Delivery line naming its metro cities. Five of these six products list metro Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide, while the Anvil Straight Desk is not available for delivery in WA. Deliveries go to the ground-floor entrance, and goods arrive flat-packed unless the product page says assembled.
Trading desk products by role
Specs are as stated on each product page.
| Role | Product | Stated specs |
|---|---|---|
| Wide fixed desk | Anvil Straight Desk | Up to 2100mm x 900mm, 715mm fixed height, 30mm adjustment in each foot |
| Sit-stand desk | Agile Double Motor Electric Individual Desk | Up to 1800mm x 800mm, 645-1285 mm, 160 kg evenly distributed |
| Desk power | Power Rails Clamp | 2GPO up to 4GPO+3Data, 600mm or 1000mm lead |
| Quad screen arm | Revolve Quad Monitor Arm | Four 10 to 30 inch screens, 10kg per arm, 360mm reach, VESA not stated |
| Dual screen arm | Core Dual Gas Spring Monitor Arm | Two 17 to 30 inch screens, 2-9kg each, 75mm x 75mm and 100mm x 100mm VESA |
| Long-hours chair | Monarch 24/7 Controller Chair | Rated for continuous 24/7 use, users up to 185kg, 10 Year Warranty based on 8 hours a day |
Trading desk — frequently asked questions
How big should a desk be for three monitors?
As a guide, three monitors side by side need a desk around 1800mm wide, and 2100mm leaves room to spare. Measure your screens edge to edge first, and allow a deeper top, such as 900mm, for larger screens.
Can a standing desk hold four monitors?
Yes, if the total weight stays within the desk's rating. The Agile Double Motor desk is rated to 160 kg, evenly distributed, and the Revolve quad arm holds up to 10kg per arm.
What is a 24/7 office chair?
A 24/7 chair is built and rated for continuous use across shifts, not just a standard working day. The Monarch 24/7 Controller Chair is rated for continuous use and supports users up to 185kg.
Do monitor arms fit all monitors?
No, so check the VESA pattern, screen size and weight first. The Core Dual fits 75mm x 75mm and 100mm x 100mm VESA mounts and takes 17 to 30 inch screens at 2-9kg each.
Shop the range
Every product in this guide is listed below in the order it appears. Our monitor arms and heavy duty office chairs hold more options for a multi-screen desk.
- Anvil Straight Desk (from $326): a loop leg desk up to 2100mm x 900mm for three or four screens
- Agile Double Motor Electric Individual Desk (from $1,017): a sit-stand desk rated to 160 kg for heavier multi-screen set-ups
- Power Rails Clamp (from $144): clamp-on power and data at desk height for screens, computers and chargers
- Revolve Quad Monitor Arm ($237): a pole mounted arm for four screens up to 30 inches
- Core Dual Gas Spring Monitor Arm ($181): a gas spring arm for two screens with clamp and grommet fixings
- Monarch 24/7 Controller Chair ($977): a leather controller chair rated for continuous 24/7 use, up to 185kg
Metro delivery is a flat $75 per order, and prices include GST.
