This Simple $150 IKEA Desk Has a Clever Twist Parents Will Love
In my house, we’re big on standing desks — my husband uses IKEA’s IDÅSEN while working remotely. So when my (now-young-adult) son needed a durable, functional desk that could grow with him throughout his teen years, we decided to go the standing desk route for him, too.
At the time, we landed on the IKEA SKARSTA, a manual crank standing desk that has served him well ever since — he even uses it today when he comes home to visit! That said, the SKARSTA was designed for adults, and it’s since been discontinued. True to form, however, IKEA has one-upped itself, releasing the IKEA RELATERA desk in 2024, at a family-friendly price point of $150. This durable and practical adjustable desk can give kids the benefits of a standing desk (such as better focus and more movement) at an accessible cost.
Designed for kids to both sit and stand, the RELATERA comes complete with an old-school crank (mounted on either side to accommodate left- and right- handed kids) to raise and lower it from 25 5/8 inches to 42 1/2 inches. The 35 3/8 x 23 5/8 top has ample space for homework, gaming, artwork, and hobbies. Even with a smaller footprint, it’s a desk that can evolve as your kid grows.
Standing desks offer advantages for both adults and kids when used correctly. Adults benefit from better posture, less back pain, more movement, and increased productivity — my husband experiences all of that by alternating between sitting and standing at his IKEA desk. And there are studies specifically on the pros for kids: Standing desks can help kids spend less time sitting, which is known to be detrimental, and may even support healthier weight and better focus.
As with many IKEA furniture pieces, the RELATERA is a stripped-down option, with no frills. No electric functions. An included hook holds book bags and jackets, while cable holders keep electronics corralled. The 35 3/8×23 5/8-inch tabletop is made to withstand kid messes with a durable melamine surface that is stain-resistant and easy to wipe down.
IKEA does offer accessories to add on: a drawer, phone/tablet holder, bookends, whiteboard/magnetic board, writing board, and shelf unit. There are also options like an anti-fatigue mat, mouse pads, and kid–friendly ergonomic chairs.
At $149.99, the RELATERA is a practical, affordable choice — smaller and more kid-friendly than pricier standing desks. Assembly is straightforward (just attach the legs and add the crank), and because it grows with your child, you won’t need to replace it anytime soon.