Member Avatar for MiketheBook

I've just bought a stand/sit desk 70cm x 120cm which because of lack of space has to fit almost up against a wall. I need to buy a monitor arm for my 17" monitor and there's room enough for any clamp but not for overhanging arms. So I will need a model that allows the screen to be close to the back wall without any overhang. Either that or a strong monitor arm that I can clamp at the side of the desk and that will have a long reach into the middle of the desk. Any thoughts or recommendations please? BTW I don't want to drill a hole in the desk or use a wall-mounted arm.

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Brief summary for : with a 70 x 120 cm desk pushed up against the wall and a 17" screen, the two critical measurements before buying are (a) desk thickness and (b) the tiny gap (if any) between the desk rear edge and the wall. Also note the monitor weight (stand removed) and its VESA pattern (usually 75x75 or 100x100 on small screens). Those numbers determine whether a C‑clamp, grommet, or a low‑profile clamp will actually fit and hold securely. (benq.eu)

Clamp types and “flush” behavior: many popular arms use a C‑clamp that needs a small rear clearance to tighten; some low‑profile clamps still require ~0.8" (2 cm) behind the surface during installation and for the clamp hardware. If the desk really is flush to the wall, look for arms advertised as “flush/low profile” or models explicitly designed not to extend past the desktop when retracted. Some manufacturers also sell long‑reach or side‑clamp options if you prefer mounting at the desk side. (ergodirect.com)

Adjustment mechanism and sit/stand: gas‑spring or counterbalance arms (what described as hydraulic/one‑hand adjustments) are the easiest for frequent sit/stand changes because they let the screen track smoothly without tools. For future dual‑monitor plans, either buy a dual‑head counterbalance arm now or choose two single arms rated for the monitor weight—just confirm the desk can take the combined load. (tomsguide.com)

Practical buys and installation tips: pick an arm with explicit specs for VESA, per‑monitor weight, and maximum extension; compare the arm’s “retracted depth” to how close you want the monitor to sit to the wall. Protect the desktop with a rubber pad, use a reinforcement block if the tabletop is hollow, and measure skirting‑board height so the clamp doesn’t jam. If the rear gap is zero and a clamp still won’t work, either clamp to the desk side with a long‑reach arm or consider replacing the display with a clamp‑integrated model. (benq.eu)

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Member Avatar for happygeek

My desk is against a wall, I bought a 'Proper' brand dual arm cantilever mount. This clamps to the desk with no overhang, and the screens can be brought forward to the front of the desk if I wanted... Wasn't cheap, but is very sturdy and in the two years I have been using it has not let me down - the movement is still smooth, the hold is still strong.

Member Avatar for MiketheBook

Can you tell me the make and model please? I may need to have two screens at some point.

Member Avatar for MiketheBook

. . . and can you raise and lower the monitors easily if I were alternating between sitting and standing? Thanks.

Member Avatar for happygeek

Easy to raise and lower monitors, one-handed as they are proper hydraulic struts. It was this one, or a similar model (I've had them a few years now).

Member Avatar for Dani

Oooh, the company is actually called Proper. When you said a proper one, I thought you added the word 'proper' just because you're British and you UK folks like that word.

Member Avatar for happygeek

Hehe, I know what you mean. It's an odd company name, and I feel slightly awkward when writing it - hence the inverted commas.

Member Avatar for MiketheBook

Thanks. It looks good. I was imagining something far more expensive. I've definitely check it out.

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