Artists with a fixed drawing display
If your drawing screen stays in place while a second screen shows references, tutorials or briefs, consistent alignment and free desk space may matter more than frequent movement.
Who this setup suits
Creators who move their reference screen
If you bring references closer, change their viewing angle or turn a screen to share work, look at how independently each display can move.
Two-screen users with small desks
Limited desktop depth or an awkward desk edge makes the mount’s footprint and its clamp or grommet fit especially important.
What to check when choosing
Decide whether the reference screen needs to move independently, then check the exact mount against both monitors and the desk.
Independent articulated arms
Choose when: You regularly change the reference screen’s height, depth or angle without moving the drawing display.
Allow for: Clearance behind the desk and separate capacity and fixing checks for each arm.
Shared side-by-side mount
Choose when: The drawing and reference screens normally remain aligned beside each other.
Allow for: Model-specific screen-size, weight and placement restrictions.
Post-style dual mount
Choose when: Both screens will stay in a largely fixed arrangement.
Allow for: Less independent depth adjustment than you may need when pulling references towards you.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Monitor and desk fit | Check each monitor’s weight without its stand, VESA hole pattern and depth; measure the intended clamp or grommet position. | If my screens or desk cannot take the mount, its movement features will not help me. Around 33% of consumers put secure compatibility first. |
| Independent positioning | Compare the exact model’s extension and adjustment ranges with the space available behind the desk. | I need to bring references closer or turn them without shifting my drawing screen; around 27% of consumers prioritise that separate movement. |
| Working position | Look for sufficient height adjustment for your setup, and assess the desk, chair and input-device positions together. | During longer drawing sessions, I want to adjust my view rather than rely on a fixed screen position. Roughly 20% of consumers make working-position adjustment their main concern. |
| Compact layout | Measure the combined screen width and check whether the mount permits your intended side-by-side or stacked arrangement. | I want references visible beside my canvas while leaving room for drawing equipment; about 20% of consumers chiefly need a compact, stable layout. |
Common buying mistakes
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Choosing by screen diagonal alone
Two screens of the same size can differ in weight, mounting holes and depth. A mount must fit each display within the exact model’s stated limits.
Find each monitor’s weight without its original stand, then check its VESA pattern and depth against the mount specification.
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Assuming every dual mount supports the same layout
Arm geometry can restrict placement: Ergotron states that 23–27 inch displays cannot be stacked on its LX Dual Side-by-Side model.
Sketch where both screens should sit, measure their combined width and check the chosen model’s permitted arrangement.
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Overlooking the mounting point
A clamp or grommet may not fit a desk edge with the wrong thickness or an obstruction underneath. An existing cable hole does not automatically suit a grommet mount.
Measure and inspect the intended fixing point, then compare it with the mount’s specified fitting range.
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Treating the arm as the whole workstation solution
Screen position is only one part of a setup that also includes the chair, desk, input devices and working routine.
Adjust the complete workstation after installation. In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive says employers must assess workstations for workers who use display screen equipment daily, as part of normal work, continuously for an hour or more.
Relevant brands to consider
Ergotron
Articulated and dual-monitor designs for layouts that call for screen movement.
- Ergotron lists 3.2–9.1 kg per monitor, 75 × 75 mm and 100 × 100 mm VESA mounting, and clamp and grommet options for its LX Dual Side-by-Side model.
- That specific model is marked discontinued. Check the current model and its limits rather than applying these figures to another Ergotron arm.
Fellowes
The Tallo range includes dynamic monitor arms and several desk-mounting options.
- Fellowes lists 1–9 kg screen support, screens up to 40 inches, 32 cm of dynamic height movement and 75 × 75 mm or 100 × 100 mm VESA plates for the Tallo range.
- These are range-level figures; confirm the capacity and fittings of the particular single, dual or compact configuration.
Duronic
Post-style desk mounts for two-screen arrangements that remain largely in place.
- Duronic specifies the DM252 for two 13–27 inch monitors weighing up to 8 kg each, with 75 × 75 mm or 100 × 100 mm VESA mounting.
- Its stated C-clamp range is for desks 10–88 mm thick; confirm that the fixing point and your desired screen movement suit this model.
Humanscale
The M8.1 line includes single-arm and crossbar configurations.
- Humanscale UK lists an M8.1 single-arm version for one monitor up to 13 kg and crossbar versions for two-monitor setups.
- Capacity wording varies by configuration. Check whether a stated limit applies to each monitor, an arm or the complete crossbar assembly.
Joybuy product choices
This two-monitor stand is a choice to consider for keeping a reference screen beside a drawing display. Check the MDS19’s fit and movement against your own screens and desk before choosing it for frequent repositioning.
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DELL Pro Dual Monitor Stand MDS19
A two-monitor stand to consider when your drawing and reference displays need to share one setup.
Before buying, confirm the supported weight and mounting pattern for each monitor, the desk attachment and the movement range you need for references.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use two single arms or one dual mount?
Two independently articulated arms suit a reference display that needs separate depth, height or angle changes; a shared dual mount suits screens that normally stay aligned. Check the capacity, movement and desk fitting of the exact configuration either way.
Is screen size enough to tell whether an arm will fit?
No. Check each monitor’s weight, VESA hole pattern and depth as well as its diagonal size. For example, Duronic specifies its DM252 for 13–27 inch screens up to 8 kg each, while Ergotron specifies 3.2–9.1 kg per screen for the cited LX Dual Side-by-Side model.
How can I check whether a desk will take a clamp?
Measure the desktop at the intended fixing point and inspect underneath for obstructions such as rails or cable trays. Clamp limits vary: Ergotron specifies an edge up to 66 mm thick for its cited LX model, while Duronic specifies 10–88 mm for the DM252.
Does a monitor arm fulfil UK workstation requirements?
No, an arm does not replace assessment of the whole workstation. The UK Health and Safety Executive says employers must carry out a workstation assessment for workers who use display screen equipment daily, as part of normal work, continuously for an hour or more.