Who this setup suits

Digital artists using a separate reference screen

If you draw on one display while viewing images, notes or tutorials on another, consider whether the reference screen can be positioned independently and turned to portrait orientation when needed.

People working at a small study desk

If a tablet, sketchbook or keyboard shares the desk with two screens, check where the mount attaches and how its arms and cables will move around the drawing area.

People adjusting a seated drawing workstation

If the original monitor stands put the screens in awkward positions, consider their height and distance alongside the chair and drawing surface. The Health and Safety Executive advises placing the top of a screen around eye level and the screen about an arm’s length away.

What matters when choosing

Articulated dual arm

Choose it when: You frequently change the distance or position of a reference screen to make room for drawing.

Allow for: Arm movement around the desk, including cable slack and clearance behind the screens.

Tall pole-style stand

Choose it when: Your reference screen will usually stay raised or in portrait orientation in a repeatable layout.

Allow for: The pole and arms may offer less freedom to bring a screen forward or move it aside.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Independent screen placement Check each screen’s height adjustment, reach and rotation, then allow room for both displays at their intended sizes. When I draw with references beside the canvas, I need to position the reference screen without crowding the drawing display; around 42% of consumers put independent placement first.
Viewing height and posture Compare the mount’s adjustment range with your seated position and drawing surface. The Health and Safety Executive advises a screen top around eye level and a viewing distance of about an arm’s length. For longer seated drawing sessions, I want to view the main screen without repeatedly turning or stretching; around 33% of consumers put viewing position first.
Desk fit and clear space Check each monitor’s weight and mounting pattern, the desk attachment and clearance for ports and moving cables. If my study desk also holds drawing tools, I need the screens mounted without cables crossing the work area; roughly 25% of consumers put fit and clear space first.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing by screen size alone

    A display can fall within a mount’s stated diagonal range yet exceed its per-screen weight limit. Ergotron states a limit of 8.5 kg per monitor for the LX Pro Desk Dual Direct Arm; Duronic states 8 kg per screen for the DMT252.

    Check the weight of each display against the exact mount’s stated range, not just its screen-size range.

  • Assuming every monitor uses the same attachment

    Mounting-hole patterns and proprietary attachments differ. Joybuy’s monitor-mounting guidance advises checking the VESA pattern and whether an adapter is required.

    Inspect each monitor’s rear panel or manual before choosing a mounting plate.

    A proprietary attachment may require a separate adapter bracket.

  • Overlooking the desk edge and cables

    A clamp or grommet must fit the desk, while moving screens need clearance for leads and access to rear ports.

    Measure the intended mounting position, check for drawers or bracing underneath, and plan where the leads will travel as the screens move.

  • Treating the arm as the whole ergonomic setup

    Moving the monitors does not resolve an awkward arrangement of the drawing surface, chair, keyboard and mouse. The Health and Safety Executive advises considering screen placement as part of the workstation.

    Arrange the drawing tools and seated position before setting the final screen height and distance.

Brands to consider for these mounting formats

Ergotron

The LX Pro Desk Dual Direct Arm is an articulated option for regularly repositioning two screens.

  • Ergotron states 33 cm of lift, 360° pan and rotation, cable routing and a limit of 8.5 kg per monitor for this model.
  • Check the exact displays’ weights and mounting patterns, along with how the arm attaches to your desk.

Duronic

The DMT252 uses a tall pole-style arrangement for two monitors, including layouts with a raised reference screen.

  • Duronic describes a 100 cm pole, rotating mounting heads and VESA 75/100 fittings.
  • Duronic states a range of 13–27 inches and a limit of 8 kg per screen; check both displays against those limits.

Humanscale

The M/Flex range includes a dual M2.1 arm configuration with a two-piece clamp mount.

  • Humanscale lists the dual configuration as accommodating two monitors up to 7 kg each.
  • Confirm the selected configuration and each monitor’s weight before choosing it for a drawing workstation.

Joybuy product choices

This dual monitor desk stand is a choice to consider for keeping a drawing screen and reference screen on one mount. Check its adjustment and desk attachment against the layout you want.

DELL Pro Dual Monitor Stand MDS19

DELL Pro Dual Monitor Stand MDS19

Consider this dual monitor stand if you want to keep a drawing display and reference display together at your desk. Before ordering, check each monitor’s weight and mounting pattern, the stand’s usable height adjustment and how it attaches to your desk.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

What should I measure before buying a dual monitor stand?

Check each monitor’s mounting pattern and weight against the mount’s per-screen limits, then measure the usable desk edge or grommet position. Leave space for rear ports and cables; screen diagonal alone does not establish that a display will fit the mount.

Should the reference screen be in portrait orientation?

Portrait orientation can suit vertically formatted references if the mount allows rotation and the screen can turn without hitting a wall, another display or its cables. Ergotron states 360° rotation for the LX Pro Desk Dual Direct Arm, and Duronic states rotating mounting heads for the DMT252; check the arrangement with your own displays.

How should I position two screens while drawing?

Place the main drawing display directly in front where practical, with the reference screen close enough to read without repeated twisting. The Health and Safety Executive advises a screen top around eye level and a viewing distance of about an arm’s length; adjust the arrangement alongside your drawing surface and seated position.

Does a person using a home study have to buy a monitor arm under UK display-screen rules?

No particular monitor arm is required by the Health and Safety Executive guidance cited here. The HSE says the Display Screen Equipment Regulations apply to employers whose workers regularly use display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work; assess the full workstation rather than assuming one product is required.