Illustrators sharing a desk
When another person uses the same workstation, movable screens make it possible to reset their height, reach and angle rather than leaving one fixed arrangement in place.
Who each layout suits
Drawers working with limited desk depth
A secondary reference display above the main screen may leave more of the drawing surface available, provided its viewing height works for the task.
Users with larger or heavier monitors
Check each display’s weight and mounting pattern, along with the desk attachment, before choosing a layout. The published limits differ between the Duronic DMT252, StarTech.com ARMDUAL3 and Ergotron LX Dual Side-by-Side models.
What matters when choosing
For a shared drawing desk, decide how often the screens need moving before choosing between a flexible side-by-side arrangement and an upper reference display. The Health and Safety Executive advises placing the main screen roughly an arm’s length away, with its top at eye level; assess that position as part of the whole workstation.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Repositioning between users | Check how each screen adjusts and whether there is room for the arms to move. | When someone else takes over the desk, I need to bring both screens back into a workable position without rearranging the drawing area. Around 45% of consumers put repositioning first. |
| Drawing space | Check whether an upper reference display leaves the main screen at a suitable viewing height. | If my tablet or sketchbook needs the work surface, I want references visible without placing another screen beside it. Keeping that space clear comes first for around 33% of consumers. |
| Monitor and desk fit | Compare each monitor’s weight and VESA pattern with the mount’s limits; measure the intended attachment point. | With existing monitors and a shared desk, I need to know the mount will fit both the displays and the place it attaches. Fit is the primary concern for around 22% of consumers. |
Buying pitfalls
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Choosing by screen size alone
A screen-size range does not tell you whether each monitor meets the arm’s weight limit or has a matching VESA mounting pattern.
Find each monitor’s weight without its original stand and its rear mounting pattern, then compare both with the exact mount specification.
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Assuming the clamp will fit the desk
Even a desk edge within a published thickness range may have an obstruction where the clamp needs to sit.
Measure the intended clamp position and check for panels, trays and clearance for the screens and cables. The StarTech.com ARMDUAL3 listing specifies a 40–85 mm C-clamp range; that figure does not apply to other mounts.
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Raising both screens to free the work surface
A tall-pole arrangement can leave drawing space below, but a frequently viewed upper screen may be too high for the user’s intended viewing position.
Keep the primary screen near the Health and Safety Executive’s recommended position, with its top at eye level, and use the upper position for references viewed less continuously.
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Assuming a similar model has the same fittings
Mounting hardware, capacity and layout can vary by version. Ergotron identifies the cited LX Dual Side-by-Side model as discontinued.
Check the full model or part number and the included clamp or grommet hardware before considering remaining stock or a successor.
Brands to consider
Ergotron
Its LX Dual Side-by-Side range provides a reference point for buyers comparing arm movement and published mounting limits.
- Ergotron lists VESA 75/100 support, a 3.2–9.1 kg range per monitor and a clamp for desk edges up to 66 mm for the cited LX model.
- Ergotron identifies that particular model as discontinued; check the exact specification of any available version or successor.
Duronic
The DMT252 is a tall-pole option for placing a secondary reference display above the main screen.
- Duronic specifies a 100 cm pole, VESA 75/100 mounting and support for two 13–27-inch displays weighing up to 8 kg each.
- Its published 27-inch screen limit rules out larger displays, and the intended upper-screen height needs checking at the desk.
StarTech.com
The ARMDUAL3 gives buyers published monitor and clamp limits to compare with a shared workstation.
- The ARMDUAL3 listing specifies two displays up to 32 inches and 8 kg each, VESA 75/100 mounting and a 40–85 mm C-clamp range.
- Its pole provides basic height adjustment; check whether that range allows each desk user to set the screens where needed.
Joybuy product choices
This dual-monitor stand is a choice to consider when two screens need positioning at a shared drawing desk. Check its fit and adjustment range against your own monitors and work surface before choosing it.
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DELL Pro Dual Monitor Stand MDS19
Consider this dual-screen stand if people sharing the drawing desk need to reposition their displays. Before ordering, check both monitors’ size, weight and VESA fit, how the stand attaches to the intended desk, and the adjustment range you need.
Questions about fit and layout
How can I tell whether my monitors will fit a dual stand?
Compare each monitor’s weight without its original stand, VESA mounting pattern and screen size with the limits for the exact stand. Duronic specifies VESA 75/100 mounting, 13–27-inch screens and up to 8 kg per display for the DMT252; the ARMDUAL3 listing specifies VESA 75/100 and up to 32 inches and 8 kg per display.
Should the reference screen go above or beside the main screen?
Place a secondary reference screen above the main display when preserving drawing space is the priority and you do not need to look at the upper screen continuously. A side-by-side arrangement is worth considering when both screens need regular attention; in either layout, use the Health and Safety Executive’s eye-level and roughly arm’s-length guidance when positioning the main screen.
What should I measure before fitting a clamp mount to a shared desk?
Measure the thickness at the intended clamp position and check for obstructions beneath or behind the edge, as well as room for the arms and cables. The ARMDUAL3 listing gives a 40–85 mm C-clamp range, while Ergotron specifies an edge up to 66 mm for the cited, discontinued LX Dual Side-by-Side model; neither range establishes whether a different mount will fit.