Step By Step Guide To Setting Up Dual Monitors Without A Stand

Dual monitors significantly improve productivity, whether you're editing video, managing spreadsheets, or coding across multiple environments. But what if your monitors don’t come with stands—or you’ve lost them? You don’t need to buy new hardware. With simple tools and everyday objects, you can securely set up a dual-monitor configuration that’s ergonomic, stable, and functional.

This guide walks through practical methods for mounting two monitors side by side without relying on traditional stands. From repurposing furniture to DIY clamps and wall brackets, you’ll learn how to create a professional-grade setup using minimal investment.

Why Go Stand-Free?

Monitor stands are often flimsy, take up desk space, or break easily. Removing them frees up valuable real estate and allows for greater flexibility in positioning. Many modern monitors support VESA mounting—a universal standard that enables attachment to arms, walls, or custom supports. Even those that don’t can be adapted safely with careful planning.

Going stand-free also promotes better ergonomics. When monitors are elevated properly, eye strain decreases, posture improves, and workflow becomes more fluid. For remote workers, students, or creatives in compact spaces, eliminating bulky bases is a game-changer.

Tip: Always check the back of your monitor for VESA compatibility (typically 75x75mm or 100x100mm screw patterns) before selecting a mounting method.

Essential Tools and Materials

Before assembling your dual-display setup, gather these commonly available supplies:

• Screwdrivers (Phillips #1 and #2)
• Allen wrenches (if included with monitor or mount)
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Level (a smartphone app works too)
• VESA-compatible mounts (arms, wall brackets, or shelf brackets)
• Wooden planks, sturdy books, or floating shelves (for non-VESA options)
• Clamps (C-clamps or desk mounts with adjustable grips)
• Wall anchors and screws (for permanent installations)
• Cable ties or Velcro straps (to manage cords)

Not all monitors have removable stands. If yours uses a proprietary base, consult the manufacturer’s manual to detach it safely. Some models require removing screws from the rear panel; others snap off cleanly once unlocked.

Step-by-Step Setup Using Alternative Mounting Methods

Follow this sequence to install two monitors without original stands. This process assumes both displays support VESA mounting. If not, skip ahead to non-VESA solutions later in the article.

1. Remove existing stands: Lay each monitor face-down on a soft surface (like a microfiber towel). Unscrew or release the stand mechanism according to the user manual. Set aside for potential future use.
2. Inspect VESA pattern: Check the screw hole arrangement on the back. Most consumer monitors use 75x75mm or 100x100mm spacing. Confirm compatibility with your chosen mount.
3. Select mounting solution: Choose one of the following approaches based on your space and budget:
   • Dual monitor arm
   • Wall-mounted bracket
   • Floating shelf with clamps
   • DIY wooden base
4. Attach VESA plates: Secure the mounting plate to the back of each monitor using the provided screws. Ensure they’re tight but not over-torqued to avoid cracking the housing.
5. Install primary support: Whether attaching an arm to your desk or mounting a bracket to the wall, follow load limits and ensure stability. Use a stud finder when anchoring into drywall.
6. Mount first monitor: Connect the display to the arm or bracket. Adjust tilt, swivel, and height to align the top edge with your seated eye level.
7. Add second monitor: Attach the second unit to the dual-arm system or adjacent wall mount. Position it flush with the first screen to minimize head movement.
8. Route cables neatly: Bundle power, HDMI/DisplayPort, and USB lines together using zip ties. Run them behind the desk or along the wall to keep the area clutter-free.
9. Test alignment: Open a full-screen window and drag it across both screens. There should be no visible gap or height difference affecting usability.

Calibrating Display Settings

After physical installation, configure your operating system to recognize both monitors correctly:

• Windows: Right-click desktop > Display settings > Identify which screen is 1 or 2. Drag icons to match physical layout.
• macOS: System Settings > Displays > Arrangement. Align white menu bar with primary screen.
• Set primary display where taskbar/dock appears.
• Match resolution and scaling for consistent text size.

“Ergonomic alignment isn’t just about comfort—it directly impacts focus and reduces long-term musculoskeletal strain.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Occupational Health Specialist

Non-VESA Solutions: Creative Alternatives

If your monitors lack VESA holes, don’t give up. Several workarounds exist using household items or low-cost adapters.

Option 1: Floating Shelf + Clamps

Use a solid wood shelf mounted under a cabinet or on the wall. Place monitors flat on the shelf and secure them with padded C-clamps attached to the edges. This prevents sliding while maintaining accessibility.

Option 2: Weighted Base Blocks

Cut dense wood or acrylic blocks to fit beneath each monitor. Drill recessed areas to hide power bricks. The added mass stabilizes the unit and raises it to a better viewing angle.

Option 3: Book Stack Platform

In temporary setups, stack hardcover books or binders to elevate monitors. Wrap rubber bands around the pile for grip. While not ideal for daily use, this method proves useful during travel or short-term projects.

Solution	Stability	Ease of Setup	Best For
Dual Monitor Arm	★★★★★	★★★★☆	Permanent home office
Wall Mount	★★★★★	★★★☆☆	Small apartments, studios
Floating Shelf + Clamps	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Rental-friendly spaces
Wooden Base Block	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	Budget-conscious users
Book Stack	★☆☆☆☆	★★★★★	Temporary or emergency use

Tip: Add anti-slip pads (like drawer liner fabric) between monitors and any platform to prevent scratches and slippage.

Real-World Example: Student Workspace Upgrade

Jamal, a university student living in a dorm room, needed a dual-monitor setup for coding assignments and research. His desk was only 36 inches wide, and both monitors came without stands. Buying new ones wasn’t in his budget.

He purchased a single articulating dual monitor arm for $65, which clamped onto the edge of his desk. After confirming VESA compatibility, he removed the bases and mounted both screens. By adjusting the arm’s tension, he positioned the monitors at equal height, slightly angled inward. Cable management clips kept wires out of sight.

The result? A clean, space-efficient workstation that improved multitasking efficiency by nearly 40%, according to his self-tracked study logs. “I used to switch tabs constantly,” he said. “Now I see my code and documentation side by side—it changed how I work.”

Checklist: Dual Monitor Setup Without Stands

Use this checklist to ensure a smooth installation:

• ☐ Confirm monitor model and VESA compatibility
• ☐ Remove original stands safely
• ☐ Select appropriate mounting method (arm, wall, shelf)
• ☐ Assemble hardware with correct tools
• ☐ Attach VESA plates securely
• ☐ Install primary support structure (clamp, bracket, etc.)
• ☐ Mount both monitors and adjust positioning
• ☐ Route and organize all cables
• ☐ Calibrate display settings in OS
• ☐ Test functionality with multi-window tasks

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mount two monitors on a single arm?

Yes, many dual monitor arms are designed specifically for this. They feature two independent arms connected to one central clamp or grommet base. These allow individual adjustment of height, tilt, and rotation for optimal alignment.

What if my monitor doesn’t have VESA holes?

You can still mount it using third-party adapter kits. These consist of adhesive or screw-on brackets that attach to the back of the monitor and provide a standard VESA interface. However, proceed with caution—adhesive types may damage casing, and unsupported weight risks dropping.

Are wall-mounted monitors safe?

When installed correctly into wall studs or with proper drywall anchors rated for the monitor’s weight, wall mounting is very safe. Always double-check load specifications and use a level to prevent uneven stress on the bracket.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Setting up dual monitors without stands is not only possible—it can lead to a cleaner, more efficient workspace than factory configurations allow. By leveraging VESA standards, affordable accessories, and creative problem-solving, you gain control over your digital environment.

Whether you're working from a cramped apartment, traveling for business, or optimizing a home studio, these techniques empower you to build a personalized setup that grows with your needs. Start small: try a clamp-mounted arm or a repurposed shelf. Refine as you go.

🚀 Ready to upgrade your workspace? Pick one method from this guide and implement it today. Share your results, ask questions, or suggest improvements in the comments below—your experience could help someone else build their dream setup.