Esslinger VexelLine: Introduction
Before the Esslinger VexelLine desk, I had an IKEA TROTTEN desk in my office. It wasn't a bad desk in itself, as it was sturdy, simple, and even height-adjustable with a crank. However, I hardly ever used that feature. Not because it worked poorly, but because you had to crank it every time.
With the Esslinger VexelLine, a single button press is all it takes. However, that alone doesn't make it a special desk. Electrically height-adjustable models are now available from IKEA, FlexiSpot, and countless other manufacturers.
Esslinger therefore focuses not only on motors and storage capacity, but on a fully integrated workstation system. This includes a large, integrated cable management system, several tabletop sizes, various color combinations, and matching accessories ranging from monitor arms to PC mounts.
I tested the VexelLine with a white tabletop and a grey, two-tiered frame.
Esslinger VexelLine: Three packages, three delivery routes
The tabletop, frame, and cable tray are shipped separately via DHL and DPD. This makes sense in principle, as it avoids expensive shipping costs. The disadvantage, however, is that the packages may not arrive at the same time.
My tabletop and cable tray had already arrived, while the frame was still in transit. Therefore, I couldn't start assembling it right away.
The tabletop arrived well-protected. Some adhesive residue remained on the glued-together foam corner protectors, but this was easily removed without leaving any visible traces. There was also a little dust on the white surface, which disappeared after a single wipe. There was no damage, deep scratches, poorly drilled holes, or other defects.
Esslinger VexelLine: Assembly without major hurdles
After unpacking, a sizable pile of metal parts, cables, screws, and covers lies on the floor. Nevertheless, assembly is manageable.
Esslinger sorts the screws by letter and packages them in separate bags. The instructions refer to this labeling at every step. This eliminates the usual guesswork about which of the almost identical-looking screws is meant.
The instructions clearly guide you through each step. There are a few minor translation errors here and there, but they won't leave you completely lost. All the necessary tools are included. Having your own cordless screwdriver will speed up the process, but it's not essential.
First, the central frame is assembled and adjusted to the width of the tabletop. Next come the lifting columns, feet, motors, power supply, and cable box. The two motors are connected to the power supply, which will later be located under the tabletop, via pre-installed connectors.
The control unit can be mounted on the left or right. This flexibility avoids unnecessary compromises later on, for example, if there is a cabinet on one side or if the control needs to be accessible with the dominant hand.
It took me about 45 minutes to assemble it on my own. The actual assembly can be done without help, but you should have a second person to help turn the finished table over and stand it upright. The finished table is quite heavy!
Esslinger VexelLine: Three sizes and twelve color combinations
Esslinger offers the VexelLine in 140 × 80 centimeters, 160 × 80 centimeters, and 180 × 80 centimeters. Tabletops are available in white, black, beige, and walnut. Frames come in black, white, and gray, resulting in a total of twelve color combinations.
My test model, with its white top and grey frame, has a calm, modern look and fits well in brightly furnished offices. The rounded corners soften the large surface and make the desk appear less bulky.
The board is made of MDF with a matte finish that is easy to clean. Fingerprints are barely visible on the white surface, while dark dust is more noticeable. After a month of use, there were no scratches, dents, or other visible signs of wear.
All three tabletops are 80 centimeters deep. This means the screen is not directly behind the keyboard, and there is still room in front of the monitor for documents, a laptop, or other work equipment.
The ideal width depends on your setup. A 140-centimeter width is sufficient for a classic workstation with one large monitor or two smaller displays. 160 centimeters offers more space for speakers, a laptop, chargers, and some decorative items. The 180-centimeter version is particularly suitable for wide multi-monitor setups or workstations where additional devices are regularly used alongside the PC.
My desk easily accommodated my monitor, mini-PC, work equipment, and decorative items without feeling cluttered. A large part of this is thanks to the cable box, which keeps power strips and adapters out of sight and out of sight on the desktop. It's accessible via a flap from both the top and bottom, and inside, it can hold up to five power strips side by side.
However, the cover takes up part of the back edge of the desk. Monitor arms and other accessories with clamp mounts therefore cannot be attached in just any position. Before installation, it's worth roughly planning where the monitor arm should be positioned, how the cables should run, and which devices need direct access to the rear opening.
Esslinger VexelLine: Stable base and quiet motors
At normal sitting height, the VexelLine is very stable. When typing, moving the mouse, and lightly resting it on the edge of the desk, the construction barely flexes, and the monitor arm-mounted screen also remained largely still.
Esslinger states that the table has a load capacity of up to 120 kilograms. This should provide sufficient capacity for a workstation with multiple monitors, a computer, speakers, and other accessories.
The higher a height-adjustable desk is raised, the more the extended columns act as levers. With the VexelLine, the movement increases slightly when standing, but remains within normal limits. Almost no model remains completely motionless at its maximum height.
The height adjustment is handled by two motors. The table moves up and down smoothly, without any visible jerking or uneven movement. It also remains pleasantly quiet, emitting only a subtle hum from the motors. Once the desired height is reached, the tabletop stops cleanly without any further movement.
If the table encounters resistance while being adjusted, the anti-collision protection reacts and stops the movement automatically.
Esslinger VexelLine: Touch panel with four memory locations
The table is controlled via a touch panel on the front edge. The display shows the height in centimeters, including decimal places.
Four memory slots are available. Two were sufficient for me, one for sitting and one for standing. The remaining slots can be used for a second person, a lower typing position, or a specific height for video calls. Those who prefer to set the height manually can use the up and down buttons.
The controller has a USB-C port on the left side. This can be used to charge smartphones, headphones, or small devices. However, the port is not intended for larger devices.
An audible reminder can be set to prompt the user to change position after a specified time. The table doesn't raise or lower itself automatically; it simply emits a beep. Personally, I find this more of a nice gimmick than a feature I actually use.
Esslinger VexelLine: Two- or three-tier frame?
The VexelLine is available with a two-tier and a three-tier frame.
The two-tier model covers an area of 70 to 120 centimeters without a tabletop. The three-tier frame covers an area of 60 to 125 centimeters.
At first glance, the extra five centimeters at the top are noticeable. However, the bigger difference is at the bottom, as the three-stage version extends ten centimeters further, which is particularly beneficial for shorter people.
For my height (1,81 meters), the two-stage model was perfectly adequate. Those who want as much freedom of movement as possible or need a low seating position should opt for the slightly more expensive three-stage frame.
Esslinger VexelLine: Accessories from a single system
Esslinger offers various accessories for the VexelLine. These include monitor arms, a PC mount, power strips, a focus light, and other desk accessories.
The advantage lies in the coordination. Colors, fixings, and dimensions match the table. Anyone wanting to build a complete workstation doesn't need to combine components from multiple manufacturers. However, the accessories aren't cheap. Since the VexelLine itself is already in the upper price range, a fully equipped setup can quickly become significantly more expensive. Furthermore, not every accessory impressed me equally.
Esslinger monitor arm
The monitor arm uses a gas spring and offers stepless adjustment in height, tilt, and rotation. It supports monitors weighing between 1 and 9 kilograms with VESA 75 x 75 or 100 x 100 mm mounting patterns. The VESA plate is attached using a quick-release mechanism, which significantly simplifies installation.
The arm is mounted to tabletops between 10 and 70 millimeters thick using a table clamp. The screen can be rotated 360 degrees and swiveled far to the side. An adjustable limit restricts the swivel range towards the wall to prevent the monitor from accidentally bumping into it.
The cable management is also neatly designed. The cables run through clip covers along the arm and through an extendable channel in the lower segment. This keeps them close to the frame and prevents them from dangling loosely over the tabletop during movement.
In testing, the monitor was quick to align and easy to position. However, with my heavier display, the gas spring could have used more resistance. The tension can be increased via a screw, but even with a firm setting, the screen felt a bit looser than expected in some positions.
While the monitor didn't droop uncontrollably and the arm generally functioned reliably, I still wouldn't fully utilize the stated weight limit of 9 kilograms. For lighter and medium-weight displays, the arm offers plenty of freedom of movement, neat cable management, and pleasantly straightforward assembly.
Esslinger PC holder
The PC mount attaches directly to the desk frame and moves with it whenever the height is adjusted. This keeps the computer at the same height as the desk surface. Cables between the PC, monitor, and accessories are neither strained nor unnecessarily long when switching between sitting and standing.
Esslinger specifies a load capacity of up to 40 kilograms, and the 250-millimeter-wide support surface offers sufficient stability even for larger towers. The length and orientation can be adjusted to suit the specific case and available space. This allows the PC to be mounted in such a way that ports and the power button remain easily accessible.
Since my mini-PC was already on the table, I simply used the stand for my NAS. However, it's also suitable as a small side shelf, for example for snacks or drinks.
Esslinger power strip
The matching power strip disappears completely into the cable box and centrally supplies power to several devices. It offers six grounded sockets, three USB-A ports, and one USB-C port with up to 18 watts.
At just under 48 centimeters, the power strip is relatively long, but it fits easily into the spacious cable box. Compared to a standard power strip, its main advantages are its uniform appearance and integrated USB ports. Technically, it remains a solid, but fairly conventional, power strip.
