Small PC under the desk, or bigger case on top?

Planning the next setup around a shallow desk. I like small cases but do not want every future upgrade to become a fit puzzle.

Start with the parts you want to keep and their actual dimensions. Small cases vary a lot in what they accept.

Could a regular case sit on a raised stand next to the desk? You get the desk space back without committing to small form factor.

Had not considered a separate stand. That probably solves more than a smaller case does.