Office updates on a budget

Who decided clunky metal desks and polyester chairs on wheels were stylish? These unaesthetic furnishings have been office staples for decades, but it doesn't have to be that way.

Nowadays, designers are updating desks and chairs with stylish storage compartments, bursts of color and softer shapes.

Of course, big bucks can earn you big style (check out Design Within Reach's Liege desk), but budget brands such as Ikea, Wal-Mart and CB2 are offering affordable and good-looking versions.

Here are some of our faves. Just add some acrylic organizers, a bright ceramic lamp and a cute little laptop, and you're in business.

Curvy and cute

• The George Nelson Swag-Leg Armchair is $399 at Design Within Reach, www.dwr.com.

• Can't beat the price of the adjustable Snille swivel chair, which is $24.99 at Ikea stores and www.ikea.com.

• An oldie-but-goodie available in tomato, nova blue and clear, the Polo desk chair is $199 at all Container Store locations and www.containerstore.com.

• Substantial, yet still female-friendly: The Madison trestle desk is $239.99 at target.com.

• A midcentury-mod dweller's dream: The Stockholm desk is $134.97 at walmart.com.

• Can't go wrong with a tried-and-true staple. Parsons desk with two drawers (available in white, black, chocolate, silver and bronze) is $299 at West Elm, www.westelm.com.

• The adjustable-height Skruvsta swivel chair is groovy, baby, and comes in several colors; $149 at Ikea stores and www.ikea.com.