Designer: George Nelson

The Nelson swag leg desk features a white laminate top and solid walnut back and sides. Right-sized desks: It's like they were made to fit today's compact electronics; colorful cubbyholes at the back keep materials organized and at hand; one slot fits a laptop computer.

Design Story: With his swag leg group, George Nelson didn't try to design an innovation; the innovation resulted from his criteria for the design. He began with the legs, insisting that they be made of metal, machine formed, and prefinished. He also wanted them to be easy for the consumer to assemble, so the desk and tables could ship knocked down to save on costs.

Swaging--using pressure to taper and curve a metal tube--proved the best way to produce the legs, which are 16-gauge steel and have adjustable glides. Nelson added solid walnut stretchers that bolt to the legs for a stable, durable base common to the desk and tables.

Warranty: Nelson swag leg desk and tables are covered by the Herman Miller Warranty for one year.