Since then, the range has been so successful it has been extended to include a coffee table, desk, console table, filing cabinet and bedside table. “They’re big, simple pieces of furniture and customers see them as value for money and very American,” says press officer Ros Sacher. “They need very little looking after, they age beautifully, and they’re really versatile, because they extend from being quite a neat size to seating up to 12 people.” Coming a close second in the Jerry’s popularity stakes is the relatively new range of Fifties-style Diner furniture. It flies out of the doors.”Ikea, Brent Park, 2 Drury Way, London NW10. Enquiries: 0181 208 5600JERRY’S HOMESTOREMission extension table, pounds 1,695 (centre)This solid American Cherry dining table, with two extending leaves and in a natural oil finish, was among the first pieces sold by Jerry’s when it opened in September 1993.

What makes an Ikea best-seller? “It’s a combination of function, quality and price,” says Masters. “The laminated flooring wasn’t designed specially for us but a lot of pieces are. The Moppe mini wooden chest of drawers is a good example – it’s simple, basic, well-designed and unique. Customers see it as a long-term investment: Tundra is hard-wearing, easy to lay and creates a very attractive effect.” Other Ikea stars are a two-seater sofa for under pounds 200, a futon bed and a halogen, spotlight, ceiling lamp. Sales manager Julian Masters says: “We sell different grades of laminated flooring and Tundra is very good quality, with a 15-year guarantee. Made of wood composite with a laminated top, they come in alder, maple, oak or beech, with a plank or stave pattern, and have been on sale since the store opened in Britain 10 years ago.

Enquiries: 0645 334433IKEATundra flooring, pounds 15 per square metre (top)Wooden flooring is extremely popular in Scandinavia, so it’s appropriate that customers are flocking to Swedish store Ikea to buy these lay-it- yourself Tundra planks. “It’s contemporary and yet it won’t date; the sort of furniture that can adapt to any surroundings.”Habitat, 196 Tottenham Court Rd, London W1. “The great thing about it is that you can pack it up and take it with you when you move,” says Rushton. Kitchenware is an important area for Habitat and Rushton predicts that the next product to hit the big time could be the Lili kitchen, a new free-standing range with a touch of Fifties styling. Robustly made and dishwasher safe, they were launched in 1993 and have consistently sold several thousand per week, according to press officer Fiona Rushton.