The benchtops and cupboards in the neat and homely room were put in about three years ago and delivery costs for any future fitout - and for thousands of Canberrans - could be slashed if the Swedish firm's reported interest in an ACT site comes to fruition.

Lennart Jansson, who is the charge d'affaires - head of mission - until the return of the ambassador from holiday next month, said there was also Ikea furniture in the embassy's guest accommodation, and the homeware was popular with staff from the top down.

"We know the ambassador here has some Ikea furniture [in his] residence," Mr Jansson said.

"Those products have been bought privately, but as far as I know we don't have any Ikea in the official part - then it is up to the Swedish Property Board."

Mr Jansson said he had no inside information on any negotiations for land opposite Canberra Airport, but would welcome the furniture store to the capital. "I have heard absolutely nothing at all - I just know from other countries that they have been involved [in] that they are so big they can do things, they don't need support of the embassy,'' Mr Jansson said.

''Of course, we welcome Ikea - if they open an Ikea here it would be very good for us - with the colours, the blue and yellow, it would be good for the embassy."

Despite a rumoured 1 million population threshold for new Ikea stores, Mr Jansson said there were operations in Swedish cities with less than 100,000 people. A new store is opening in the Lithuanian capital this month, which has about 550,000 residents.

The ACT Chamber of Commerce and Industry supports the plan for a Canberra site, while warning of the potential risks for small businesses trying to compete with the Swedish furniture chain.

Andrew Blyth, the chamber's CEO, said the new store could attract customers from regional NSW who would otherwise visit the massive retail warehouse in Sydney.

"On one hand, it does say, importantly, that Canberra is open for business but I'd be careful not to put all of our eggs into a retail-led recovery," he said.

"That's why it is important that the ACT economy does diversify.

''This is not without its risks to small business owners in this town who are already finding it difficult.''

Ikea started business in 1943 and has more than 290 stores worldwide. Mr Jansson said Ikea's design and value were its drawcards.

"I think Swedish design is popular in general, the prices also - you can buy a little bit more if you buy Ikea.

"It's a nice place to go for the whole family, [there's] a restaurant, cafe, and you get many ideas about home design and of course for the Swedish community it is very important because you buy Swedish food."

He said the Ikea proposal would be an excellent driver for tourism.