Shopfront: Muji's selection of furniture is small and may not appear terribly exciting at first glance, but it is well proportioned and made from quality materials, with nothing over-designed or over-priced.

Its sofas, beds and tables offer modern chic, mostly because it bears some relation to what Italian manufacturers produce, with a nod to their charcoal palette (black, white and grey) and pared-down shapes (sofas without armrests), as popularised by Manotti and Casa Milano. It's arguable that their furniture is just as timeless.

In the Dublin store, furniture is displayed so you can see how it all works together. Good pieces include: a sofa in grey flannel (which opens into a bed) for €899; a classic transparent acrylic coffee table €179; a brown chenille rug €199; tripod floor lights €199.99; white padded cushions €14.99; and a very simple birch framed bed €449.

Muji, 5 Chatham Street, Dublin 2