A CHEAP $79 Ikea side table could be worth thousands in a few years, according to auction experts.

The iconic LÖVBACKEN is the plain and simple leaf-shaped table that accidentally started the flatpack revolution — and online antique marketplace Barnebys predicts it won’t be an affordable household staple forever.

The professionals say the table, which is currently retailing for £45 ($A79), will be worth £1,000 — £1,800 by 2030 ($A1755 — $A3159) and £3,000 — £5,000 by 2040 ($A5265 — $A7775).

Described by Barnebys co-founder and antique blogger Pontus Silfverstolpe as “a wonderful little table with fantastic heritage,” the great news is it is available in Australia.

Created in the 1950s, it was the first piece of furniture launched by the Swedish company to require flatpack assembly.

Originally named the LÖVET when it was released in 1953, the table was sold in flatpack form after designer Gillis Lundgren was forced to saw the legs off it to make it fit in his car.

From there, it’s said the flatpack furniture revolution was born.

The table has been re-released a few times over the years but when it’s not being sold on the flatpack floor with a side of Swedish meatballs, it’s lighting up some of Sweden’s leading auction houses as bidders fight to win their piece of modern history.

“The LÖVBACKEN has become a collectable for the most discerning of furniture experts,” Mr Silfverstolpe wrote.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the development in its value would look like this in the future,” he said referring to his price predictions.

The LÖVBACKEN is not the only Ikea piece that has become a sought after collectable.

Barnebys lists the 1700s series that was created in the 1990s, the 1970s ‘’Amiral’’ Armchair and Gillis Lundgren’s “Impala” chair as pieces that caused a stir when they went to auction.

The experts also flagged the STRANDMON arm chair as a piece that could be worth £1800 ($A2632) in a few decades. It’s currently on sale for $249 through Ikea Australia.

Ikea Australia has been contacted for comment.

The company’s head of collections Jared Sager told The Sun: “In recent times, we’ve seen a selection of IKEA’s most iconic designs become sought-after collectables in auction houses across the world, commanding prices up to ten times higher than their launch price.”

It’s unclear how long the LÖVBACKEN will be on sale for but for, but while it’s $A79 it could be wise to add to your living room now.