The Container Store Return Policy: Simple Guide to Their 120-Day Promise

Wayfair makes it easy to order furniture, décor, and home essentials online. But buying big items from a screen can feel risky. What if the sofa color looks different in person? What if the rug is the wrong size? Or the appliance arrives and you change your mind?

The good news is that Wayfair does accept returns on most items. The catch is that there are some important rules, fees, and exceptions you should understand ahead of time. This guide walks you through the Wayfair return policy in plain English so you can shop with realistic expectations and fewer surprises.

Wayfair’s General Return Policy

For orders placed on Wayfair.com in the U.S., the basic rule is:

Most items can be returned within 30 days of delivery.
The item must be in its original, undamaged condition.
When possible, it should be in the original packaging.
Return shipping costs are usually deducted from your refund (unless the item is defective or Wayfair made a mistake).

Returns are started online through your Wayfair account under My Orders, where you pick the item, reason, and refund method.

Return Windows & Special Cases

While “30 days for most items” is the headline rule, Wayfair has special timelines for certain categories. Here’s how it breaks down.

1. Standard Items (Most Furniture & Décor)

These follow the regular policy:

Return window: 30 days from delivery.
Condition: New, unused, and undamaged.
Examples: Chairs, tables, lamps, rugs, décor, bedding, shelving, non-custom storage, standard home goods.

Think of this as your basic “changed my mind” coverage. As long as you decide within 30 days and the item still looks new, you can generally send it back (but you’ll usually pay for return shipping).

2. Large Appliances

Large appliances (like refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers, dryers, etc.) have much stricter rules:

Return window is typically only 48 hours from delivery.
The appliance must be unused, uninstalled, and in original packaging.
Wayfair may charge a pickup or restocking fee.

That means you should inspect large appliances immediately when they arrive. If there’s damage, wrong model, or you simply don’t want it, you need to act very quickly. Once it’s installed or that 48-hour window passes, returning it becomes much harder.

3. Mattresses (100-Night Trial)

Mattresses sold by Wayfair come with a special policy:

100-night trial: You have up to 100 nights from delivery to decide if you want to keep the mattress.
You’re allowed to return or exchange a mattress once per order.
Some types are excluded (for example: mattress toppers, crib mattresses, air mattresses, and open-box mattresses).
Returns must be in reasonably clean, undamaged condition.

Mattress returns are usually arranged through customer service or your Wayfair account. In many cases, you can choose between store credit or a refund to your original payment method, and the exact fees (if any) can depend on the promotion and location.

4. Holiday Purchases & Extended Return Windows

During the holiday season, Wayfair often offers extended return windows for orders placed in November and December. For example, purchases made late in the year may be returnable into January of the following year.

However, not everything is included. Large appliances and items already marked non-returnable usually keep their standard rules. Always check the holiday return details on Wayfair’s site for the current year so you know exactly what applies to your order.

5. Marketplace & Third-Party Sellers

Wayfair partners with many brands and suppliers, but returns are typically handled through Wayfair’s own system. For most products, even when sold by a partner, you still start the return via your Wayfair account.

That said, some listings can have special notes about returns (for example, non-returnable or modified policies). Check the product page for any “Return Policy” or “Non-Returnable” labels before you buy.

Items You Usually Cannot Return

There are several categories that are non-returnable unless they arrive damaged or defective. These often include:

Clearance items and many deeply discounted products.
Open Box items.
Items clearly marked “Non-Returnable” on the product page.
Personalized or “Made-to-Order” items (for example, custom upholstery or engraved pieces).
Gift cards.
Live plants and certain fragile or perishable items.
Swatches and sample items.
Certain hazardous or dangerous goods, such as flammable liquids, propane tanks, or damaged lithium batteries.
Items purchased as part of a discounted bundle, unless you return the entire bundle.

On these products, Wayfair is usually very clear. If you see “Non-Returnable” or “Final Sale” on the product page, assume you cannot send it back unless there’s a serious issue.

How to Start a Wayfair Return

Wayfair processes returns almost entirely online. The steps are generally:

Log in to your Wayfair account.
Go to My Orders and find the item you want to return.
Click “Return or Replace” or similar, then choose:
- Your return reason.
- Whether you want store credit or a refund to your original payment method (when both options are available).
Review the estimated return shipping cost and any other fees.
Confirm the return and print the provided shipping label, if applicable.
Pack the item securely (ideally in its original box) and drop it off or prepare it for pickup, depending on the instructions.

For big, heavy pieces (like sectionals, beds, and appliances), Wayfair may schedule a carrier pickup instead of asking you to drop off the item.

Return Shipping Costs & Fees

Wayfair does not generally offer free returns for simple “changed my mind” cases. Instead:

Return shipping costs are deducted from your refund.
Shipping fees depend on item size, weight, and your location.
Large items may involve a freight pickup fee.
In some cases, a restocking fee may apply to certain big-ticket items (especially appliances or oversized furniture).

If the item arrived damaged, defective, or incorrect, contact Wayfair immediately. When it’s clearly their error or a product issue, they’re much more likely to cover the return shipping and replace or refund the item without extra cost.

Refund Options & Timing

When you start a return with Wayfair, you usually choose how you want your money back:

Store credit: Issued faster (often within about one business day after the return is processed).
Original payment method: May take several business days to appear on your card or bank statement after Wayfair processes the return.

Wayfair will first receive and inspect the returned item. Once they mark it as accepted, they issue your refund according to the option you chose. The total amount is the merchandise value minus any return shipping or pickup fees and minus any non-refundable original shipping charges, unless they are refunding due to a mistake or product defect.

Condition Requirements: What “Original, Undamaged” Really Means

Wayfair expects returned items to be in resaleable condition. That usually means:

No obvious signs of use, wear, or damage.
No stains, odors, pet hair, or markings.
All parts, hardware, and accessories included.
Original packaging and manuals when possible, especially for electronics and appliances.

If an item comes back heavily used, missing parts, or clearly damaged after delivery, Wayfair can reduce or deny the refund. For furniture and mattresses, it’s especially important to keep things clean and intact while you decide.

Wayfair Canada & UK: Quick Note on Regional Policies

Wayfair’s international sites (such as Wayfair.ca and Wayfair.co.uk) follow the same general idea but with local twists:

Most items can still be returned within around 30 days.
Items must be in original condition and packaging.
Return shipping costs are usually deducted from the refund.
Some fees, courier partners, and consumer-rights details differ based on local law.

If you’re ordering from Canada, the UK, or the EU, make sure to check the return policy page on that country’s Wayfair site for the most accurate local information.

Tips to Avoid Return Surprises with Wayfair

Read the product page carefully. Look for “Non-Returnable,” “Open Box,” “Final Sale,” or special mattress/appliance notes.
Measure your space. For furniture and appliances, measure doorways, hallways, and the final room to avoid size-related returns.
Inspect deliveries right away. Especially important for large appliances and fragile goods—document any damage immediately with photos.
Keep packaging until you’re sure. Having the original box and inserts makes returns easier and safer.
Choose store credit if you plan to shop again soon. It’s often processed faster than a refund to your card.

Wayfair Return Policy – FAQ

How long do I have to return an item to Wayfair?

Most items can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Large appliances usually have only 48 hours, and mattresses come with a 100-night trial. Items marked non-returnable or final sale cannot be returned.

Does Wayfair offer free return shipping?

Not usually. For most “changed my mind” returns, you pay for return shipping, and that amount is deducted from your refund. When an item is damaged or incorrect, Wayfair may cover return costs.

Can I return a used item?

Items should be in like-new condition. Light handling while inspecting is fine, but visible wear, stains, or damage can lead to a reduced refund or denial. Mattresses can be opened and tried, but they must be clean and undamaged to qualify under the 100-night policy.

Can I return custom or personalized items?

In most cases, no. Custom furniture, made-to-order items, and personalized products are typically non-returnable unless there is a manufacturing defect or they arrive damaged.

How do holiday returns work?

During the holiday season, Wayfair often extends the return window for orders placed in November and December, allowing returns into January. The exact dates and exclusions change year to year, so always check the current holiday return details before relying on them.

Bottom Line

Wayfair’s return policy is fairly friendly as long as you understand the rules ahead of time: 30 days for most products, 48 hours for large appliances, 100 nights for mattresses, and clear non-returnable categories. You’ll usually pay for return shipping unless something is wrong with the order, so it pays to measure carefully, inspect quickly, and read those product notes.

Go in with realistic expectations, and you can enjoy the huge selection and convenience of Wayfair while still knowing what happens if something needs to go back.