IKEA Return Policy: Everything You Should Know
If you’ve ever shopped at IKEA, you know the excitement of buying furniture, décor and home‑goods to refresh your space. But sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned—maybe the color doesn’t work, the size is off, or you simply changed your mind. That’s when a clear return policy becomes valuable. Below is a full, detailed guide to IKEA’s return policy in the U.S.—how long you have, what conditions apply, how to make the return, and wise tips to make the process smoother.
✅ The Core Return Windows
IKEA offers different time‑frames depending on whether the product is unopened (brand new) or opened/assembled. Here’s how it breaks down:
- If the product is **new and unopened**, you can return it within **365 days** (one year) of purchase, with your proof of purchase, for a full refund in the original form of payment. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- If the product has been **opened or assembled**, you still have a generous window: up to **180 days** from purchase to return it, as long as it meets the other conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
So in essence: Since you change your mind, you have up to a year for items you haven’t opened, and about six months for things you’ve already started using (as long as they’re still in acceptable condition). That’s more generous than many retailers—but not unlimited.
📦 How Returns Work at IKEA
Returning an item to IKEA isn’t overly complicated, but there are steps and some logistics to follow.
In‑store Returns
If you bought your item at an IKEA store (or online with in‑store pickup) you can bring it back to the Returns desk at any full IKEA U.S. store. You’ll want to have your proof of purchase (receipt, packing slip or order confirmation). Make sure the item is in acceptable condition and you’re within the correct timeframe. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Online or Mail Returns
If you ordered from IKEA.com or via delivery, and you can’t make it to a store or prefer mail, IKEA states you may return small items via parcel service—send them back to the Returns Department at IKEA, following their instructions. Note: You’ll likely cover return shipping unless otherwise noted. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Collection or Large Goods
For large furniture, appliances or bulky items, if they were delivered and you wish to return them, you may need to arrange pick‑up (which may incur a fee) because transporting large items back yourself can be difficult. IKEA’s policy mentions that for returns of assembled or open products, if a home pick‑up is involved you may need to disassemble and place the item at your covered porch, garage, or doorstep. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
⚠️ Conditions & What You Must Know
Even with the generous time‑windows, there are important conditions and exclusions you should be aware of. These ensure you don’t run into surprises during your return.
- Proof of purchase: You’ll need your receipt, packing slip, or order confirmation. If you don’t have the paper receipt but used a card, IKEA may be able to look up the transaction. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Item condition: To be eligible, the item must be in “resalable condition.” For unopened items that means you haven’t opened the packaging; for opened or assembled items you will need it to be reasonably like new (no damage, stains, major wear). IKEA’s policy states they cannot refund or exchange items that are “modified from their original form, dirty, stained or damaged.” :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Exclusions: Some items cannot be returned under the standard “change of mind” return policy. These include plants, cut fabric, custom countertops, “as‑is” products. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Modification or assembly issues: If you’ve drilled holes, painted, or modified the product beyond the original design, you may not be eligible for a full refund. IKEA states that modifications may void warranty and affect returns. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Return location limitations: Returns are not accepted at IKEA Planning Studio or IKEA Pickup Point locations—returns must go through full IKEA store. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Promotional item deduction: If you received a promotional item as part of your purchase and you return only part of the transaction, IKEA may deduct the value of the promotional item from your refund amount. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
🛏 Mattress & Other Special Item Policies
IKEA has a special policy for mattresses: if you’re not satisfied, you can exchange a mattress one time within 90 days of purchase. That’s separate from the general return windows. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
So if you bought a mattress and find it isn’t comfortable, you can do one exchange (not unlimited) during that 90‑day window. After that, standard returns rules apply.
🌍 International or Out‑of‑Store Purchase Returns
If you bought an IKEA product abroad (in another country) and want to return it in the U.S., that is possible—with conditions. IKEA states you can return or exchange products purchased abroad at a U.S. store—they’ll issue a refund card (if refund to original payment isn’t possible) and you’ll need your proof of purchase. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
If you cannot make it to a store, IKEA offers home collection (for a fee) for certain returns. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
💳 What About Refunds?
Once your return is accepted by IKEA, here’s what to expect:
- IKEA will issue the refund in the same form of payment originally used (credit card/debit card, etc.) for items that qualify. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- If you don’t have the original payment method or proof of purchase, IKEA might issue a refund on an IKEA Gift Card or store credit. However, the ideal is to bring your receipt + original payment card. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Refund timing: For mailed returns, you must wait until IKEA receives the item and processes it—this can take 7‑10 business days after receipt according to the mailing instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
🧠 Tips for a Smooth Return Experience
Having reviewed the rules, here are some smart tips to make your IKEA returns go as smoothly as possible:
- Keep your packaging and tags intact—even if you’re tempted to throw the box. If you think you might return it, keep everything ready. A well‑packaged furniture piece with original box and instructions is much easier to return.
- Don’t rush to throw away the receipt. Take a photo of it right away—or better yet register your purchase under IKEA Family (if applicable) so you have digital record. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Decide sooner rather than later. Even though you have up to 180 days for opened items, the sooner you decide and pack the item up, the better your condition will remain (less likely to wear or damage it).
- Be honest about use. If you’ve used it heavily, or the item is stained, scratched or modified, don’t assume you’ll get full refund. IKEA expects the item to be in resalable condition. So if you plan to keep it, fine. If you plan to return—it’s wise to treat it gently until decision.
- Large items and assembly: take care when assembling—If it’s easy to disassemble, do so carefully; keep screws/hardware and instructions. If you intend to return, this helps. If you modify it, you may lose eligibility.
- Check pickup/collection fees—for big items that were delivered or assembled, if you need IKEA to pick up to process return you might face a fee. So consider whether you can bring it back yourself or arrange a third‑party pickup. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- If you can’t make it to store for return, mail it back, but make sure you follow the packing instructions, keep proof of postage/tracking, and understand you may bear shipping cost. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
📋 Summary of Key Return Policy Points
| Policy Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Unopened product return window | Up to 365 days with proof of purchase |
| Opened or assembled product return window | Up to 180 days with proof of purchase |
| Mattress exchange policy | One‑time exchange within 90 days |
| Items excluded from standard return | Plants, cut fabric, custom countertops, as‑is products, heavily modified/damaged items |
| Condition requirement | Item must be in resalable condition; no heavy wear, stains, or modifications |
| Refund form | Same payment method used originally; store gift card if needed |
| Receipt missing? | Possible via record lookup, but full refund/discretion may vary |
🎯 Final Takeaway
In short: IKEA’s return policy is among the more generous you’ll find in furniture and home‑goods retail. You have up to a year to return new, unopened items and about six months for use/opened items—so you have breathing room to decide. But generous doesn’t mean limitless: You must still keep proof of purchase, ensure the item is in good condition, avoid returning items that are explicitly excluded, and keep in mind logistics for large/assembled goods.
If you buy something at IKEA and you’re unsure whether you’ll keep it, treat it as though you might return it—keep tags, hardware, instructions, maintain condition, and decide within the return window. That way you’ll be in the best possible position to get your refund or exchange with minimal hassle.
Happy decorating—and if you ever change your mind, you now know exactly how to handle your return at IKEA.