UsersRatedQuick Summary
- ✓ 365 days for new, unopened items
- ✓ 180 days for opened/assembled items in resellable condition
- ✓ Assembled furniture accepted (must be clean & undamaged)
- ✓ 90-night mattress trial
- ✓ Free in-store returns
- ⚠ Proof of purchase required for all returns
Understanding IKEA's Return Policy
IKEA's return policy is surprisingly generous for a furniture retailer. While many competitors refuse returns on assembled items, IKEA accepts assembled furniture within 180 days — giving you plenty of time to live with a piece before deciding if it works in your space.
The key requirement is proof of purchase. Unlike some retailers that can look up purchases by credit card, IKEA requires documentation. Keep your receipts, save confirmation emails, or — even better — sign up for IKEA Family to have all purchases automatically tracked.
Return Window Breakdown
New, Unopened Products
365 DaysUnopened items in original packaging can be returned within 365 days for a full refund to your original payment method. This is one of the longest return windows in retail.
Opened/Assembled Products
180 DaysOpened items and assembled furniture can be returned within 180 daysif they're clean, undamaged, and in resellable condition. This is remarkably generous for furniture.
Mattresses
90 NightsIKEA offers a 90-night mattress trial. Sleep on it for up to 90 nights, and if you're not satisfied, return it for a full refund. Mattress must be clean and undamaged.
As-Is / Discounted Items
No ReturnsItems from the As-Is section (floor models, damaged packaging, returns) are sold final sale. These heavily discounted items cannot be returned or exchanged.
✓ Yes, You Can Return Assembled Furniture
This is what sets IKEA apart: assembled furniture is returnable within 180 days. Most other retailers (Wayfair, Amazon) won't accept assembled items.
Requirements for assembled furniture returns:
- • Item must be clean and free of damage
- • Must be in resellable condition
- • Proof of purchase required
- • Disassembly recommended but not always required
Pro tip: If you're unsure about a piece, keep the instruction manual and hardware bag in case you need to disassemble for return.
How to Return Items
🏬 In-Store Returns (Free)
- • Bring item + proof of purchase
- • Go to Returns & Exchanges desk
- • No appointment needed
- • Refund processed immediately
- • Large items: use loading zone, staff will assist
📦 Online Order Returns
- • Small items: Return in-store or mail back
- • Large items: Schedule pickup (fee applies)
- • Pickup fees vary by item size/location
- • Request pickup via IKEA.com or customer service
- • Refund after item received/inspected
Proof of Purchase Requirements
IKEA requires proof of purchase for all returns — this is non-negotiable. Accepted forms include:
- Original receipt (paper or digital)
- Order confirmation email for online purchases
- IKEA Family purchase history (free to join)
- Credit card statement showing IKEA charge (may help with lookup)
💡 Pro Tip: Join IKEA Family
IKEA Family membership is free and automatically stores all your purchase history. Plus you get discounts, early access to sales, and free coffee/tea in-store. It's the easiest way to never lose a receipt again.
Items That Cannot Be Returned
- ✗As-Is Items: Floor models and discounted items are final sale
- ✗Cut Fabric: Custom-cut fabric by the yard is non-returnable
- ✗Custom Countertops: Made-to-order countertops are final sale
- ✗Modified Products: Items you've altered, painted, or damaged
- ✗Plants: Live plants cannot be returned
- ✗Food Products: Unless there's a quality issue
- ✗Items Without Proof of Purchase: No documentation = no return
How IKEA Compares to Competitors
| Retailer | Return Window | Assembled OK? | Receipt Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA | 365/180 days | Yes | Yes |
| Wayfair | 30 days | No | Yes |
| Amazon Furniture | 30 days | Varies | Yes (auto) |
| Costco | Unlimited | Yes | No |
| Target | 90 days | Case-by-case | Helpful |
IKEA's 365/180 day windows and assembled furniture acceptance make it one of the most flexible furniture return policies.
Tips for Hassle-Free IKEA Returns
- 1Join IKEA Family before you buy. Free membership tracks all purchases automatically.
- 2Keep instruction manuals and hardware. Makes returns/disassembly smoother if needed.
- 3Return in-store when possible. Avoids pickup fees for online order returns.
- 4Don't modify items you might return. Painting, cutting, or altering voids return eligibility.
- 5Skip As-Is unless you're certain. Those deals are final — no returns on discounted floor items.
- 6Try the mattress trial. 90 nights is plenty of time to know if you'll sleep well on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I have to return items to IKEA?
IKEA offers 365 days to return new, unopened products with proof of purchase for a full refund. Opened products can be returned within 180 days in resellable condition.
Can I return assembled furniture to IKEA?
Yes! Unlike many competitors, IKEA accepts assembled furniture returns within 180 days, as long as the item is clean, undamaged, and in resellable condition. You'll need proof of purchase.
Do I need a receipt to return items to IKEA?
Yes, proof of purchase is required for all IKEA returns. This can be your original receipt, order confirmation email, or purchase looked up via your IKEA Family account or credit card.
Can I return mattresses to IKEA?
Yes, IKEA accepts mattress returns within 365 days if unopened, or within the 90-night trial period for opened mattresses. The mattress must be clean and undamaged.
Does IKEA charge for return shipping?
In-store returns are always free. For online orders, IKEA charges a return pickup fee (varies by location) for large items. Small items can be returned via mail with a prepaid label.
What items cannot be returned to IKEA?
IKEA does not accept returns on: cut fabric, custom countertops, modified products, plants, food items (except quality issues), and As-Is items. Items must be in resellable condition.