Return policy comparison · 2026
Brooklyn Candle Studio vs IKEA
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 (Brooklyn Candle Studio) and April 17, 2026 (IKEA)
Brooklyn Candle Studio
C
1.8 / 5.0 · Mediocre
Winner
IKEA
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
The verdict
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Brooklyn Candle Studio's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 14-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
Brooklyn Candle StudioIKEA
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Brooklyn Candle Studio | IKEA | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 14 days online (30 days in-store) | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) |
| Free returns | No - fee deducted | ✓ Yes (in-store free) |
| Restocking fee | None, but shipping and handling is deducted from store credit refunds | None |
| Return shipping | Customer pays for standard return shipping; store credit is issued less shipping and handling. A paid 'Checkout+' add-on covers free return shipping if purchased at checkout. | Buyer pays mail shipping |
| Holiday extension | None published | ✓ Not specifically extended |
| Non-returnable | Final sale items (online and in-store) | Custom countertops, cut fabric, as-is items, plants, food, mattresses (separate 90-day exchange) |
| Watch-out items | damaged-in-transit claims must be reported within 7 days with photo evidence | Mattress 90-day comfort exchange |
Brooklyn Candle Studio tip
Returns here go to store credit by default, not cash back, and shipping/handling always gets subtracted - so factor that into whether a return is even worth it for a lower-priced candle.
IKEA tip
You CAN return assembled IKEA furniture in-store — no need to disassemble. Mattress gets 90-day exchange policy.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Brooklyn Candle Studio or IKEA?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Brooklyn Candle Studio's C (1.8/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 14-day window (very tight).
What is Brooklyn Candle Studio's return window?
Brooklyn Candle Studio's return window is 14 days online (30 days in-store).
What is IKEA's return window?
IKEA's return window is 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened).
Does Brooklyn Candle Studio or IKEA offer free returns?
Brooklyn Candle Studio: No - fee deducted. IKEA: Yes (in-store free).