Return policy comparison · 2026
IKEA vs Lampsmodern
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (IKEA) and July 24, 2026 (Lampsmodern)
Winner
IKEA
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
Lampsmodern
C+
2.4 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Lampsmodern's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 40-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
IKEALampsmodern
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
| IKEA | Lampsmodern | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) | 40 days (unopened, original packaging, unused) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store free) | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | None | None on standard returns; a 20% restocking fee applies if you cancel an order more than 24 hours after placing it |
| Return shipping | Buyer pays mail shipping | Free only if the item arrived damaged, defective, or wrong; otherwise the customer pays the actual cost of return shipping |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom countertops, cut fabric, as-is items, plants, food, mattresses (separate 90-day exchange) | Personalized/designed products, used products |
| Watch-out items | Mattress 90-day comfort exchange | — |
IKEA tip
You CAN return assembled IKEA furniture in-store — no need to disassemble. Mattress gets 90-day exchange policy.
Lampsmodern tip
Cancel fast if you change your mind — you have just 6 hours after placing an order to cancel without penalty; after 24 hours a 20% restocking fee kicks in even though nothing has shipped yet.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, IKEA or Lampsmodern?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Lampsmodern's C+ (2.4/5.0). It wins 3 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 40-day window (industry standard).
What is IKEA's return window?
IKEA's return window is 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened).
What is Lampsmodern's return window?
Lampsmodern's return window is 40 days (unopened, original packaging, unused).
Does IKEA or Lampsmodern offer free returns?
IKEA: Yes (in-store free). Lampsmodern: No - fee deducted.