Return policy comparison · 2026
IKEA vs Modern Picnic
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (IKEA) and July 24, 2026 (Modern Picnic)
Winner
IKEA
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
Modern Picnic
C
1.9 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Modern Picnic's C (1.9/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
IKEAModern Picnic
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 | Modern Picnic | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) | 30 days (unused, original packaging, from arrival) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store free) | No - fee deducted |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | Applies to all returns (percentage not disclosed on the policy page) |
| Return shipping | Buyer pays mail shipping | Processed through the Loop Returns center; a restocking fee is deducted from the refund and the exact shipping cost split isn't published beyond that. |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom countertops, cut fabric, as-is items, plants, food, mattresses (separate 90-day exchange) | Custom or personalized pieces |
| 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.
Modern Picnic tip
Because the restocking fee amount isn't published upfront, ask support what it actually comes to before you initiate a return through the Loop portal, especially on a pricier insulated bag.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, IKEA or Modern Picnic?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Modern Picnic's C (1.9/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 30-day window (industry standard).
What is IKEA's return window?
IKEA's return window is 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened).
What is Modern Picnic's return window?
Modern Picnic's return window is 30 days (unused, original packaging, from arrival).
Does IKEA or Modern Picnic offer free returns?
IKEA: Yes (in-store free). Modern Picnic: No - fee deducted.