Return policy comparison · 2026
IKEA vs Stuga
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (IKEA) and July 24, 2026 (Stuga)
Winner
IKEA
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
Stuga
D
0.8 / 5.0 · Poor
The verdict
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Stuga's D (0.8/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 7-day window (very tight).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
IKEAStuga
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 | Stuga | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) | 7 days (must call within 2 business days of receipt) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store free) | No - customer pays freight unless the return is Stuga's fault |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | $500 flat fee on orders under $1,000; 50% of order value on orders over $1,000 |
| Return shipping | Buyer pays mail shipping | You're responsible for all freight costs on change-of-mind returns, including palletizing and arranging your own freight logistics; Stuga only covers shipping when the return is due to a manufacturer defect, shipping damage that makes the product unusable, or the wrong item being shipped. |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom countertops, cut fabric, as-is items, plants, food, mattresses (separate 90-day exchange) | Samples, stair nosings, and moldings; held orders, preorders, and delayed shipment requests are final sale; items that are opened, used, cut, modified, installed, or applied |
| 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.
Stuga tip
The restocking fee alone makes this a look-before-you-buy purchase — a $500 flat fee on smaller orders means even a modest flooring order can lose real money if you change your mind, so order samples first.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, IKEA or Stuga?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Stuga's D (0.8/5.0). It wins 4 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 365-day window (industry-leading) versus 7-day window (very tight).
What is IKEA's return window?
IKEA's return window is 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened).
What is Stuga's return window?
Stuga's return window is 7 days (must call within 2 business days of receipt).
Does IKEA or Stuga offer free returns?
IKEA: Yes (in-store free). Stuga: No - customer pays freight unless the return is Stuga's fault.