Return policy comparison · 2026
IKEA vs TheHues
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (IKEA) and July 24, 2026 (TheHues)
Winner
IKEA
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
TheHues
D
0.8 / 5.0 · Poor
The verdict
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against TheHues'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.
IKEATheHues
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 | TheHues | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) | 7 days (defects/quality issues only) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store free) | No - returns limited to defects only |
| Restocking fee | ✓ None | 10%-30% alteration/cancellation fee if you cancel or modify an order after the 12-hour window but before it ships, depending on how far production has progressed; special customization requests add a further 10% service fee |
| Return shipping | Buyer pays mail shipping | Not applicable for change-of-mind orders since none are accepted; defect claims are handled case by case through [email protected] within 7 days of delivery |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom countertops, cut fabric, as-is items, plants, food, mattresses (separate 90-day exchange) | Change of mind or incorrect customer-placed orders once past the 12-hour modification window, size variations within the industry-standard ±1-2 inch tolerance, slight color variation from dye lots or lighting, used or un-resellable items, clearance/final sale items, products with panel seaming |
| 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.
TheHues tip
These curtains and shades are made to order, so your only real cancellation window is the first 12 hours after purchase - after that you're committed unless something actually arrives defective.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, IKEA or TheHues?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against TheHues'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 TheHues's return window?
TheHues's return window is 7 days (defects/quality issues only).
Does IKEA or TheHues offer free returns?
IKEA: Yes (in-store free). TheHues: No - returns limited to defects only.