Return policy comparison · 2026
IKEA vs Truly Free Home
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (IKEA) and July 24, 2026 (Truly Free Home)
Winner
IKEA
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
Truly Free Home
C+
2.2 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Truly Free Home's C+ (2.2/5.0). 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.
IKEATruly Free Home
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 | Truly Free Home | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) | 30 days (defective or damaged items only) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (in-store free) | No - handled case-by-case; no refunds for non-defective items |
| Restocking fee | None | None published |
| Return shipping | Buyer pays mail shipping | Contact Customer Service to arrange; not offered for change-of-mind returns since those generally aren't accepted |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | None published |
| Non-returnable | Custom countertops, cut fabric, as-is items, plants, food, mattresses (separate 90-day exchange) | Non-defective, non-damaged products (only exchanges are offered for defective/damaged items, and returns require a receipt or proof of purchase) |
| 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.
Truly Free Home tip
This one's stricter than the '30-day policy' framing suggests — it really only covers defective or damaged items. If a product just isn't for you, don't expect a refund; you'll need to negotiate a replacement with customer service instead.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, IKEA or Truly Free Home?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Truly Free Home's C+ (2.2/5.0). 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 Truly Free Home's return window?
Truly Free Home's return window is 30 days (defective or damaged items only).
Does IKEA or Truly Free Home offer free returns?
IKEA: Yes (in-store free). Truly Free Home: No - handled case-by-case; no refunds for non-defective items.