Return policy comparison · 2026
IKEA vs Zulay Kitchen
Policy data verified April 17, 2026 (IKEA) and July 24, 2026 (Zulay Kitchen)
Winner
IKEA
A
4.5 / 5.0 · Excellent
Zulay Kitchen
B-
2.9 / 5.0 · Fair
The verdict
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Zulay Kitchen's B- (2.9/5.0). It wins 2 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.
IKEAZulay Kitchen
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 | Zulay Kitchen | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 365 days (unopened); 180 days (opened) | 30 days (full refund via Zulay Guarantee) |
| Free returns | Yes (in-store free) | — |
| Restocking fee | None | None published |
| Return shipping | Buyer pays mail shipping | — |
| Holiday extension | ✓ Not specifically extended | — |
| Non-returnable | Custom countertops, cut fabric, as-is items, plants, food, mattresses (separate 90-day exchange) | None published |
| 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.
Zulay Kitchen tip
For damaged items, email photos and your order details straight to support instead of starting a formal return — the Zulay Guarantee explicitly covers replacements for damage without requiring you to ship the item back first.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, IKEA or Zulay Kitchen?
IKEA has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A (4.5/5.0) against Zulay Kitchen's B- (2.9/5.0). It wins 2 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 Zulay Kitchen's return window?
Zulay Kitchen's return window is 30 days (full refund via Zulay Guarantee).
Does IKEA or Zulay Kitchen offer free returns?
IKEA: Yes (in-store free). Zulay Kitchen: see full policy.