As a picky shopper and expert in the retail industry, I know firsthand how crucial it is to have a generous and flexible return policy, especially for something as personal as bedding. That‘s why I‘ve always been impressed by IKEA‘s 365-day return window for pillows, duvets, and other bedding items.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll dive deep into the details of IKEA‘s policy, share insider tips for a smooth return process, compare IKEA to its competitors, and provide expert advice for choosing the right bedding to minimize returns in the first place. Armed with this knowledge, you can shop for pillows and duvets at IKEA with total confidence.
IKEA‘s Return Policy: The Nitty Gritty
Let‘s start with the basics. IKEA allows returns of unused, unopened bedding items within 365 days of purchase, as long as you have proof of purchase like a receipt or order number. This policy applies to pillows, duvets, mattress pads, and pillow and duvet covers.
To make a return, simply bring the item to the Returns & Exchanges counter at any IKEA store, along with your receipt and the original form of payment. If you no longer have the credit card you used, IKEA may be able to issue store credit instead.
According to a 2021 survey by the National Retail Federation, 20.8% of all retail returns happen in the home furnishings and bedding category. The most common reasons for returning these items are:
- Bought wrong size/fit: 30%
- Changed mind: 25%
- Defective/poor quality: 18%
- Not as described: 10%
With IKEA‘s policy, you‘re protected against all these scenarios. If you buy the wrong size duvet or a pillow that‘s not as firm as described, you can easily exchange it within a year. This is a huge advantage over many competitors, as I‘ll discuss in a moment.
Exceptions and Special Cases
There are a few important exceptions to IKEA‘s 365-day rule that shoppers should be aware of:
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Used items: Due to hygiene concerns, IKEA cannot accept returns of used pillows, duvets, or other bedding. The only exception is if the item has a manufacturing defect that‘s discovered upon opening. In that case, you have 180 days to return it.
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Mattresses: IKEA has a separate policy for mattresses that includes a 90-day trial period. If you decide your mattress isn‘t right within those first 90 days, you can exchange it for a different mattress. After that point, you‘re covered by a 25-year limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship.
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As-is items: Bedding purchased from the "as-is" section or discounted due to minor damage may have a different return policy. Always check the fine print on your receipt for these purchases.
Simplifying the Return Process
Based on my experience and research, there are a few key steps you can take to make returning pillows and duvets to IKEA as painless as possible:
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Keep your receipts: Always hold onto your receipt or order confirmation until you‘re certain you‘re satisfied with the item. If you tend to lose paper receipts, snap a photo with your phone or save email confirmations in a special folder.
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Don‘t open packaging prematurely: Resist the urge to rip open packages until you‘re ready to commit. Once the factory sealed packaging has been opened, you can only return the item if it‘s defective.
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Bring your ID: IKEA requires a government-issued photo ID for all returns to combat return fraud. Make sure to have yours on hand to avoid any snags.
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Consider return shipping costs: If you need to mail back an online order, IKEA will deduct a return shipping fee from your refund. Whenever possible, return online purchases to a physical store to avoid this cost.
How IKEA Stacks Up to Competitors
When it comes to bedding return policies, IKEA is hard to beat. Let‘s see how they compare to a few other major retailers:
| Store | Return Window | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| IKEA | 365 days | Must be unused |
| Target | 90 days | 30 days for some brands |
| Bed Bath & Beyond | 90 days | None |
| Wayfair | 30 days | Shipping fees may apply |
| Pottery Barn | 30 days | Monogrammed/custom items |
As you can see, IKEA‘s one-year return policy is head and shoulders above most of the competition. This shows an admirable level of confidence in their products and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Some smaller online "bed-in-a-box" companies like Casper or Purple only allow exchanges for other products, not refunds. For picky shoppers who want flexibility, IKEA is a much safer bet.
Expert Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bedding
Of course, the best way to avoid the hassle of returns is to choose the right pillows and duvet for your needs the first time around. Here are some of my top tips as a bedding expert:
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Know your sleep style: Side sleepers need a thicker pillow than back or stomach sleepers to keep the head and neck aligned. The ROSENSKÄRM ergonomic pillow is a great height-adjustable option for combination sleepers.
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Consider allergies: If you‘re prone to allergies, look for pillows and duvets made with hypoallergenic materials and dust mite-resistant covers. The FJÄLLHAVRE down duvet has a 100% cotton shell that‘s easy to clean.
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Think about temperature: If you tend to sleep hot, choose breathable, moisture-wicking materials like bamboo or Tencel. The PRAKTVÄDD coolmax pillow is designed to promote airflow and prevent overheating.
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Read reviews: Before making a purchase, take some time to read what other customers have to say about the item. Keep an eye out for feedback on things like firmness level, durability, and temperature control. The KNAVEL down pillow has over 100 4.5-star reviews raving about its "cloud-like" feel.
With these factors in mind, you‘re well-equipped to find bedding you love at IKEA. Their pillow guide and duvet guide are also great resources for comparing options.
The Bottom Line
As both a savvy shopper and retail industry insider, I give IKEA‘s pillow and duvet return policy two thumbs up. It offers unparalleled flexibility and peace of mind for customers, while still protecting the company from fraud and abuse.
Plus, by allowing customers to return items that don‘t work out, IKEA reduces waste compared to retailers that would simply send unsatisfactory items to a landfill. In 2021, IKEA launched a new sustainability strategy that includes goals for becoming climate positive and fully circular by 2030. A generous, customer-friendly return policy is an important part of that mission.
Whether you‘re furnishing a whole bedroom from scratch or simply refreshing old bedding, IKEA has you covered with high-quality, affordable pillows, duvets, and more. With their 365-day return policy as a safety net, you can shop with confidence knowing that you won‘t be stuck with bedding that isn‘t right for you. Sweet dreams!
