Buying a new sofa is a big commitment. Not only is it a significant financial investment, but the sofa you choose will likely become the centerpiece of your living room. With so many styles, sizes, materials and colors to choose from, it‘s understandable to feel some uncertainty about your sofa selection.
That‘s why it‘s important to be aware of the return policy before making your purchase, especially when shopping at a major retailer like IKEA. As a global leader in affordable, ready-to-assemble furniture, IKEA attracts millions of customers each year. But what happens if you get your IKEA sofa home only to decide it‘s not the right fit?
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about returning a sofa to IKEA. From time limits to the condition your sofa needs to be in, to whether you can return a used or assembled sofa, we‘ll answer all your questions so you can shop with confidence. Let‘s dive in!
IKEA‘s General Return Policy
First, let‘s review IKEA‘s standard return policy that applies to all products, including sofas:
- You have 365 days (1 year) to return an unused, unopened item for a full refund
- Opened items can be returned within 180 days (6 months) for a full refund, as long as they are in new, unused condition
- All returns require proof of purchase (receipt, order number, etc.)
- Returns will be refunded to the original form of payment
IKEA‘s return policy is quite generous compared to many other major retailers. For example, Amazon typically only allows 30 days for most items to be returned, while Target allows 90 days for unopened items and 30 days for opened items. Giving customers a full year to return unused products offers significant flexibility and peace of mind.
However, these general guidelines do have some exceptions depending on the specific product. Next we‘ll look at how the policy applies specifically to sofas.
IKEA Sofa Return Policy
Here are the key things to know about returning a sofa to IKEA:
Unused, Unopened Sofas
If you purchased a sofa from IKEA that is still in its original, unopened packaging, you have 365 days from the date of purchase to return it for a full refund. You‘ll need your proof of purchase and the sofa must be in resellable condition with no damage to the packaging.
Opened, Unused Sofas
For sofas that have been removed from the packaging but are still unused and in their original condition, you have 180 days to return them for a full refund. The sofa should have no signs of wear, stains, or damage and must have all its original parts, hardware, tags and instructions. Proof of purchase is required.
Used or Assembled Sofas
This is where IKEA‘s policy gets more restrictive. If you have used the sofa at all, even for a short time, or if you have assembled it either partially or fully, IKEA will not accept it for return in most cases.
IKEA is very clear that they do not offer refunds, exchanges or store credit for any used items, no matter how gently used they are. This policy applies to all upholstered furniture like sofas, loveseats, armchairs, etc.
The only potential exception is if the sofa has a manufacturing defect that is covered by IKEA‘s warranty. More on that later.
Damaged Sofas
If your new sofa arrived to you with visible damage or missing parts, IKEA will accept a return within 180 days of purchase and issue a full refund. You can also choose to return just the damaged part for a replacement piece.
However, if the damage occurred after you received the sofa, due to improper use, accidents, or wear and tear, IKEA will not allow you to return it. Any post-delivery damage voids the return policy.
Sofas Without Original Packaging
To ensure you can return your sofa if needed, always hold on to the original packaging until you‘re certain you‘re going to keep it. Without the original box and protective wrapping, it‘s extremely unlikely IKEA will accept your return, even if the sofa is unused.
At most, returning an unpackaged sofa may get you store credit instead of a refund. The amount of credit you receive will depend on the condition of the sofa and will be determined by the store.
Sofa Return Statistics
To put some numbers behind IKEA‘s policy, let‘s look at some revealing furniture return statistics:
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The average return rate for sofas and other upholstered furniture is around 5-7%, according to Home Furnishings Business. This means about 1 in every 15-20 sofas purchased end up being returned.
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Furniture as a category has one of the highest return rates in retail, comparable to clothing and electronics. However, furniture is generally high-value and bulky, making returns costly for retailers.
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Online furniture purchases are returned at a much higher rate than those made in brick-and-mortar stores, due in large part to the inability to examine and test the furniture in person before buying. Some estimates put the online furniture return rate as high as 15-20%.
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According to a report by Statista, younger generations are much more likely to return furniture purchases. Millennials had the highest return likelihood at 75%, compared to 62% for Gen X and 20% for Baby Boomers.
So while 5% may not sound like a lot, when you consider the volume of sofas IKEA sells each year, it adds up to a huge number of returned sofas and a significant cost. It‘s understandable, from a business perspective, why they would need to have limits in place.
Most Common Reasons for Sofa Returns
So why do people end up returning furniture like sofas? Here are some of the top reasons:
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Doesn‘t fit the space: One of the most common reasons for sofa returns is the piece not fitting the intended space. It may physically be too large or too small, or it may just look disproportionate for the room.
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Comfort issues: Another prevalent reason for returns is the sofa being uncomfortable. Whether it‘s too firm, too soft, or lacking support, comfort problems are a major culprit.
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Misleading online photos: When ordering a sofa online, it can be hard to get an accurate sense of the color, texture, and scale. If the actual furniture looks very different from the photos, it often leads to disappointment.
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Quality and defects: Sofas that have visible damage, flaws, or missing parts upon arrival often get sent back. Quality issues that emerge after short-term use are also a reason people attempt to return sofas.
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Buyer‘s remorse: Sometimes people just change their minds. Whether they found a better option or the style wasn‘t what they expected, buyer‘s remorse does happen.
So what can you do to avoid these common pitfalls and reduce the likelihood of needing to return your IKEA sofa? Here are some tips.
Tips for Choosing the Right IKEA Sofa
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Measure carefully: Use a tape measure to get the exact dimensions of your space, not just the area where the sofa will go but also doorways and hallways. Note the height too, not just the width and depth. Compare to the sofa‘s listed measurements and when in doubt, size down.
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Check reviews: Read reviews from verified IKEA sofa purchasers to get real-life feedback on comfort, quality, durability, and ease of assembly. Seeing photos from actual customer homes can also give you a better sense of scale and style.
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Order swatches: IKEA offers free fabric swatches of most of their sofa upholstery. Order a few options to compare colors and textures to your other furnishings.
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Consider care and cleaning: Think about how you‘ll need to clean and maintain the upholstery. Certain materials may not be well-suited for pets or children. Look for removable, machine washable covers if easy maintenance is a priority.
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Understand the assembly requirements: Check the assembly instructions on the product page or in store to understand what setup will involve. Some sofas require more work and tools than others. Have a plan for transport and assembly before purchasing.
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Test it out: If you have an IKEA store nearby, it‘s always best to see the sofa in person before buying. Sit on it, lie down, and assess the comfort and support.
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Ask about the warranty: Make sure you understand what‘s covered and for how long under IKEA‘s warranty. Defects in materials and workmanship are typically covered, but accidental damage and normal wear and tear are not.
IKEA Sofa Warranty and Protection Plans
Speaking of warranties, let‘s take a closer look at what IKEA offers for sofas.
IKEA provides a limited 10-year warranty on sofas, loveseats and armchairs in their VIMLE, FINNALA, EKTORP, LANDSKRONA, KIVIK, GRÖNLID, VALLENTUNA and UPPLAND series. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship but does not apply to fabric covers or accidental damage from spills, burns, or scratches. The warranty also does not apply if the sofa was handled carelessly or stored improperly.
If you want even more coverage, IKEA offers optional fabric protection plans powered by Uniters. For a fee, you can add 5 or 10 years of protection against accidental damage like spills and stains. Plans start around $69 for 5 years and vary based on the item price. If you have young kids or pets, these plans can provide extra peace of mind.
To make a claim under the warranty or protection plan, IKEA will either repair the defective sofa, replace it with the same model, or refund you the original purchase price. Proof of purchase is required and manufacturing defects will be verified by inspection.
It‘s important to note that while the warranty and protection plan can potentially get you a replacement or repair for a defective sofa, they do not override the standard return policy. An unappealing but unused sofa would still need to be returned within the 365 day window.
IKEA‘s Return Process and Sustainability Efforts
Once you‘ve initiated your sofa return with IKEA, here‘s what happens behind the scenes.
Sofas that are still in their original sealed packaging can often go right back on the sales floor to be resold. Unsealed, unused returns are typically inspected for damage. Minor blemishes may be repaired and the item sold as-is for a discount.
However, sofas that show signs of use or wear will likely be disassembled so the materials can be recycled. IKEA is committed to minimizing waste, so every effort is made to repurpose or recycle returned furniture to whatever extent possible. For example, the metal frames are melted down to be remade into new products. Upholstery is removed and sorted for recycling. The wood is chipped for use in particleboard or biofuel.
IKEA also works with local charities to donate gently used sofas or discontined models to community organisations and nonprofits. Returned sofas that are still in good condition but can‘t be resold are often donated to shelters, community centres and other groups in need.
Any parts or materials that can‘t be recycled, repurposed or donated are disposed of as a last resort. IKEA is continually working to increase the circularity and sustainability of their supply chain to reduce reliance on landfills. As of their 2021 sustainability report, 99.5% of IKEA waste was either recycled or used for energy production.
Sofa Return Policies in Different Countries
While we‘ve focused on the sofa return policies in IKEA‘s US stores, it‘s worth noting that the exact terms vary slightly in different regions where IKEA operates. Here are a few key differences:
- In the UK and Ireland, sofas are covered by a 14 day "no nonsense" return policy, allowing for full refunds on unused items within 2 weeks.
- In Canada, the return window for unopened items is 365 days and for opened items is 180 days, same as the US. However returns without a receipt will only be exchanged for an IKEA gift card, not refunded.
- In Australia, IKEA will only accept returns on non-mattressed units like sofas if they are still in the original packaging.
- In Japan, items purchased online can be returned within 7 days for a refund. In-store purchases are final sale unless the item is unopened.
- In Norway, customers actually have 60 days to return even used sofas for a full refund as long as they are not excessively dirty or damaged.
So if you‘re shopping at an IKEA outside the US, be sure to check the specific policy details in your country. The essential terms are generally the same, but there may be slight variations in the time limits, exclusions, or resolution methods.
Final Thoughts
Returning a sofa to IKEA is certainly possible under the right circumstances. If you catch the problem early, have your receipt, and the sofa is in resellable condition, you have an excellent chance of getting your money back. But waiting too long, using the sofa, or lacking proof of purchase will likely end in frustration.
Your best bet is to do your research up front, measure carefully, and examine your new IKEA sofa closely upon arrival. Initiate a return immediately if anything seems off rather than waiting. Keep all the packaging and paperwork until you know it‘s a keeper.
While IKEA‘s sofa return policy isn‘t the most lenient on the market, when you consider their incredibly low prices, reasonable warranties, and sustainability efforts, it‘s hard to expect much more. As long as you understand the limitations, you can shop confidently knowing you have options if your IKEA sofa doesn‘t work out.
