Buying furniture online can feel like a gamble. What if it doesn't fit? What if the color looks different in your home? What if you simply don't love it? The good news is that yes, you can return furniture bought online—but the process varies dramatically between retailers. Understanding online furniture returns before you purchase can save you hundreds of dollars in unexpected fees and weeks of frustration.
Can I Return Furniture I Bought Online? The Short Answer
Yes, most major online furniture retailers accept returns, but with significant variations in policies, timeframes, and costs. The major online e-tailer gives customers only 30 days from when the delivery is received to return any furniture for whatever reason, while some retailers offer as little as 7 days and others extend up to 100 days.
The key is understanding each retailer's specific terms before you buy, as return policies can dramatically impact your total cost and satisfaction with online furniture shopping.
Understanding Online Furniture Return Timeframes
Return windows for furniture vary significantly across retailers, and the clock typically starts ticking from delivery date, not purchase date.
Common Return Timeframes by Major Retailers:
Short Windows (7-14 days):
- Jordan's Furniture: 7 days from delivery or pickup
- Local furniture stores: Often 7-14 days
Standard Windows (30 days):
- Amazon: 30 days for most furniture items
- Many department stores: 30 days from delivery
Extended Windows (60+ days):
- IKEA: 90 days for most furniture
- Some online-first retailers: 60-100 days
Important Note: These timeframes apply to returns "for any reason." Defective or damaged items typically have longer return windows and different policies.
The Hidden Costs of Online Furniture Returns
One of the biggest surprises for online furniture shoppers is the cost of returns. The cost of shipping furniture can range from as low as $300 to as high as $4,500, with the national average at $2,400, and return shipping often falls on the customer.
Who Pays for Return Shipping?
Customer Responsibility:
- Most furniture returns require customer to pay return shipping
- Non-Star Reward members will be deducted a $9.99 return shipping fee plus tax, where applicable, from your refund (smaller items at Macy's)
- Large furniture can cost $100-500+ to return ship
Retailer Responsibility:
- Amazon will automatically refund up to $20 for return postage costs on receipt of the item. If your return postage costs exceed $20, you may contact Customer Service to request a refund of the remaining postage cost
- Defective or damaged items typically receive free return shipping
- Some premium retailers include return shipping in their service
Restocking Fees: The Additional Cost You Need to Know
Many furniture retailers charge restocking fees for returns, especially for large items or preference-based returns.
Common Restocking Fee Structures:
Percentage-Based Fees:
- If you wish to return your furniture for preference reasons within 3 days, the original delivery fee will not be refunded and a 15% restocking fee will be charged (Ashley HomeStore)
Flat Fee Structure:
- Deliveries cancelled on or after the day of delivery will be subject to a restocking charge of $99.99. Original delivery and shipping charges are non-refundable (City Furniture)
No Restocking Fees:
- IKEA and some online retailers don't charge restocking fees
- Amazon typically doesn't charge restocking fees for standard returns
What Furniture Can and Cannot Be Returned
Not all furniture purchases are returnable. Understanding exclusions can prevent costly mistakes.
Commonly Non-Returnable Items:
Customized Products:
- Made-to-order furniture
- Personalized or engraved items
Final Sale Items:
- Clearance furniture
- Floor models
- As-is products
Damaged or Modified Items:
- Most retailers are unable to refund or exchange your items if your merchandise is found to be modified from its original form when purchased, dirty, stained, or damaged
- Items showing wear from use
Return Conditions: What Retailers Expect
Most furniture retailers have strict requirements for returnable items.
Standard Return Conditions:
Original Packaging:
- Items must be returned in original packaging when possible
- Assembly instructions and hardware must be included
- Some retailers accept returns of assembled items
Condition Requirements:
- No stains, odors, or pet hair
- No damage beyond normal inspection
- All tags and labels must be attached
Documentation:
- Original receipt or order confirmation
- Return authorization number (when required)
- Reason for return explanation
How to Handle Damaged or Defective Furniture
Damaged or defective furniture has different return procedures and typically more favorable terms.
Immediate Steps for Damaged Deliveries:
Document Everything:
- If you have any issues with the item(s) you have ordered online, please notify the store as soon as possible
- Take photos of damage before moving or using the item
- Note damage on delivery receipt when possible
Contact Timeline:
- Contact Customer Service immediately to report any damage and arrange a replacement
- Most retailers require notification within 24-72 hours of delivery
Resolution Options:
- Full refund with free return shipping
- Replacement item at no charge
- Repair or parts replacement for minor damage
The Return Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding the return process can help you navigate it more smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.
Standard Return Process:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
- Verify you're within the return window
- Confirm your item is returnable
- Check condition requirements
Step 2: Initiate the Return
- Contact customer service or use online return portal
- Obtain return authorization if required
- Schedule pickup or arrange shipping
Step 3: Prepare Your Item
- Clean the item thoroughly
- Repackage in original materials when possible
- Include all hardware, instructions, and accessories
Step 4: Ship or Schedule Pickup
- Use retailer-provided shipping labels when available
- Insure valuable items
- Keep tracking information
Step 5: Follow Up
- Please allow 7–10 days following our receipt of the returned item(s) for any credit or refund processing
- Check your refund status
- Contact customer service if delays occur
Understanding Warranty vs. Return Policies
Don't confuse return policies with warranties—they serve different purposes.
Return Policy Coverage:
- Preference-based returns ("I don't like it")
- Size or color issues
- Items that don't match expectations
Warranty Coverage:
- Warranties are only valid when products are used for their intended purpose and exhibit normal use. Defects or damage resulting from negligence, misuse, accidents, abnormal use, or modifications will not be covered by the Article warranty
- Manufacturing defects
- Structural failures during normal use
Strategies for Risk-Free Online Furniture Shopping
Before You Buy:
Research Return Policies:
- Read the full return policy, not just the summary
- Understand who pays for return shipping
- Check for restocking fees or other charges
Measure Carefully:
- Verify dimensions against your space
- Consider doorways, stairs, and room layouts
- Order fabric samples when available
Read Reviews:
- Look for comments about return experiences
- Check for sizing and quality feedback
- Note any recurring issues
During Delivery:
Inspect Immediately:
- Check for damage before the delivery team leaves
- Note any issues on delivery paperwork
- Take photos if damage is found
Test Functionality:
- Check drawers, doors, and moving parts
- Verify stability and construction quality
- Ensure all hardware is included and properly installed
Red Flags: When Return Policies Should Concern You
Some return policy terms should raise immediate concerns:
Warning Signs:
- No return policy or extremely short windows (under 7 days)
- High restocking fees (over 20%)
- "All sales final" on non-custom items
- No clear process for damaged items
Better Alternatives:
- Retailers offering 30+ day return windows
- Free return shipping for defective items
- Clear damage and defect procedures
Cost-Benefit Analysis: When Returns Make Financial Sense
Sometimes keeping furniture you don't love costs less than returning it.
Consider Keeping When:
- Return shipping exceeds 20% of item cost
- High restocking fees apply
- Item is functional but not perfect
- Minor issues can be resolved (different throw pillows, etc.)
Definitely Return When:
- Item is damaged or defective
- Size is completely wrong for your space
- Quality is significantly below expectations
- Safety concerns exist
Expert Tips for Successful Online Furniture Returns
From Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports notes that fees for larger furniture items that must be delivered by truck are often higher, so factor transportation costs into your decision-making process.
Best Practices:
- Act Quickly: Don't delay if you're unsatisfied
- Keep Everything: Original packaging, instructions, hardware
- Document Issues: Photos and detailed descriptions help
- Know Your Rights: Understand what constitutes defective vs. preference
- Consider Alternatives: Sometimes exchange or store credit works better than returns
The Bottom Line: Making Online Furniture Returns Work for You
Yes, you can return furniture bought online, but success depends on understanding each retailer's specific policies and planning accordingly. With the exception of refunds for damaged or defective merchandise, shipping, delivery, and handling charges are nonrefundable at many retailers, making it crucial to factor all costs into your purchase decision.
The key to worry-free online furniture shopping isn't avoiding returns—it's shopping with retailers whose return policies align with your comfort level and budget. Look for companies offering reasonable return windows, fair shipping policies, and clear procedures for handling damaged items.
Remember, the cheapest furniture isn't always the best deal if the return policy leaves you stuck with pieces you don't love. Invest in retailers who stand behind their products and make the return process as painless as possible. Your future self will thank you for taking the time to understand these policies before clicking "buy now."
By understanding online furniture returns thoroughly, you can shop with confidence, knowing you have options if your purchase doesn't meet expectations. The goal isn't to plan for returns—it's to shop smart enough that returns become a safety net, not a necessity.