Home decor returns can be a logistical and financial nightmare. Large rugs, fragile mirrors, and custom lighting don’t just snap back into inventory. And when a customer says, “it didn’t match the room,” the brand’s on the hook for costly return shipping, repackaging, and restocking. Unless the policy is sharp.
Whether you’re selling statement pieces like bold canvas prints, statement-making blackout curtains, or a hand-knotted Persian rug, a strong return policy in home decor can save your margins and your sanity.
What Makes Home Decor Returns Tricky
Let’s start with the obvious: this category has one of the highest return rates in ecommerce. Why?
Products are subject to taste, room lighting, or feel.
Items are often oversized or fragile.
Many aren’t repackaged correctly, leading to damage.
And shoppers? They’ll keep returning until they find “the one.” That’s why your home decor return policy needs more than copy-pasted terms. It needs to guide, prevent, and protect, without scaring off style-conscious customers.
Set Clear Expectations from the Start
Before a buyer hits “Add to Cart,” they should already know:
How long do they have to make a return (usually 14–30 days after delivery)
Whether return shipping is free, partially covered, or the customer’s responsibility
The condition required for a refund (i.e., unused, in original packaging, undamaged)
What counts as non-returnable items (think clearance, used, or installed lighting)
Note: Returns for clearance or installed items are not accepted under any circumstances.
HomeGoods, for instance, only accepts returns within 30 days and requires proof of purchase. They also won’t take back anything damaged during improper repacking. Smart.
Original Packaging \= Original Condition
Let’s say a wall sconce comes back with cracked glass because it was wrapped in an old t-shirt. You lose the sale and the resale. So make it clear: original packaging is required. If that’s not available, at least instruct customers to use a sturdy box and plenty of padding.
Returns of home accessories like ceramic vases, mirrors, or sconces, especially those featuring popular black accents or black hardware in modern home decor, need to be packed like they’re going through a war zone. Offer packaging tips or even sell return kits if necessary.
Oversized Items, Oversized Headaches
Large rugs, oversized lamps, or heavy wall art are expensive to ship, both ways. So, who pays when they’re returned?
IKEA, for example, often requires customers to bring larger items back to the store. If you’re an ecommerce brand without physical stores, outline:
Whether you’ll cover return shipping costs
If there’s a restocking fee
What qualifies as “oversized” and how those returns are handled
This is where many home decor sellers burn through profits. Don’t absorb the cost unless the error was yours.
Handling Lighting Returns
Lighting returns are their own beast. Once something is installed, even briefly, it’s likely not resellable. The wiring may be scratched or exposed. That’s why brands like Lowe’s or PC Richard & Son don’t accept returns for any hardwired fixtures that show signs of installation.
Choosing the right lighting can create a specific atmosphere or highlight design features in a room, making it an essential part of home decor.
If you sell lighting:
Require all returns to be uninstalled and in working condition
Include pictures in the return request process
Deny returns if the fixture was altered or installed (yes, even if it “didn’t fit the vibe”)
When Refunds Aren’t the Answer
Sometimes, the best solution is store credit or exchange, especially for taste-based returns like “didn’t match my sofa.” Make it clear that customers have choices between store credit, exchange, or partial refunds for certain returns. Offer partial refunds, credits, or other incentives if the returned item can’t be resold as new. Explain that clearly in your return policy.
Brands like Costco will often take items back with little pushback, but they can afford to. Smaller decor shops? Not so much. Set the tone: generous but not naive.
Break Out the Categories
Group your policy by item types:
Artwork and prints
Rugs and soft goods
Lighting and electrical
Furniture and heavy decor
This allows you to customize conditions by home decor category and helps shoppers understand what applies to their purchase. Keep it simple, but smart.
Your site should make it easy for customers to find the relevant return policy categories for their purchases.
What to Say About Damaged Deliveries
A cracked mirror or broken lamp upon arrival? That’s not a return, that’s a replacement issue. Spell this out in a separate section:
Require notification within 48 hours
Ask for photos of the packaging and the item
Instruct customers to review the item and packaging for any damage before submitting a replacement request
Offer to send a replacement or issue a full refund
This is where your customer service team earns its stars. Respond fast, and don’t make the customer jump through hoops.
Examples of Return Policies That Get It Right
HomeGoods: 30-day return window, with original receipt required and exclusions on clearance and opened items.
IKEA: 365-day return policy for unopened items, but customers must repackage and return in person for large goods.
PC Richard & Son: Lighting and home decor must be unopened or uninstalled. Returns must be in original packaging, and customers must pay shipping costs unless the item is defective.
Use these as inspiration, but tailor your tone and terms to your brand identity.
To learn more about effective return policies or to learn about additional resources for home decor businesses, explore our detailed guides and tips.
What About Custom Pieces?
If you sell custom-printed artwork, made-to-order rugs, or personalized decor, you’ll need a no-returns clause. Just be up front:
"All custom orders are final sale."
"Returns not accepted unless the item is damaged or defective."
This is standard, but don’t bury the line. Say it early, repeat it often, and make it part of the checkout confirmation.
Final Word
A strong home decor return policy doesn’t just protect your business; it shapes how your brand feels post-purchase. It prevents chaos, reduces broken returns, and sets customer expectations the moment they start shopping.
So be clear. Be confident. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to returns that risk damage or resale loss. At the same time, make it easy for customers who are genuinely trying to get it right.
A clear return policy also helps customers stay organized and keeps things running smoothly, making the entire process more efficient for everyone involved.
Because in the world of design, taste changes, but a great return policy never goes out of style.
Want Your Return Policy Hosted on ShippinGenius?
The ShippinGenius ecommerce return template is a great starting point, but the top Shopify brands host their return policy pages on ShippinGenius for a reason:
Professionally formatted, SEO-optimized pages
Indexed by Google for discoverability
Trusted by shoppers and search engines alike
Want your return policy listed on ShippinGenius.com alongside top brands like Allbirds, Bombas, and Brooklinen? Request a Listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a rug that doesn’t match my room?
Yes, but only if it’s unused and in original packaging. Return shipping may apply.
What items are non-returnable in home decor?
Custom artwork, clearance decor, and installed lighting typically can’t be returned.
Are restocking fees charged on lighting or artwork?
Some brands charge up to 20% for fragile or oversized items due to repackaging costs.
How do I return damaged decor items?
Report damage within 48 hours with photos. Most brands offer a refund or replacement.
Do customers pay for return shipping on home decor?
Usually yes, unless the item arrived damaged or incorrect.