What’s the Difference?
IKEA and Bob’s Discount Furniture are popular home decor retailers that many people trust for all their interior and outdoor design needs. However, one of these brands might be the better option, depending on your location, budget or decor preferences. Examine the differences between these two brands to determine which one has the most convenient locations, widest selection and best deals.
| Bob’s Discount Furniture | IKEA | |
| Locations |
|
|
| Styles |
|
|
| Selection |
|
|
| Delivery |
|
|
| Warranty |
|
|
Locations
Although both these companies have storefronts across the country, locations vary by state. IKEA has over 400 showrooms worldwide, more than 50 of which are in the United States. Meanwhile, Bob’s Discount Furniture operates around 120 stores across the nation. Customers can access the IKEA or Bob’s Discount Furniture product selections online as well.
Style and Selection
Whether you’re looking for living room furniture, dining area decor, bedroom accents or patio pieces, IKEA and Bob’s Discount Furniture have the items you need to outfit your various layouts. Style is one of the key differences between these two brands, so you’ll need to check each store’s decor options before deciding where to shop.
IKEA
Products from IKEA showcase the chic and simple appeal of Scandinavian design. Sleek, modern lines, clean, angular frames and functional accents are the defining features of IKEA furniture. In addition to these gorgeous furnishings, the retailer’s catalog of items includes modular pieces and essential home goods like kitchen and bathroom appliances.
Bob’s Discount Furniture
You’ll find an array of stylish options at Bob’s Discount Furniture. Whether you want to decorate your home with traditional, farmhouse or contemporary furnishings, Bob’s has the chic designs to suit your preferences. Shoppers can also browse this retailer’s designer mattress selection, which includes the company’s signature brand.
Delivery
In addition to offering affordable prices on their products, IKEA and Bob’s provide convenient delivery options to help customers bring their indoor and patio pieces home. Shipping costs and service areas differ between these two retailers, so you’ll need to compare their policies to see which brand ships to your location and has the lowest rates.
IKEA
Smaller IKEA furnishings, such as bed linens, decorative accents and outdoor accessories, usually ship via independent delivery service providers at standard ground rates. However, the price of your order can fluctuate based on the weight of the items you want to ship. IKEA determines the delivery fee for larger items based on the distance between the store or distribution center and your home.
Bob’s Discount Furniture
For some items, Bob’s Discount Furniture offers shipping directly from the manufacturer. Customers who choose this option can select the company’s premium white glove delivery service, which includes product delivery, assembly and packaging cleanup for an additional fee. In some cases, however, it might be more affordable to pick up your purchase in-store.
Warranty
Most of IKEA’s products come with a limited warranty that ranges from five to 25 years, depending on the furniture type. Lifetime coverage plans are also available and shoppers should hold on to their receipts in case they need to take advantage of their chosen policy. Bob’s Discount Furniture has a one-year protection plan for factory defects, plus an optional five-year warranty for further coverage.
Philosophies and Values
Wondering which of these stores promote business practices and initiatives that suit your ideals? IKEA fosters inclusivity in its workplaces and uses eco-friendly materials to produce more sustainable home and patio decor products. Meanwhile, Bob’s Discount Furniture gives back to communities by donating funds and furniture to several charitable organizations.
Returns and Exchanges
Sometimes, customers change their minds after making a purchase. IKEA accepts returns on almost all products for one year and lets shoppers make one exchange on mattresses. Bob’s Discount Furniture allows full refunds and order cancellation up to the day of delivery. Beds, rugs and linens are usually exempt from this return and exchange policy.
Special Services and Features
IKEA and Bob’s Discount Furniture offer additional services to ensure a pleasant shopping experience for customers. Both retailers operate in-store cafes, providing drinks, pastries and other refreshments to patrons as they browse. Also, financing options like IKEA’s credit card program and Bob’s lease-to-own plans make it easier for you to bring home big-ticket furnishings while sticking to your budget.
Which Should You Pick?
Comparing the differences between the IKEA and Bob’s Discount Furniture brands makes it easier to determine which retailer meets your needs. Once you learn which store has the products you need, the prices you prefer and the delivery services that work for you, you can start shopping for home and patio pieces from one of these companies.