Ikea Or Target: Which Store Has The Better Deals On Bookshelves?

When comparing Ikea and Target to determine which retailer has the better deals on bookcases, we need to look at pricing, return policies, shipping costs, and inventory. Regarding return policies, Ikea allows unopened items to be brought back up to a year after purchasing, while opened packages have 180 days. At Target, most products only have 90 days to be returned, but if it's part of a Target-owned brand, the policy extends to a year. 

For shipping costs, Target provides free shipping for any orders over $35, while Ikea's delivery starts at $29 but will depend on where you live, and the further away you are from a physical store, the more you'll need to pay. Finally, while Ikea has 810 bookshelves available, Target has over double the amount, at 1,798.  There are also several other factors to analyze, such as customer reviews, materials, and size. Using these comparative elements, we assessed two products from the retailers: Ikea's BILLY bookcases to Target's Room Essentials shelves.

According to Ikea, their BILLY bookcases are pretty popular — In fact, the website estimates that one is purchased every five seconds. These pieces are mostly made out of particleboard and have adjustable shelves. One of their most popular choices has five shelves and is 79 ½ inches tall by 31 ½ inches wide; this option costs $89.99. With three color options: birch veneer (or light wood), black-brown, and white, you can choose the shade you enjoy the most. It also comes in a shorter version, which is quite popular and costs $49.99.

With over 600 reviews, the taller version has an overall 4.7-star rating. Those who enjoyed this product said it was sturdy, easy to assemble, and a great size. However, there were some complaints, including that the shelves can sag, the delivery is expensive, and the item arrived damaged. Further, one review from November 2022 said that while the product has stayed the same, the price has recently doubled.

Target sells bookshelves that look almost identical to Ikea's BILLY ones, which are a part of Target's Room Essentials collection; hence they can be returned up to a year after purchasing. Like Ikea, one of Target's most popular bookcases comes with five adjustable shelves, but it's slightly smaller, at 71.18 inches tall and 24.49 inches wide. It also retails for a much lower price of $37 online. Target's color options include espresso brown, black, and white, and it's made of wood composite. Just like Ikea, Target also has a shorter option, which retails for $25. The taller choice has over 1,500 reviews and a 4-star rating. Many said it was a basic piece sold at a great price. However, while some agreed that it was sturdy and easy to assemble, others said it arrived damaged, felt wobbly, and was difficult to put together.

Out of these two retailers, Target is the clear winner. While Ikea's bookcase has slightly better reviews, Target's option is similar, comes at a much cheaper price, and has free delivery.