How to Save on Home & Garden at IKEA in December 2025

How to Save on Home and Garden at IKEA: A Guide to Furniture, Plants and Decor

Welcome to your definitive guide for saving on everything you need to create your dream home and garden at IKEA. While many shoppers hunt for traditional promo codes, the real path to saving at this iconic Swedish retailer is more strategic. IKEA's philosophy is built on everyday value, meaning the deepest discounts aren't found in a coupon box at checkout, but through a smart combination of their loyalty program, seasonal sales events, and knowing exactly which products and programs offer the best bang for your buck. This guide will walk you through every step, turning you into a savvy shopper of IKEA’s home and garden promotions , ready to furnish your indoor and outdoor spaces for less.

The Core of IKEA Savings: Mastering the IKEA Family Program and Sales Events

The foundation of any successful IKEA savings strategy begins with understanding their value-driven approach. Rather than relying on a constant cycle of coupons, IKEA focuses on two core pillars: their free loyalty program, IKEA Family, and a handful of major annual sales events. Aligning your shopping trips with these opportunities is the single most effective way to secure significant discounts. Joining the IKEA Family program is a non-negotiable first step; it's free, and it unlocks the vast majority of deals and perks the store has to offer.

The premier shopping events on the IKEA calendar are the Summer Sale (typically June-July) and the Winter Sale (December-January). These are the biggest events of the year and are a paradise for home and garden deal hunters. The Summer Sale is the perfect time to outfit your entire outdoor space, as you'll find deep discounts on popular outdoor furniture series like the warm, acacia wood APPLARÖ or the durable, all-weather SOLLERÖN. Planters, solar lighting, and outdoor textiles also see significant markdowns, with discounts often reaching up to 50% off. Conversely, the Winter Sale is an excellent opportunity to focus on your indoor garden and decor, often featuring clearance prices on houseplants, pots, and everything you need to bring a touch of green indoors during the colder months.

As the weather warms, keep an eye out for the "Get Ready for Spring" Event (March-April). This is IKEA's official kick-off to the gardening season, designed to inspire your next outdoor project. During this sale, IKEA Family members can expect exclusive prices on essential gardening tools, seeds, new-arrival patio sets, and durable outdoor rugs. It’s the ideal time to get a head start on your garden before the peak summer demand hits.

Finally, a savvy shopper knows not to overlook the seasonal Kitchen Event. While its primary focus is on cabinetry and appliances, this sale is a hidden gem for garden enthusiasts. The discounts on SEKTION cabinets and countertops provide a fantastic opportunity to build a custom potting bench, an indoor herb garden station, or clever storage for your gardening supplies at a fraction of the usual cost.

Key Home and Garden Categories and Top Products to Watch

IKEA’s home and garden collection is a masterclass in functional, affordable Scandinavian design. Knowing the key product families and iconic items will help you recognize a great deal the moment a sale begins. These are the categories and products that consistently offer the best value and style.

Durable and Stylish Outdoor Furniture

At the heart of the garden section is IKEA's outdoor furniture. The brand is famous for its modular lounge and dining sets that allow for ultimate customization. The APPLARÖ series, crafted from solid acacia wood, offers a warm, natural aesthetic that can be configured in endless ways, while the SOLLERÖN series provides the same modularity with hand-woven, maintenance-free plastic rattan for a timeless wicker look that stands up to the elements. For those with limited space, IKEA excels at balcony and small patio solutions. The foldable TÄRNÖ and ÄPPLARÖ bistro sets are perfect for creating a charming dining nook for two without overwhelming a compact area. While IKEA offers fantastic in-store value, it's always smart to compare styles and prices online; our Wayfair home and garden discounts can help you find even more options for your space.

A Green Thumb's Paradise: Plants and Planters

IKEA has also become a go-to destination for plants and planters. The stores boast a huge selection of live indoor plants, but for those who lack a green thumb, the incredibly realistic FEJKA artificial plants offer everlasting greenery with zero maintenance. The selection of pots and plant stands is equally impressive, with options in terracotta, ceramic, and metal to suit any decor. A fan-favorite is the SATSUMAS plant stand, whose clean bamboo and white steel design is perfect for creating a stylish, multi-level plant display.

The Finishing Touches: Outdoor Decor and Lighting

To complete your outdoor oasis, explore the outdoor decor and lighting section. The SOLVINDEN series of solar-powered string lights, lanterns, and table lamps is a bestseller, providing effortless, magical ambiance without any complicated wiring. You can also add comfort and personality with durable, flatwoven outdoor rugs and a wide array of colorful, water-repellent cushions from the KUDDARNA series. For those looking to explore an even wider variety of unique and budget-friendly decorative items, checking out our tips for AliExpress home and garden coupons can uncover some hidden gems.

Cultivate Your Own Garden, Indoors and Out

For hands-on gardeners, the gardening and grow-your-own department offers accessible solutions for all skill levels. The miniature SOCKER greenhouse is perfect for starting seeds indoors, while the advanced KRYDDA/VÄXER hydroponic systems allow urban gardeners to grow fresh herbs and greens year-round. You'll also find all the basics you need, from affordable tools and watering cans to trellises. For more heavy-duty projects or a broader selection of power tools and landscaping supplies, be sure to check out our Lowe’s home and garden savings , with tips for rewards plans, seasonal discounts, and more.

Creative Storage Solutions for Gardeners

Don't forget to explore the adjacent home organization and storage aisles for garden-adjacent treasures. The industrial HYLLIS metal shelf is a workhorse for sheds and greenhouses, while creative shoppers often "hack" the versatile KALLAX shelf unit and classic BILLY bookcase, transforming them into stunning indoor vertical gardens.

Types of Discounts and How to Find Them

True savings at IKEA are achieved through strategic participation in their programs, not by hunting for elusive sitewide promo codes. Understanding how these programs work is the key to maximizing your budget. If you have specific questions about store policies or how your membership works, IKEA’s official FAQ page is a great resource to have on hand.

Unlock Exclusive Prices with IKEA Family

Your secret weapon is the IKEA Family Member Offers. This free loyalty program is the key that unlocks nearly all savings at the store. Once you're a member, you gain access to exclusive, lower prices on dozens of home and garden items each month. These are clearly marked in-store with a blue "IKEA Family price" tag, and the discount is applied automatically when you scan your card or are logged into your account online.

The Truth About IKEA Promo Codes and Coupons

When it comes to Promo Codes and Coupons, it’s important to manage your expectations. Sitewide promo codes are exceedingly rare. The most common and legitimate codes are targeted, one-time use coupons sent directly to IKEA Family members as a reward for their loyalty. These often come in the form of a "Welcome" offer after you sign up, a valuable "New Mover" coupon if you register a change of address, or a delightful birthday reward, which can often be applied to a larger purchase for extra savings.

The Pro-Level Strategy: Layering Your Savings

The ultimate IKEA savings strategy is "Layering" Your Savings. This involves combining different offers in a single transaction to maximize your discount. Imagine this scenario: an APPLARÖ outdoor sofa you've been eyeing is on sale with a special IKEA Family price of $399, down from its regular $499. You decide to pay for it using a $100 IKEA gift card that you received from a previous store promotion. To make the deal even sweeter, you apply the $10 birthday reward coupon that just arrived in your email. By layering these three savings—the Family price, the gift card, and the coupon—your final out-of-pocket cost plummets to just $289.

Other Key Savings Programs and Partnerships

Beyond the main sales events, IKEA offers several other programs that provide continuous opportunities to save on your home and garden projects.

IKEA Rewards Program

The IKEA Rewards Program is an exciting evolution of the IKEA Family membership. In addition to exclusive prices, members now earn points on every single purchase. These points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for dollar-off discounts on future purchases. This means every planter, cushion, or lighting fixture you buy helps you save on your next shopping trip.

IKEA Visa Credit Card

For the truly dedicated IKEA shopper, the IKEA Visa Credit Card offers an accelerated way to earn. Cardmembers receive 5% back in rewards on all IKEA purchases, which can lead to substantial savings on big-ticket items like a complete patio furniture collection.

Circular Hub (Formerly "As-Is" Section)

One of the most beloved secrets among IKEA enthusiasts is the Circular Hub (formerly the "As-Is" section). This is every bargain hunter's first destination in the store. Located near the checkouts, this section is a treasure trove of returned items, ex-display models, and products with minor cosmetic imperfections, all sold at a steep discount. It’s an amazing place to find already-assembled patio furniture, unique planters, and outdoor decor for a fraction of the original cost.

Buy Back and Resell Program

In line with their commitment to sustainability, IKEA also offers a Buy Back and Resell Program. IKEA Family members can sell their gently-used, fully assembled IKEA furniture back to the store. In return, you receive store credit, which you can then put toward your next home or garden upgrade. It’s a brilliant way to give your old furniture a second life while funding your new design vision.

A Smart Shopper's Guide to IKEA Home and Garden

The #1 Rule: Join IKEA Family

It cannot be overstated: this is the single most important action you can take to save money at IKEA. The membership is completely free and serves as your all-access pass to the best prices on patio furniture, plants, and outdoor decor. It also grants you valuable perks like 90-day price protection and a stored purchase history for hassle-free returns.

Shop the Circular Hub First

Before you get lost in the showroom maze, make a strategic detour to the Circular Hub. By starting your shopping trip here, you might discover the perfect outdoor table or set of chairs at a massive discount, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars and the time it takes to assemble it.

Buy Outdoor Furniture Off-Season

This is a classic retail rule that pays huge dividends at IKEA. To save the most on big-ticket seasonal items, plan your shopping trip for the end of the summer, typically in August and September. This is when stores put patio sets, parasols, and outdoor cushions on deep clearance to make room for incoming fall and holiday inventory.

Master the Price Protection Policy

As an IKEA Family member, you have peace of mind with their 90-day price protection policy. If you purchase an item and it goes on sale for a lower price within 90 days, simply bring your receipt to the customer service desk. They will happily refund you the price difference, ensuring you always get the best deal.

Check the Plant Section for "Needs Love" Deals

Here’s a secret for the green-thumbed shopper. Many IKEA stores have a small, often unmarked cart or section where they place live plants that are slightly imperfect. These "needs love" plants might be a little wilted or have a minor blemish, but they can be easily revived with a little care and are sold for a significant discount.

IKEA Shipping, Returns and Policies

Knowing the store's policies can save you time, money, and headaches. We've distilled the key takeaways from IKEA's official site to help you shop with confidence.

Shipping Policy

IKEA does not offer standard free shipping across the board. For large items like outdoor furniture, delivery fees are calculated based on the order's weight and your distance from the store, with IKEA Family members often receiving a discounted rate starting at $19. While it's a cost to consider, for a large patio set that would be difficult to transport, this scheduled doorstep delivery is a practical and often necessary convenience.

Return Policy

IKEA's return policy is legendary for its generosity. You have a full 365 days to return any new, unopened product for a complete refund, as long as you have proof of purchase. In an even more remarkable move, they allow you to return opened products within 180 days for a full refund. This incredible policy even extends to their live plants; if your plant dies within a year of purchase, you can return its remains with your receipt for an exchange or your money back, making it a risk-free way to build your plant collection.

Click and Collect

For those who want to avoid delivery fees but save time in the store, the Click and Collect service is the perfect middle ground. You can place your entire order online and schedule a pickup at your local store for a small fee, which usually starts at just $5. Your items will be gathered and waiting for you, allowing you to bypass the warehouse and get on with your day.

How We Find and Publish Deals

Our dedicated team of deal curators is on a constant mission to find the very best IKEA deals for you, our readers. We scour every corner of the internet, monitor their site for new promotions, and verify each offer to ensure it provides real value. This tireless effort means you can trust that the deals you see on DealNews are current, accurate, and the best available.

Why Trust DealNews?

DealNews has been helping our readers save money on everything under the sun for years, and when it comes to getting the best bang for your buck at stores like IKEA, this year is no exception. We deliver hundreds of deals to savvy shoppers every single day, covering a massive range of products—from clothes and home goods to tech gadgets and vacations. All those years of experience go into making absolutely sure that every deal we publish is the best price you're likely to find, period. Our commitment is to you, the reader, regardless of any relationship we might have with a store.

Want to tap into that expertise directly? Consider signing up for the DealNews Select newsletter . It's your daily dose of handpicked, hot deals delivered straight to your inbox every weekday. Plus, if there's something specific you're waiting to go on sale, you can set a deal alert for products you're interested in and get an instant notification when the price drops.