A great storage bed should give you more room for your belongings without making those belongings difficult to reach. The amount of storage is important, but so are accessibility, bedroom layout and how the system works during normal everyday life.
Storage beds are particularly appealing in homes where wardrobe space is limited or where customers want to reduce the amount of furniture occupying the bedroom.
By using the space underneath the mattress, a storage bed can help keep spare sheets, lightweight blankets, clothing and other essentials out of sight.
But there are different ways to access that space.
Some beds have drawers that open from the sides. Others use gas-lift mechanisms to raise the mattress platform and reveal a large compartment.
At Cozey, we chose four independent side-access drawers for our Ara Storage Bed.
Our reasoning was to make everyday storage easy to use.
You can retrieve a spare doona cover while your partner is sleeping. You can access clothing without lifting the mattress. And you don't need to remove pillows or bedding just to reach something underneath the bed.
We also wanted to avoid requiring customers to operate a large lifting platform for frequent storage access.
However, side drawers have their own limitations.
They need clear floor space to open, and bedside tables or nearby walls can obstruct them.
This guide explains Ara's actual drawer dimensions, how much storage each bed size provides and how to decide whether a side-drawer storage bed is the right choice for your Australian home.
On This Page
- How Does the Ara Storage Bed Work?
- Why Did Cozey Choose Drawers Instead of Gas-Lift Storage?
- How Much Storage Does the Ara Bed Provide?
- What Can You Fit Inside the Storage Drawers?
- How Much Weight Can Each Drawer Hold?
- How Much Floor Space Does an Ara Storage Bed Need?
- Can Bedside Tables Block the Drawers?
- Are Storage Beds With Drawers Good for Small Australian Bedrooms?
- Side Drawers vs. Gas-Lift Storage Beds: Which Is Better?
- How Is Ara's Storage Bed Constructed?
- Is Ara Storage Difficult to Assemble?
- What Design Options Are Available in Australia?
- Are Ara's Upholstered Covers Washable?
- Can You Add Storage to Ara Later?
- Is Ara the Right Storage Bed for You?
- Final Thoughts: The Best Storage Bed Should Be Easy to Access
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Ara Storage Bed Work?
The Cozey Ara Storage Bed has four drawers integrated into its modular frame.
There are two drawers on each side of the bed.
Each compartment opens independently, so customers only need to access the drawer containing the item they want.
The drawers use their own rails, wheels and supporting hardware.
Unlike a gas-lift storage bed, Ara doesn't require the mattress platform to be raised to reach the storage.
The mattress remains in its normal position.
Why Four Separate Drawers?
We chose separate compartments because they make organisation more straightforward.
For example, one person could keep folded clothing in the drawers on their side of the bed, while their partner uses the opposite side for spare bedding.
Alternatively, the four compartments could be used for:
- Bed sheets and pillowcases.
- Lightweight blankets and throws.
- Seasonal clothing.
- Sleepwear and accessories.
- Other relatively lightweight bedroom essentials.
Instead of opening one large storage area and searching through everything, you can organise belongings into smaller groups.
That makes the storage particularly useful for items you need to retrieve regularly.
Why Did Cozey Choose Drawers Instead of Gas-Lift Storage?
When developing Ara, we wanted to improve the everyday experience of using a storage bed.
It wasn't enough to create additional volume underneath the mattress.
The storage needed to be accessible.
You Don't Have to Lift the Mattress
Gas-lift storage beds usually rely on a hinged mattress platform supported by lifting hardware.
To access the compartment, customers raise the sleeping surface.
Depending on the design, that can involve moving a relatively heavy platform and mattress.
Ara takes a different approach.
The drawers open from the sides, so the mattress stays where it is.
You Can Access Storage Without Disturbing Your Partner
This was one of our main design considerations.
Imagine your partner has already gone to sleep.
You want to retrieve a blanket or another set of sheets.
With Ara, you can open the relevant drawer without lifting the sleeping platform.
For couples with different schedules, that's a meaningful practical advantage.
You Don't Need to Remove Bedding
Another benefit is that the bed can remain made up.
There is no need to remove pillows, rearrange the doona or clear other items from the mattress.
The drawers are accessible while the bed surface stays in place.
This can also be convenient during normal family life, including when children are using the bed.
However, children should be supervised near moving drawer components and must not climb inside the storage compartments.
No Large Mattress-Lifting Mechanism
Ara's drawers use conventional drawer hardware rather than a gas-assisted system that raises the entire mattress platform.
We wanted to avoid the extra lifting step and mechanical complexity for customers who access storage frequently.
That doesn't mean all gas-lift beds are unsafe.
Well-designed lifting mechanisms can work well when used correctly.
But side-access drawers eliminate the need to operate that type of lifting system.
For us, the most important benefit was convenient access—not simply maximizing the space underneath a mattress.
How Much Storage Does the Ara Bed Provide?
Summary: Every Ara storage size has four drawers, providing approximately 212 litres (Full), 260 litres (Queen) or 312 litres (Australian King) of nominal internal storage.
Ara Upholstered is available through Cozey Australia's website in Full, Queen and King configurations.
All three storage sizes have four drawers.
However, their internal dimensions differ.
Here are the approximate measurements from our Australian product specifications.
| Bed size | Internal dimensions per drawer (L × W × H) | Volume per drawer | Total nominal storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | 64.9 × 63.4 × 12.85 cm | 53 L | 212 L |
| Queen | 72.4 × 69.8 × 12.85 cm | 65 L | 260 L |
| King (Australia) | 86.9 × 69.9 × 12.85 cm | 78 L | 312 L |
These figures are rounded from the product-development drawings. Volumes are calculated from the nominal interior measurements. Actual usable capacity depends on the shapes of the items stored and the drawer construction.
How Much Storage Does an Ara Queen Bed Have?
A Queen Ara storage bed offers approximately 65 litres in each drawer.
Across four drawers, that's around 260 litres of nominal internal storage space.
That makes it useful for folded sheets, doona covers, lightweight blankets and clothing.
However, the drawer height is approximately 12.85 cm.
That means relatively flat items are generally easier to store than bulky objects.
How Much Storage Does an Australian King Ara Bed Have?
The Australian King offers approximately 78 litres per drawer.
Across all four compartments, that's around 312 litres of nominal storage.
That's more than the Queen, without increasing the number of drawers.
Why Is the Australian King Different From the North American King?
Bed sizes vary between countries.
The Australian King Ara has different dimensions from the North American King version.
Consequently, its storage drawers also have different internal measurements.
It's important not to apply North American King storage specifications to an Australian purchase.
We recommend using the dimensions listed for the product and country where you're ordering.
What Can You Fit Inside the Storage Drawers?
The most useful way to evaluate storage is to consider the belongings you'd actually keep there.
Spare Sheets and Pillowcases
These are particularly well suited to under-bed storage.
Sheet sets can be folded into compact stacks, making them relatively easy to organise in shallow drawers.
Keeping them near the bed is also convenient when changing your bedding.
Doona Covers
A folded doona cover may fit comfortably, depending on its size and thickness.
The drawer is also a useful place for spare pillowcases and other lightweight bedding accessories.
Lightweight Blankets
Thin blankets, throws and similar items may fit well.
However, a bulky winter doona may be too thick for the available height.
We recommend measuring it once folded rather than assuming that its compressed volume will be suitable.
Clothing and Accessories
Folded T-shirts, sleepwear, lightweight jumpers and seasonal clothing can also make good use of the space.
This can be particularly helpful in bedrooms with limited wardrobe or chest-of-drawers space.
What Doesn't Fit Well in Ara's Drawers?
Very large pillows, thick doonas and tall storage containers may exceed the drawer's internal height.
Dense or unusually heavy objects may exceed the specified weight limit even when there's enough physical space.
The ideal contents are relatively lightweight, easy-to-fold belongings that suit the drawer's proportions.
How Much Weight Can Each Drawer Hold?
Each Ara storage drawer has a specified maximum load of 9 kg, approximately 20 lb.
This applies to each individual compartment.
Customers should distribute belongings appropriately and avoid overloading the drawers.
The weight limit is important because a drawer's volume doesn't tell you how much weight it can safely support.
For example, a compartment may offer enough room for a stack of heavy objects but still have a load limit intended for lighter household items.
We recommend using Ara's drawers primarily for textiles, clothing and similar belongings.
The assembly guide also instructs customers to open the storage gently with both hands.
Children should be supervised, and the drawers shouldn't be used for climbing or storing hazardous substances.
We believe clear storage limits help customers use the system comfortably over time.
How Much Floor Space Does an Ara Storage Bed Need?
Storage beds need to be evaluated as part of the complete bedroom layout.
The external bed-frame dimensions are only the starting point.
For Ara, customers also need to consider the space beside the frame, since the drawers open outward.
Approximate Ara Storage Bed-Frame Footprints
The Australian reference specifications list the following approximate outside dimensions for the storage frame:
| Bed size | Frame width | Frame length |
|---|---|---|
| Full | 162.3 cm | 203.5 cm |
| Queen | 177.7 cm | 216.5 cm |
| King (Australia) | 205.7 cm | 216.5 cm |
These measurements refer to the storage bed-frame footprint. A selected headboard may be wider or change the total space required. Always check the complete configured dimensions.
These measurements help establish whether the frame itself will fit.
But they don't tell you how much space the drawers need when they're opened.
Why Drawer Clearance Matters
If a drawer opens directly towards a dresser, wall or chair, that object may prevent it from extending fully.
Customers also need enough room to stand or crouch beside the bed.
A drawer that barely clears nearby furniture may still be inconvenient to use.
A Simple Room-Planning Exercise
- We recommend drawing the room to scale.
- Mark the bed's complete footprint, including the selected headboard.
- Then add the actual width and depth of your bedside tables and other furniture.
- Identify the spaces where each of the four drawers would open.
- Finally, check the full drawer-opening clearance for the exact configuration.
The internal drawer dimensions shown earlier should not be mistaken for the distance the drawer travels outward.
If you'd like help planning your bedroom layout, you can book a free design consultation.
Can Bedside Tables Block the Drawers?
Yes.
This is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a side-access storage bed.
A bedside table near the headboard may overlap the opening path of the drawer closest to the head of the bed.
Depending on the table's depth, width and position, the drawer may not open fully.
How Can You Avoid Bedside Tables Blocking the Drawers?
Start by measuring the bedside table rather than estimating from photographs.
Consider its depth and exactly where its legs or base sit.
Then compare those dimensions with the drawer locations.
In some rooms, changing the bedside-table position or selecting a more compact design may improve access.
Wall-mounted bedside shelves may also be an option where appropriate, provided their positioning doesn't interfere with drawer operation.
However, there's no universal arrangement that works in every room.
The best approach is to assess the actual furniture layout before purchasing.
A storage drawer is only useful if you can open and access it comfortably.
Are Storage Beds With Drawers Good for Small Australian Bedrooms?
They can be, especially when they reduce the need for separate storage furniture.
This may be attractive in a Sydney apartment, Melbourne terrace, Brisbane townhouse or smaller bedroom where available floor area is limited.
By adding storage beneath the mattress, customers may be able to keep more belongings out of sight.
But side drawers aren't automatically the most space-efficient system for every room.
When Ara Makes Sense in a Small Bedroom
Ara is particularly appealing when the bed is accessible from both sides.
For couples, this also means each person can use their side of the storage without disturbing the other.
It's useful when customers frequently access folded clothing or bedding.
And it can reduce the need for additional storage furniture when the bedroom layout allows full drawer access.
What If One Side Is Against a Wall?
If the bed is positioned tightly against a wall, the drawers on that side may be obstructed.
The opposite-side drawers may still be usable, but you won't have the same convenient access to all four compartments.
In that situation, a lift-up storage bed may be worth considering.
What About Narrow Walkways?
A bed can technically fit inside a room while leaving very little room for circulation.
If you add drawers that open into those narrow walkways, the storage may be frustrating to use.
We recommend evaluating the entire room rather than choosing a bed solely because its dimensions fit between two walls.
Side Drawers vs. Gas-Lift Storage Beds: Which Is Better?
Both systems can provide useful under-bed storage.
They simply prioritize different kinds of access.
| Consideration | Side-access drawers | Gas-lift storage bed |
|---|---|---|
| Access while someone is on the bed | Mattress remains in place | Mattress platform generally needs to be raised |
| Space needed beside the bed | Drawers require lateral clearance | Less lateral extension required |
| Storage organisation | Separate compartments | Often one large compartment |
| Operation | Drawer rails, wheels or slides | Hinged platform and lifting hardware |
| Bulky-item storage | Restricted by drawer dimensions | May accommodate larger items |
| Everyday access | Convenient when drawers are unobstructed | Involves lifting and lowering the platform |
When We'd Recommend Drawers
Drawers are attractive when you expect to access items regularly.
They can be particularly useful for couples and families who want to retrieve items without changing the mattress position.
The separate compartments also make organisation easier.
When Gas-Lift Storage Might Be Better
A gas-lift system may be worth considering when the bed sits close to walls or when there isn't enough space for side drawers.
It can also be useful when customers prefer one large storage area for less frequently accessed items.
However, customers should evaluate the lifting mechanism, its instructions and whether operating it is comfortable for them.
Neither design is automatically better in all situations.
At Cozey, we prioritized independent access, straightforward operation and the ability to leave the sleeping surface undisturbed.
How Is Ara's Storage Bed Constructed?
Ara is built around a modular steel support frame.
The main structure consists of four connected frame quadrants supported by legs.
A slat system supports an appropriately sized mattress.
The exterior upholstered panels provide the selected bed-frame appearance.
In storage configurations, separate drawer assemblies are integrated into the structure.
The drawers use their own panels, hardware, rails and wheels.
This distinction matters because the storage drawers aren't responsible for supporting the mattress and occupants.
The structural frame and drawers perform different functions.
What Are the Ara Frame Weight Limits?
The current Ara assembly instructions specify the following maximum total loads:
| Bed size | Maximum load, including mattress and occupants |
|---|---|
| Full | 272 kg |
| Queen | 363 kg |
| King | 408 kg |
These limits include the mattress.
They are separate from the 9 kg load limit per storage drawer.
Customers should use a properly sized mattress that fits fully within the frame and follow the assembly instructions for safe installation.
Is Ara Storage Difficult to Assemble?
The Ara system was designed to make a large piece of bedroom furniture more manageable to transport and assemble.
Its modular components can be brought into the room separately rather than moving an entire assembled bed through the home.
However, customers should understand that storage configurations involve more components than non-storage versions.
Assembling the Main Frame
The universal steel frame is assembled from four quadrants.
Its structural connections use legs and hand-fastened components.
The external upholstered panels attach through a clip-on connection system.
Assembling the Storage Drawers
Each drawer has its own panels and hardware.
The drawers need to be assembled and installed before the storage system is complete.
This includes screws and the use of an included Allen key.
It's therefore important not to interpret the bed's easy-assembly design as meaning that every storage component can be assembled without tools.
How Many Boxes Should You Expect?
The supplied packaging breakdown identifies approximately 11–12 cartons for a complete Ara Upholstered storage-bed configuration, depending on the chosen headboard.
Actual shipping arrangements should be checked against your order information.
The modular approach helps manage the size of individual components, but storage-bed assembly still requires time and preparation.
Should You Assemble It Alone?
Our current instructions recommend two adults for larger pieces.
We recommend reviewing the appropriate assembly guide and video before starting.
The assembly instructions also advise positioning the frame approximately 60 cm away from the wall while fitting the headboard.
This provides working space during assembly.
Customers should prepare a clear, level area and check that all components are present before beginning.
What Design Options Are Available in Australia?
The Australian Ara Upholstered collection offers rounded and square bed-frame designs, including storage configurations.
Customers can pair compatible upholstered frames and headboards within the collection.
Headboard styles include Round, Square, Pillow and Extended.
Different fabric colours and finishes allow further personalisation.
Round Storage Frame
The Round design provides a softer, more sculptural silhouette.
It's attractive for customers who prefer curved furniture and a less angular bedroom aesthetic.
Square Storage Frame
The Square design offers a more structured, architectural appearance.
It can work particularly well in minimalist or contemporary interiors.
Choosing an Ara Headboard
Headboard design changes both the look and the overall dimensions of a bed.
An Extended headboard creates a broader visual statement, while a Pillow headboard offers a softer upholstered appearance.
Customers should compare the complete headboard width and height rather than assuming every option occupies the same space.
This is particularly important in small bedrooms.
Are Ara's Upholstered Covers Washable?
Yes.
Ara Upholstered offers removable, machine-washable fabric covers on supported upholstered bed-frame and headboard components.
This is an important part of the system's long-term practicality.
Upholstered bed frames can accumulate dust and everyday marks.
Removable covers offer an additional way to maintain the appearance of the furniture without requiring the whole frame to be professionally reupholstered.
Why Do Removable Covers Matter?
A bed may remain structurally sound for many years, while its upholstery needs cleaning or a visual refresh.
Compatible replacement covers can help customers maintain or update the bed without replacing its underlying structure.
This is particularly useful for a customizable bed system.
Does Every Fabric Have the Same Care Instructions?
No.
Customers should follow the published care requirements for the selected material.
For eligible Cozey upholstery, we generally recommend gentle cold-water washing and air-drying.
Avoid assuming every fabric can be washed, dried or treated in exactly the same way.
Can You Add Storage to Ara Later?
Ara uses a modular structural platform with different configuration options.
However, the ability to change a specific bed after purchase depends on compatible parts and the components currently offered separately.
Customers shouldn't assume that every storage conversion kit is available for every model or production generation.
If you're considering buying a non-storage frame now and adding drawers later, confirm the supported options with Cozey before purchasing.
The same principle applies to changing headboards, ordering replacement upholstery or sourcing individual components.
We want customers to benefit from modular furniture while understanding the availability and compatibility requirements.
Is Ara the Right Storage Bed for You?
We think Ara Storage is particularly attractive for customers who:
- Want four separate under-bed storage compartments.
- Need regular access to folded clothing and bedding.
- Share a bed and don't want storage access to disturb their partner.
- Prefer not to raise the mattress platform.
- Have adequate clearance beside both sides of the bed.
- Value an upholstered design with removable covers.
- Want a modular structure that's easier to transport in separate pieces.
However, a different storage system may be better when the bed sits directly against a wall, when extremely bulky items need to be stored or when there is insufficient clearance for drawers.
A bed that looks beautiful in a product photograph still needs to work with the physical realities of the room.
That's why we recommend checking dimensions, access and practical storage needs before making a decision.
Final Thoughts: The Best Storage Bed Should Be Easy to Access
At Cozey, we believe great storage should make daily life simpler.
It's not enough to offer an empty space beneath a mattress.
Customers should be able to retrieve their belongings without unnecessary effort.
That's why we chose four side-access drawers for Ara.
We wanted couples to access storage without disturbing one another.
We wanted customers to keep sheets, doona covers, clothing and other essentials organised in separate compartments.
And we wanted storage that could be accessed without lifting the mattress platform or moving everything sitting on top of it.
However, no storage system is ideal for every bedroom.
Side drawers need clearance. Bedside tables can obstruct them. And the dimensions and weight limits of each compartment determine what can be stored.
In some layouts, a gas-lift storage bed may be the more practical choice.
We believe being transparent about these differences helps customers make better decisions.
The best storage bed isn't simply the one with the biggest advertised capacity. It's the one that makes that storage genuinely useful in your home.
That's what we aim to deliver with Ara.