The best storage bed isn't necessarily the one with the largest compartment. It's the one that lets you access your belongings easily, without disrupting how you use your bedroom.
Storage bed frames are an attractive solution for bedrooms where closet and dresser space is limited. By using the space underneath your mattress, they can help reduce clutter without requiring another large piece of furniture.
But not every under-bed storage system works the same way.
Some beds use drawers that open from the sides. Others have a mattress platform that lifts to reveal a large compartment. Some simply leave enough clearance underneath the frame for separate storage bins.
Each approach has advantages and limitations.
At Cozey, we chose four independent side-access drawers for our Ara Storage Bed, with two drawers on each side.
Our reasoning was simple: we wanted storage that people could actually use during everyday life.
You should be able to retrieve a blanket while your partner is sleeping, find clean sheets without moving the mattress or access a drawer while the bed itself remains in use.
There should be no need to remove your bedding or operate a large lifting mechanism just to reach something underneath.
However, side drawers also need enough room to open, and they're not the best solution for every bedroom layout.
This guide explains exactly how Ara's storage works, how much it holds, what fits inside and what to consider before choosing a bed frame with drawers.
On This Page
- How Does Storage Work in the Cozey Ara Bed?
- Why Did Cozey Choose Drawers Instead of a Lift-Up Mattress?
- How Much Storage Does Ara Have in Full, Queen and King Sizes?
- What Can You Actually Fit in an Ara Drawer?
- How Much Weight Can Each Ara Storage Drawer Hold?
- How Much Clearance Do Storage Bed Drawers Need?
- Are Storage Beds With Drawers Good for Small Apartments?
- Storage Bed With Drawers vs. Lift-Up Storage Bed
- Is Ara a Sturdy Bed Frame?
- Is Ara Difficult to Assemble?
- What Styles Does the Ara Upholstered Storage Bed Offer?
- Is Ara's Upholstery Washable?
- Can You Add Storage to an Ara Bed Later?
- Who Should Choose Ara Storage—and Who Shouldn't?
- Final Thoughts: Storage Should Be Convenient, Not Complicated
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Storage Work in the Cozey Ara Bed?
The Ara Storage Bed has four drawers integrated into its modular frame.
Two drawers open from one side of the bed and two from the other.
Each compartment is independent.
This means customers can retrieve something from one drawer without opening the others or moving the sleeping surface.
The drawers use dedicated hardware, including rails and wheels, designed to help them open and close.
Unlike an ottoman-style or lift-up storage bed, Ara doesn't require customers to raise the mattress platform to access their belongings.
Why Four Compartments?
We chose four drawers because separate compartments can make everyday organization more convenient.
For example, one person might use the drawers on their side of the bed for clothing, while their partner keeps bedding or other belongings on the opposite side.
The drawers can also be organized by category:
- Spare sheets and pillowcases.
- Lightweight blankets and throws.
- Folded clothing.
- Seasonal accessories.
- Other relatively lightweight bedroom essentials.
Instead of searching through one large compartment, you can open the specific drawer containing the item you need.
For customers who use their under-bed storage frequently, this can make a real difference.
Why Did Cozey Choose Drawers Instead of a Lift-Up Mattress?
When we developed Ara, we didn't want to evaluate storage exclusively by how much space we could fit underneath the bed.
We wanted to consider how easy that space would be to use every day.
Access Storage Without Moving the Mattress
With a lift-up storage bed, customers typically raise the mattress platform to access the compartment underneath.
Depending on the design, that may involve a lifting mechanism, a substantial mattress and a large moving platform.
With Ara, the mattress remains in place.
You simply open the drawer on the side of the bed.
Access Your Belongings While Your Partner Sleeps
Imagine your partner has gone to bed, but you need an extra blanket.
With a mattress-lift system, accessing the compartment generally means moving the platform your partner is lying on.
With side drawers, you can retrieve the blanket without lifting the mattress.
This was one of the most important reasons we chose the design.
No Need to Clear the Bed
Another consideration was normal family life.
You may have already made the bed, arranged the pillows or put your bedding in place.
Your children might also be relaxing on the mattress.
A side drawer can be opened without moving the bed surface.
Of course, children should always be supervised around drawers, and they should never be allowed to climb into the storage compartments.
No Large Lift-Up Mechanism
Our drawers operate using conventional drawer components rather than a gas-assisted mattress-lifting system.
This avoids the lifting operation and some of the mechanical complexity associated with that approach.
We wouldn't suggest every lift-up bed is dangerous. Well-engineered lifting systems can be safe and appropriate when used correctly.
But we wanted Ara's storage to be accessible without requiring customers to raise a loaded mattress platform.
For us, the primary benefit of side-access storage is convenience, not just capacity.
How Much Storage Does Ara Have in Full, Queen and King Sizes?
Summary: Each size has four drawers, providing approximately 7.5 cubic feet (Full), 9.2 cubic feet (Queen) or 11.5 cubic feet (King) of nominal internal storage.
The Ara Upholstered Storage Bed is available in Full, Queen and King configurations in the United States.
Each size includes four drawers, but the internal dimensions vary.
Here are the approximate measurements from our product-development specifications.
| Bed size | Internal dimensions per drawer (L × W × H) | Capacity per drawer | Total for four drawers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | 25.6 × 25.0 × 5.1 inches | 1.9 cu. ft. | 7.5 cu. ft. |
| Queen | 28.5 × 27.5 × 5.1 inches | 2.3 cu. ft. | 9.2 cu. ft. |
| King | 35.7 × 27.5 × 5.1 inches | 2.9 cu. ft. | 11.5 cu. ft. |
These are rounded, nominal internal measurements. Cubic-foot volumes are calculated from the internal dimensions, not measured by packing household items. Actual usable storage depends on item shape, drawer construction and how belongings are arranged.
How Much Storage Does a Queen Ara Bed Have?
The Queen version provides approximately 2.3 cubic feet of nominal space per drawer.
Across all four drawers, that comes to about 9.2 cubic feet of storage.
This gives customers separate compartments for folded linens, lighter clothing and accessories.
However, drawer depth matters just as much as total volume.
With an internal height of approximately 5.1 inches, the drawers are relatively shallow.
A folded sheet set may fit comfortably, while a bulky comforter or oversized pillow may be too thick.
Is the King Storage Bed Significantly Larger?
Yes.
The King has larger drawers, bringing the total nominal volume to approximately 11.5 cubic feet.
This provides more storage than the Queen while retaining the same four-drawer arrangement.
The extra volume may be useful for households that need more space for folded bedding or clothing.
However, a King bed also occupies more floor space, so the larger storage capacity needs to be considered alongside the bedroom dimensions.
How Does a Full Storage Bed Compare?
The Full configuration provides approximately 7.5 cubic feet across four drawers.
It may be particularly appealing for smaller bedrooms where a Queen or King frame would occupy too much space.
For someone choosing between Full and Queen, we'd recommend considering the mattress space needed for sleeping before focusing on the difference in storage volume.
What Can You Actually Fit in an Ara Drawer?
Storage capacity is easier to understand when you think about the objects you plan to store.
We designed Ara's drawers primarily for the types of belongings commonly kept in a bedroom.
Sheets and Pillowcases
Spare sheet sets are a natural fit.
They're usually easy to fold into relatively flat stacks, and keeping them under the bed makes them convenient to retrieve when changing your bedding.
Thin Blankets and Throws
Lightweight throws and smaller blankets can work well.
Very thick comforters may not fit because of the drawer's height, even if their folded length and width seem manageable.
Folded Clothing
Pajamas, T-shirts, lightweight sweaters and seasonal clothing are useful examples.
Under-bed drawers can be particularly attractive when closet or dresser space is limited.
Smaller Bedroom Accessories
Spare pillowcases, fabric covers and other lightweight accessories can also be organized in the compartments.
What About Pillows and Comforters?
It depends on their dimensions and how much they compress.
Because the internal height is only about five inches, customers shouldn't assume that a standard pillow or bulky comforter will fit.
We recommend measuring the item in its folded or packed form before purchasing.
The goal isn't to claim that anything can fit inside an Ara drawer.
It's to help customers understand what the compartments are genuinely useful for.
How Much Weight Can Each Ara Storage Drawer Hold?
Each drawer has a maximum specified load of 20 pounds, approximately 9 kilograms.
This limit is separate from the structural weight capacity of the bed frame itself.
It's important because a storage compartment can have considerable volume without being intended for very dense or heavy items.
For example, a drawer may have enough physical room for a stack of books, but the combined weight could exceed the recommended load.
We recommend using the drawers for relatively lightweight household belongings and distributing weight appropriately.
Our assembly instructions also advise customers to open storage gently with both hands.
Children shouldn't climb into the drawers, and the compartments shouldn't be used to store hazardous chemicals, liquids or flammable products.
As with any storage furniture, the appropriate weight and use limits matter more than how much can physically be squeezed inside.
How Much Clearance Do Storage Bed Drawers Need?
This is probably the most important question for anyone considering a side-drawer bed.
The available space beside the bed determines whether the storage will be convenient to use.
The drawers extend outward from the frame.
That means customers need to consider more than the overall bed dimensions.
Nightstand Placement
A nightstand positioned close to the headboard may overlap the path of the drawer nearest the head of the bed.
If the nightstand is too wide or deep, it may prevent that drawer from opening fully.
We recommend measuring the actual furniture layout before purchasing.
Walkways and Other Furniture
A drawer may also be obstructed by a dresser, chair, wall or another object on the opposite side of the room.
Even if it opens without touching anything, you'll need enough room to crouch or kneel and retrieve belongings.
That's the difference between theoretical clearance and genuinely comfortable access.
How to Check Your Room
- Start by measuring the intended bed's outside dimensions.
- Then map the position of your nightstands, dresser and any nearby walls.
- Determine which drawer locations may overlap with those obstacles.
- Finally, check the fully extended drawer footprint for your exact configuration.
We wouldn't recommend treating the internal drawer depth as the required opening clearance. Those are two different measurements.
If you can't confirm the full opening clearance, ask the manufacturer for that dimension before ordering.
If you'd like help planning your bedroom layout, you can book a free design consultation.
Are Storage Beds With Drawers Good for Small Apartments?
They can be, especially when the room has accessible floor space on both sides of the bed.
For a New York apartment, Chicago condo or compact urban bedroom, an integrated storage bed can help reduce the need for additional furniture.
Instead of buying a separate storage chest for spare sheets and clothing, some of those belongings can be kept underneath the mattress.
However, the right storage mechanism depends on the room.
When Ara Makes Sense in a Small Apartment
Ara is particularly attractive when:
- Both sides of the bed can be accessed.
- There is enough room to pull out the drawers.
- The household needs regularly accessible storage.
- You want to keep blankets and clothing organized.
- You prefer not to lift the mattress to reach your belongings.
When Ara May Not Be Ideal
If one side of the bed is pushed against a wall, the drawers on that side won't be conveniently accessible.
If a large dresser sits close to the bed, it may block another drawer.
And if the room has almost no space beside the frame, a side-drawer system may be less practical than an alternative that opens from above.
A Useful Apartment-Planning Test
Before ordering, mark the proposed bed footprint on the floor with painter's tape.
Use your actual nightstand and dresser dimensions to visualize the space beside it.
Think through a simple everyday action: if you needed a clean sheet at night, would you be able to reach the drawer comfortably?
If the answer is no, reconsider the layout or the storage mechanism.
The best storage solution is the one that remains accessible after all the other bedroom furniture is in place.
Storage Bed With Drawers vs. Lift-Up Storage Bed
Both designs use the space beneath the mattress, but they prioritize different kinds of access.
| Feature | Side-access drawers | Lift-up platform |
|---|---|---|
| Access while someone lies on the mattress | Usually possible without moving the mattress | Generally requires raising the sleeping platform |
| Clear floor space beside the bed | Needed | Less lateral extension required |
| Internal organization | Multiple separate compartments | Often a larger shared storage area |
| Mechanical operation | Drawer rails, wheels or slides | Lifting platform and associated mechanism |
| Access to bulky items | Limited by drawer dimensions | Can be more accommodating, depending on the design |
| Best fit | Frequently accessed belongings | Items stored less frequently or rooms with limited side clearance |
Why We Prioritized Drawers for Ara
For Ara, we placed particular importance on accessing storage without disturbing the sleeping surface.
We wanted customers to be able to retrieve items even when someone else was in bed.
We also wanted to avoid making customers remove pillows or manipulate a large lifting platform.
When Lift-Up Storage May Be Better
Lift-up systems can be useful when the bed sits close to walls or other furniture.
They may also provide a large continuous compartment that accommodates objects difficult to fit into individual drawers.
However, customers should evaluate how much effort is required to lift the platform and whether that access method suits their household.
Neither system is perfect.
Our recommendation is to choose based on how and how often you use your storage, not simply the advertised capacity.
Is Ara a Sturdy Bed Frame?
The storage system is built around Ara's modular steel frame.
The main bed structure consists of four connected frame quadrants, supported by legs.
The mattress rests on a slat system rather than directly on the storage drawers.
This distinction matters because the drawers aren't responsible for supporting the people sleeping on the bed.
The support structure and the drawer system have different functions.
Ara Frame Weight Limits
The current Ara assembly guide specifies these maximum total loads:
| Bed size | Maximum load, including mattress and occupants |
|---|---|
| Full | 600 lb |
| Queen | 800 lb |
| King | 900 lb |
These limits include the weight of the mattress itself.
They should not be confused with the 20-pound limit for each individual storage drawer.
We believe publishing both figures helps customers understand how the system is designed and used.
A properly sized mattress should fit fully within the frame, and customers should follow the assembly instructions to ensure the structural components are connected correctly.
Is Ara Difficult to Assemble?
Ara was developed around a modular construction system intended to make large bedroom furniture easier to move and assemble.
Its four-part frame, foldable panels and connection system help avoid transporting a single oversized bed structure.
But we also want to set realistic expectations.
Assembling the Main Frame
The structural frame uses four quadrants that connect together.
Corner and central legs secure the assembled structure.
Exterior panels attach to the frame through a clip-on connection system.
Assembling the Storage Drawers
A storage configuration involves additional work.
Customers need to assemble four drawers using their supplied panels and hardware, then install the relevant drawer components.
The drawer assembly uses screws and an included Allen key.
That means it's more accurate to describe the main structure as using a largely hand-assembled, clip-on system than to suggest that every part of an Ara storage bed requires no tools.
What About Assembly Time?
The time required depends on the selected headboard, available space, experience and whether you're working with another person.
Our assembly manual recommends two people for larger pieces.
We recommend watching the appropriate assembly video and reviewing the instructions before starting.
For installation, the guide advises initially positioning the frame approximately 24 inches away from the wall so there is enough room to connect the headboard.
What About the Number of Boxes?
The assembly box map for a complete upholstered storage configuration lists approximately 11–12 cartons, depending on headboard style.
The exact shipment arrangement should be confirmed with the current order details.
That's more packaging than a simple non-storage frame, but it allows the structure and drawers to arrive as individual components that can be taken into the bedroom.
What Styles Does the Ara Upholstered Storage Bed Offer?
The U.S. Ara collection allows customers to choose between rounded and square upholstered storage frames.
Those frames can be paired with compatible headboards, including:
- Round.
- Square.
- Pillow.
- Extended.
Different fabrics and finishes create further design options.
This means customers don't need to select one fixed-looking storage bed simply because they want drawers.
Rounded Upholstered Frame
A rounded upholstered frame introduces softer edges and a more sculptural appearance.
Square Upholstered Frame
A square frame provides a more architectural, straight-edged silhouette.
Ara Headboard Options
A headboard affects both the bedroom's appearance and the experience of sitting up against it.
For example, an extended headboard creates a broader design statement, while a pillow headboard emphasizes a softer appearance.
The correct choice depends on your style, available wall width, mattress height and whether you frequently sit up in bed.
We recommend comparing the complete external dimensions of the frame and headboard before deciding.
Is Ara's Upholstery Washable?
Yes. Ara Upholstered has removable, machine-washable covers on its supported upholstered frame and headboard components.
This is useful because bed upholstery can accumulate everyday dust, oils and marks over time.
Unlike permanently upholstered frames, removable covers allow eligible fabric to be cleaned separately.
Why Does Washable Upholstery Matter for a Storage Bed?
A storage bed is often a long-term investment.
The drawers and structural frame may continue functioning well even if the fabric needs cleaning or refreshing.
Removable upholstery gives customers more maintenance options without requiring a completely new bed.
Compatible replacement covers can also allow customers to update the appearance of the furniture.
Are All Fabrics Washed the Same Way?
Not necessarily.
Customers should follow the instructions for their selected material.
For eligible Cozey fabrics, cold-water washing and air-drying are generally recommended.
As with any removable upholstery, careful removal and reinstallation help preserve fit and appearance.
Can You Add Storage to an Ara Bed Later?
Ara uses a modular structural system, but customers shouldn't assume that every component or conversion kit is sold separately at all times.
The system's engineering allows different configurations to share important structural elements.
However, future modifications depend on the components actually available for the model, generation and size you own.
If you're considering purchasing a non-storage frame today and adding drawers later, we'd recommend confirming the currently supported upgrade path with Cozey before making that decision.
The same principle applies to replacing headboards, changing upholstery and ordering individual components.
We want customers to benefit from modularity while having realistic expectations about compatibility and availability.
Who Should Choose Ara Storage—and Who Shouldn't?
Ara Storage is particularly worth considering for households that want:
- Frequently accessible under-bed storage.
- Four separate compartments for organizing belongings.
- Access without lifting the mattress.
- Storage that can be opened without disturbing a sleeping partner.
- A choice of upholstered design styles.
- A modular structure that is easier to transport in parts.
- Removable, washable upholstery.
However, a different bed may work better if you need one very large uninterrupted compartment, want to store extremely bulky objects or have insufficient clearance beside the frame.
We'd rather customers choose the right storage system for their bedroom than buy an Ara configuration whose drawers they can't fully use.
Final Thoughts: Storage Should Be Convenient, Not Complicated
At Cozey, we believe the best storage furniture should make everyday life easier.
A storage bed can provide valuable additional space, but the real benefit depends on how easily you can access that space.
We chose four side-access drawers for Ara because we wanted customers to retrieve belongings without lifting their mattress or moving their bedding.
We wanted couples to access storage independently.
We wanted customers to keep blankets, sheets and everyday essentials organized in separate compartments.
And we wanted to avoid requiring a large lifting mechanism every time someone needed an item from underneath the bed.
The result is a storage system built around everyday accessibility.
However, the trade-offs still matter.
Side-access drawers need floor clearance. Nightstands can obstruct them. The drawer dimensions and weight limits determine what can be stored.
That's why we believe customers should compare actual measurements, room layouts and access methods—not just the advertised storage capacity.
The best storage bed isn't simply the one that stores the most. It's the one that makes its storage genuinely convenient to use.
That's what we set out to create with Ara.