Your Cozey Ara Bed is on its way! But how many boxes should you expect, what happens if they don't all arrive together, and which one should you open first?
We designed the Ara Bed System to make buying, receiving and assembling a bed simpler.
Rather than shipping one oversized bed frame, Ara arrives in multiple manageable boxes containing its steel structural frame, exterior panels, headboard and, if selected, storage drawers.
It's the same approach that has guided our modular sofas: compact shipping, easier assembly, sturdy construction and the ability for customers to personalize their furniture.
With Ara, you can choose your headboard shape, bed-frame design, storage or non-storage configuration, and your preferred Cozey fabric and color.
The number of boxes you receive depends on those choices.
One important thing to know before you begin: your boxes might not all arrive at the same time.
Even when your order ships as a complete furniture set, individual packages may move through the carrier network separately and arrive on different days.
That's normal for some multi-box deliveries.
We strongly recommend waiting until all your Ara boxes have arrived before starting assembly.
This guide explains how to check your delivery, identify the correct boxes for your configuration, find your upholstery covers and assembly guide, and follow the most convenient assembly sequence.
On This Page
- What Should You Expect When Your Ara Bed Is Delivered?
- Before Assembly: Make Sure You Have Every Box
- Where Are the Legs, Fabric Covers and Assembly Guide?
- How Many Boxes Does Each Ara Bed Configuration Have?
- What's Inside Each Ara Upholstered Box?
- Exact Box Checklist for Every Ara Upholstered Configuration
- All Boxes Have Arrived. Which Should You Open First?
- What Should You Open Next for a Non-Storage Bed?
- What Changes if You Ordered Storage?
- Which Headboard Boxes Should You Open?
- Why Should You Open the Slat Box Near the End?
- Where Can You Find Assembly Guides and Videos?
- Our Best Tips for a Smooth Ara Assembly
- What if Something Is Missing or Damaged?
- Final Thoughts: From Delivery to Your Personalized Ara Bed
What Should You Expect When Your Ara Bed Is Delivered?
Ara is designed to arrive in individual cartons that are easier to handle than one large assembled bed frame.
Your order may include:
- Two cartons containing the four sections of the steel frame.
- A smaller box containing legs and other accessories.
- Exterior frame panels.
- Headboard components.
- Slats.
- Storage drawer components, if you selected storage.
- Fabric covers, for Ara Upholstered.
- Assembly instructions.
The exact combination depends on your chosen configuration.
Can Ara Boxes Arrive on Different Days?
Yes. Your Cozey order may arrive in multiple deliveries, even when all the packages belong to the same bed.
For Cozey orders overall, approximately 20% have experienced split deliveries.
This means some boxes arrive first, while others are still being processed or transported by the carrier.
In many cases, the remaining boxes arrive on the same day or the next business day.
Occasionally, they may arrive two to three business days later.
This doesn't necessarily mean your order is incomplete or that a package has been lost.
Each box may receive a different scan or travel through a different part of the carrier network.
What Should You Do if Only Some Boxes Arrive?
First, check your tracking information.
You can use Track My Order on the Cozey website to see the latest available delivery information and estimated arrival date.
Your tracking details should help identify how many packages are expected.
If some are still in transit, the best next step is generally to wait for those packages before beginning assembly.
Do not start assembling your Ara Bed until all the required boxes have arrived.
Even if you already have the steel frame, you may still need the legs, hardware, headboard connectors or other essential components from a package that hasn't arrived.
Starting early can leave you with a partially assembled bed in the middle of your bedroom.
What if a Box Still Hasn't Arrived After Several Days?
If a package remains missing after approximately three to four business days, contact Cozey's Customer Happiness team.
We'll help investigate the shipment with the carrier.
If the courier cannot locate the package, Cozey can arrange to ship a replacement at no charge.
Our goal is to make sure you receive every component needed to complete your bed.
For delivery details, visit Cozey's shipping page.
Before Assembly: Make Sure You Have Every Box
When your first Ara boxes arrive, it's tempting to begin opening everything immediately.
We recommend doing something else first: check your complete order against the packages that have arrived.
Your Pre-Assembly Checklist
- Check your order confirmation for the correct bed size, frame and headboard.
- Review your tracking information for the expected number of packages.
- Confirm that all packages have been delivered.
- Identify the two steel-frame cartons labeled Box #1.
- Locate the smaller accessories box containing the legs and assembly instructions.
- For Ara Upholstered, locate your fabric covers and confirm the color.
- For a storage bed, confirm that all four drawer kits are present.
- For an Extended upholstered headboard, confirm that both left and right headboard cartons have arrived.
- Check the packages for visible damage before beginning.
Once every required component is accounted for, you're ready to start organizing your assembly.
Don't Confuse Box Numbers With Tracking Numbers
Ara's assembly guide identifies components using numbered box references.
Those numbers help you understand which pieces belong to which part of the bed.
Your courier may use separate tracking numbers or group packages differently.
Some accessories are also packed together.
For that reason, the numbered component checklist and the carrier's package list aren't always identical representations of the shipment.
Use both your order tracking and the assembly guide to confirm what should be present.
If the package count doesn't match what you're expecting, Customer Happiness can help clarify it.
Where Are the Legs, Fabric Covers and Assembly Guide?
The legs, upholstery covers and printed assembly guide are usually packaged together in one of the smaller boxes.
This is important because customers may initially expect a separate package for each type of component.
For Ara Upholstered, the smaller accessories box commonly contains:
- The bed's supporting legs.
- Hardware and accessories associated with the legs.
- Fabric covers for the ordered bed configuration.
- The printed assembly guide.
The exact arrangement may vary by order and packaging version.
In the assembly documentation, the legs are identified as Box #2.
That box is a good place to start looking for the smaller components.
Where Are My Fabric Covers?
Ara Upholstered uses removable, machine-washable Cozey fabric covers.
Depending on your configuration, your covers may include fabric for the bed frame, headboard, pillows, extended headboard sections or storage drawer fronts.
Rather than assuming these covers must arrive in separate large cartons, check the smaller accessories packaging first.
The product specifications also use separate reference numbers for cover sets. These identify which covers belong to the configuration; they don't necessarily mean you'll receive an additional shipping carton for every cover reference.
What if I Can't Find the Assembly Guide?
Check the smaller accessories box and its internal packaging.
You can also access the digital instructions online at any time:
Select Ara Upholstered.
The guide includes a QR code linking to an assembly video, so you can follow the process visually as well.
How Many Boxes Does Each Ara Bed Configuration Have?
The number of main numbered cartons depends on the frame and headboard.
Here's the basic breakdown for complete configurations with a headboard.
Main numbered cartons by Ara Bed configuration
| Configuration | Main numbered cartons |
|---|---|
| Ara Upholstered, non-storage, Round/Square/Pillow headboard | 7 |
| Ara Upholstered, non-storage, Extended headboard | 8 |
| Ara Upholstered, storage, Round/Square/Pillow headboard | 11 |
| Ara Upholstered, storage, Extended headboard | 12 |
These totals describe the main components in the reference box combinations.
Your actual shipping information is the authoritative reference for how many physical packages to expect, particularly because smaller components such as fabric covers, legs and assembly instructions can be packed together.
The counts generally remain the same between Full, Queen and King for the same configuration.
The size-specific components and codes change.
What's Inside Each Ara Upholstered Box?
Ara Upholstered uses numbered cartons to organize its steel structure, exterior panels, headboards and drawers.
Ara Upholstered box contents
| Box | Contents | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| #1 ×2 | Four steel frame quadrants across two cartons | Every configuration |
| #2 | Supporting legs and main hardware; commonly packed with covers and assembly guide | Every configuration |
| #3 | Upholstered front frame panel | Non-storage |
| #4 | Left and right upholstered side panels | Non-storage |
| #5 | Slat assemblies | Every configuration |
| #6 ×4 | Four individual drawer kits | Storage |
| #7 | Storage-version front panel | Storage |
| #8 | Four upholstered drawer-front panels | Storage |
| #9 | Round or Square headboard | Selected Round/Square headboard |
| #10 | Pillow headboard components and pillows | Pillow headboard |
| #11 + #12 | Left and right Extended headboard sections | Extended headboard |
Why Did I Receive Two Box #1 Cartons?
That's intentional.
Each Box #1 contains two steel frame quadrants.
You need two identical cartons to provide the four sections of Ara's main structural frame.
What if My Covers Don't Have Their Own Carton?
That's normal.
Fabric covers are usually included with the smaller accessories packaging.
Check that box carefully before assuming any covers are missing.
Exact Box Checklist for Every Ara Upholstered Configuration
The box combinations below apply to Full, Queen and King.
The actual product codes change according to size.
Ara Upholstered box checklist by configuration
| Frame | Headboard | Box numbers | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round, non-storage | Round or Square | #1 ×2, #2, #3, #4, #5, #9 | 7 |
| Round, non-storage | Pillow | #1 ×2, #2, #3, #4, #5, #10 | 7 |
| Round, non-storage | Extended | #1 ×2, #2, #3, #4, #5, #11, #12 | 8 |
| Square, non-storage | Round or Square | #1 ×2, #2, #3, #4, #5, #9 | 7 |
| Square, non-storage | Pillow | #1 ×2, #2, #3, #4, #5, #10 | 7 |
| Square, non-storage | Extended | #1 ×2, #2, #3, #4, #5, #11, #12 | 8 |
| Round, storage | Round or Square | #1 ×2, #2, #5, #6 ×4, #7, #8, #9 | 11 |
| Round, storage | Pillow | #1 ×2, #2, #5, #6 ×4, #7, #8, #10 | 11 |
| Round, storage | Extended | #1 ×2, #2, #5, #6 ×4, #7, #8, #11, #12 | 12 |
| Square, storage | Round or Square | #1 ×2, #2, #5, #6 ×4, #7, #8, #9 | 11 |
| Square, storage | Pillow | #1 ×2, #2, #5, #6 ×4, #7, #8, #10 | 11 |
| Square, storage | Extended | #1 ×2, #2, #5, #6 ×4, #7, #8, #11, #12 | 12 |
The Round and Square headboards share a box reference number, but the actual contents correspond to the selected headboard design.
Similarly, exterior frame panels must match the selected Round or Square frame.
Ara Upholstered Size-Specific Codes
Ara Upholstered box codes by bed size
| Box | Full | Queen | King |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 — Steel frame | BF1 | BQ1 | BK1 |
| #2 — Legs | B2 | B2 | B2 |
| #3 — Non-storage front | BF3 | BQ3 | BK3 |
| #4 — Non-storage sides | BF4 | BQ4 | BK4 |
| #5 — Slats | BF5 | BQ5 | BK5 |
| #6 — Drawer kits | BF6 | BQ6 | BK6 |
| #7 — Storage front | BF7 | BQ7 | BK7 |
| #8 — Drawer fronts | BF8 | BK8 | BK8 |
| #9 — Round/Square headboard | HF9 | HQ9 | HK9 |
| #10 — Pillow headboard | HF10 | HQ10 | HK10 |
| #11 — Extended left | HF11 | HQ11 | HK11 |
| #12 — Extended right | HF12 | HQ12 | HK12 |
Some components are shared between sizes, so not every product code is unique to one bed size.
Always verify the printed description, selected style and order information.
Example: Queen Ara Upholstered With Square Storage and Pillow Headboard
You should expect the components identified by:
BQ1 ×2 + B2 + BQ5 + BQ6 ×4 + BQ7 + BK8 + HQ10
This represents 11 main numbered cartons, with the associated fabric covers and assembly instructions typically packed among the smaller accessories.
Before starting assembly, verify that all the cartons and accessories associated with your shipment have arrived.
All Boxes Have Arrived. Which Should You Open First?
Once you've confirmed that every box required for your order is present, you can begin.
Our recommendation is to open the cartons in assembly order rather than unpacking everything at once.
Step 1: Prepare Your Bedroom
Clear the area where the bed will be assembled.
Protect your floor with a clean blanket or suitable covering.
Arrange the cartons so that you can identify their labels.
For larger components, consider having another person available to help.
The assembly instructions recommend initially placing the frame approximately 24 inches (60 cm) away from the wall.
This gives you room to attach the headboard later.
Step 2: Open Both Box #1 Cartons
These contain the four steel frame quadrants.
Lay them out according to the assembly guide.
Pay attention to their orientation and the markings on the components.
The positioning is important for the connections and later installation steps.
Step 3: Open Box #2
This contains the legs and main frame accessories.
For Ara Upholstered, it's also commonly where you'll find the removable fabric covers and printed assembly instructions.
Set the covers aside in a clean, protected area until you need them.
Use the supporting legs and supplied hardware to connect the structural frame sections according to the guide.
Step 4: Confirm the Frame Is Properly Assembled
Before moving to exterior panels or drawers, check that the steel quadrants are correctly aligned and secured.
Avoid forcing any connection that doesn't fit as illustrated.
If something seems incorrect, consult the instructions before continuing.
What Should You Open Next for a Non-Storage Bed?
For Ara Upholstered without storage, the next main cartons are the side and front panels.
Box #4: Side Panels
Open the carton containing the left and right side panels.
Unfold and align them as instructed.
Attach them to the metal frame using the intended connection system.
Box #3: Front Panel
Install the front panel that matches your selected Round or Square design.
Check its connection points and follow the guide's installation sequence.
Install the Fabric Covers
For Ara Upholstered, use the covers from the smaller accessories packaging.
Align the seams with the panels before fastening the fabric.
The upholstery uses hook-and-loop fastening to help secure the covers in place.
Assembly tip: Take a little extra time to align the fabric and seams before fully fastening the covers.
That can make a noticeable difference to the finished appearance.
What Changes if You Ordered Storage?
With an Ara Storage Bed, you'll be assembling four drawers.
This adds more components and assembly steps.
Open Your Drawer Cartons
For Ara Upholstered, you'll need four Box #6 drawer kits, along with the relevant storage frame and drawer-front components.
Assemble the Four Drawers
Each drawer includes several panels and its supporting hardware.
Follow the instructions for the exact sequence of dowels, screws, rails and front-panel connections.
Take your time with the first drawer.
Once you're familiar with the process, the remaining drawers follow the same general approach.
Keep the Drawers Separate Until Later
One of our most useful assembly recommendations is to leave the completed drawers outside the bed frame until the guide tells you to install them.
This makes it easier to position the main structure before the drawers are added.
Install the Frame Panels and Rails
Follow the Ara Upholstered assembly guide.
The panel and rail installation sequences aren't identical for every configuration.
Pay attention to the numbered rails and how they align with the supporting structure.
Why Storage Takes Longer
A non-storage bed has fewer components.
A storage configuration requires assembling four drawers and installing additional hardware.
It's normal for this process to require more time than assembling the basic frame.
Which Headboard Boxes Should You Open?
Once the frame and relevant exterior or storage components have been prepared, proceed to the headboard.
Ara Upholstered Headboards
Ara Upholstered headboard boxes
| Headboard | Boxes to open |
|---|---|
| Round | #9 |
| Square | #9 |
| Pillow | #10 |
| Extended | #11 and #12 |
For the Pillow headboard, the pillows and hardware are packaged within the headboard components.
For the Extended headboard, both left and right sections are required.
Follow the guide for your specific design.
Headboard attachment methods vary, and some hardware may be stored inside the headboard's packaging.
Tip: Before assuming a bracket or hardware bag is missing, check the illustrated contents and packaging locations in the guide.
Why Should You Open the Slat Box Near the End?
For Ara Upholstered, the assembly instructions install the mattress-support slats close to the end.
These are in Box #5.
The guide generally takes you through assembling the frame, installing the exterior components, attaching the headboard and positioning the bed before fitting the slats.
Position the Bed Carefully
The guide includes instructions for moving the assembled frame into its final position.
Be careful not to drag the central supporting legs across the floor.
Get assistance where appropriate.
Install the Storage Drawers
If you selected storage, install the completed drawers according to the illustrated rail and wheel alignment.
Check that each compartment opens and closes smoothly.
Don't force a drawer into place if it doesn't align correctly.
Install the Slats
Now open Box #5.
Position the slat assemblies according to the guide.
Make sure the first and last slats are retained behind the specified frame tabs.
This helps ensure the support system is correctly installed.
Add Your Mattress
Once the frame, headboard, slats and optional drawers are properly installed, place a correctly sized mattress on the foundation.
Check the mattress manufacturer's requirements for support and fit.
Your Ara Bed is now ready for use.
Where Can You Find Assembly Guides and Videos?
We designed Ara with self-assembly in mind, and customers have access to digital instructions and video resources.
Official Assembly Guides
Visit:
Select Ara Upholstered.
The downloadable guides include illustrated component lists, assembly sequences and safety instructions.
Assembly Videos
The Ara assembly guides include QR codes directing customers to video instructions.
The QR code is located near the beginning of the guide.
We recommend reviewing the video before starting and using it alongside the illustrated manual during assembly.
Videos are particularly helpful for understanding how connection points align, how to install the headboard and how the storage drawers fit onto their rails.
What if a Step Doesn't Match My Components?
Stop and check the correct product and configuration.
Make sure you're using the right instructions and that you haven't confused parts from different cartons.
If the components still don't match the guide, contact Customer Happiness before forcing anything into place.
Our Best Tips for a Smooth Ara Assembly
1. Wait Until Every Box Arrives
This is our most important recommendation.
Even if you have enough components to begin building the steel frame, don't start until the entire shipment is accounted for.
Other packages may still be on the way.
2. Find the Smaller Accessories Box
This is where the legs, fabric covers and printed assembly guide are usually packaged together.
Don't assume the covers are missing because they aren't in a separate large carton.
3. Check Your Tracking Information
If only some of your packages have arrived, use Track My Order to see whether the rest are still in transit.
4. Open Boxes in Assembly Order
Start with Boxes #1 and #2.
Keep the exterior panels, headboard and optional storage components organized for their respective steps.
Leave the slats until near the end.
5. Prepare the Bedroom Beforehand
Clear the floor and protect the surface.
Make sure there's enough room to work around the bed.
6. Leave Room for Headboard Installation
Start approximately 24 inches (60 cm) from the wall as indicated in the guide.
Don't push the frame into its final position too early.
7. Consider Two-Person Assembly
The instructions recommend two adults for larger pieces.
This is especially helpful for larger headboards and moving the assembled frame.
8. Check Hardware Locations
Some hardware is packed inside headboards or smaller component boxes.
Read the illustrated component list before assuming something is missing.
9. Align Fabric Covers Carefully
For upholstered configurations, line up seams and fastening strips before securing the fabric.
10. Keep Storage Drawers Out Until the Correct Step
Follow the guide's sequence so the bed can be positioned before the completed drawers are installed.
11. Don't Force Connections
If something doesn't align, verify the orientation and instructions.
Improvised structural modifications aren't recommended.
12. Keep Packaging Until Assembly Is Complete
Retain the cartons and protective materials until you've confirmed that all components are present, undamaged and correctly installed.
The packaging may also be useful if you move later.
What if Something Is Missing or Damaged?
First, determine whether you're dealing with a package that hasn't arrived or a component missing from a delivered package.
Those are different situations.
If a Package Hasn't Arrived
Check your tracking information first.
Some boxes may still be in transit.
Allow for the possibility of split delivery.
If the shipment remains incomplete after approximately three to four business days, contact Customer Happiness.
We'll investigate and arrange an appropriate solution. If the courier cannot locate the package, Cozey can send a replacement at no charge.
If a Component Is Missing From a Delivered Box
Check the assembly guide's component list and the contents of the smaller accessories packaging.
If something is still missing, contact Customer Happiness with the box number, order information and details of the missing component.
If a Component Is Damaged
Take photographs of the affected component and packaging.
Contact Customer Happiness before using or modifying a damaged structural part.
Individual replacement components can be supplied, subject to the correct model and compatibility.
You can contact Customer Happiness through the support options on the Cozey website.
Final Thoughts: From Delivery to Your Personalized Ara Bed
When we designed Ara, we wanted the experience to be thoughtfully considered from the moment customers placed their order.
We wanted a customizable bed system that combines a sturdy steel foundation with choices in headboards, frame shapes, storage, fabrics and colors.
We also wanted to bring the practical advantages of Cozey's modular sofas into the bedroom, including manageable delivery, easier assembly and removable, washable upholstery.
That means Ara arrives in several cartons, each containing components for a specific part of the bed.
Sometimes those cartons arrive together.
Sometimes they arrive in more than one delivery.
The most important thing is to make sure every package has arrived before beginning assembly.
Once everything is there, the process is straightforward to organize.
Start with the steel frame and legs. Follow the appropriate instructions for your selected exterior panels and optional storage. Install your headboard, position the bed and fit the slats near the end.
And remember that the covers, legs and printed instructions are usually packaged together in a smaller box.
With the complete shipment, the right guide and a little preparation, you can transform those individual components into the Ara Bed you personalized for your home.
That's the Cozey approach: furniture designed to be personal, practical and easier to live with—from the day it arrives.