A bed should fit your bedroom—not force you to design the bedroom around a fixed furniture set.
Some people want a rounded, modern upholstered bed. Others prefer straight, classic lines. Some regularly sit up in bed to read or watch TV. Others want a dramatic hotel-style headboard or extra storage for bedding and clothing.
Traditionally, finding the right combination can be difficult.
You might love a headboard but dislike the frame that comes with it. You might find a storage bed in the wrong fabric. Or you might choose a bed that looks beautiful online but takes up more space than expected.
At Cozey, we wanted to solve that problem.
We designed the Ara Upholstered Bed around four principles: structural stability, compact delivery, easier assembly and moving, and meaningful customization.
Most importantly, we wanted to bring some of the advantages customers appreciate in our modular sofas into the bedroom.
That meant letting customers choose their own headboard, frame shape, storage configuration, fabric, color and finishing details.
It also meant providing removable, machine-washable covers and making it possible to change selected components after purchase.
Ara isn't simply a bed offered in several colors.
It's a system designed to let customers create a bed that fits their preferences.
This guide explains every major choice, the trade-offs between different headboards and the dimensions to check before ordering.
On This Page
- 1. How Much Can You Customize the Cozey Ara Bed?
- 2. Which Ara Headboard Is Right for You?
- 3. Exact Ara Headboard Dimensions
- 4. Total Assembled Bed Depth: Including the Headboard
- 5. Round vs. Square Bed Frames
- 6. Exact Ara Bed-Frame Dimensions
- 7. Which Headboard Finish Should You Choose?
- 8. Which Ara Fabric and Color Should You Choose?
- 9. Should You Choose Storage?
- 10. Can You Change Your Ara Bed After Purchase?
- 11. What Is Our Most Popular Ara Combination?
- 12. Which Ara Configuration Should You Buy?
- Final Thoughts: A Bed You Can Make Your Own
1. How Much Can You Customize the Cozey Ara Bed?
Ara Upholstered lets you make several independent design decisions.
You can choose:
- Bed size: Full, Queen or King.
- Frame shape: Round or Square.
- Storage: Regular non-storage or four-drawer storage.
- Headboard: Round, Square, Pillow or Extended.
- Upholstery: Available Cozey fabrics and colors.
- Headboard finish: Regular Seam, French Seam or Channel Tufted where offered.
The frame and compatible headboard can be selected independently within the same size.
For example, you can pair a Round frame with a Square headboard, or choose a Square storage frame with a Pillow headboard.
This flexibility was a deliberate part of our design.
We wanted customers to choose the features that matter most rather than accept one predetermined look.
2. Which Ara Headboard Is Right for You?
Each headboard was created for a different preference.
Ara headboards compared
| Headboard | Design intention | Best suited for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Modern, curved and versatile | Contemporary bedrooms and broadly adaptable styling | Less cushioned for upright sitting than Pillow |
| Square | Classic and structured | Bedrooms with clean, straight lines | Less cushioned for upright sitting than Pillow |
| Pillow | Plush, soft and comfortable | Reading, watching TV and sitting up in bed | Requires additional room depth |
| Extended | Luxurious, elevated and hotel-inspired | Larger bedrooms and dramatic wall compositions | Requires much more headboard width |
Round: The Modern, Versatile Choice
Round is our most popular upholstered headboard.
Its curved edges create a softer, more modern appearance.
It's designed to work in many different interiors without looking overly decorative.
It's also a more accessible price option than Pillow or Extended.
For customers who want a modern bed that feels safe to style around other bedroom furniture, Round is usually our first recommendation.
Square: The Classic Choice
Square offers a more traditional geometric appearance.
It emphasizes straight edges and simple proportions.
Its overall installed depth is the same as Round, so the decision is primarily about visual preference.
Choose Round for curves and a contemporary look.
Choose Square if you prefer straight lines and a classic, structured design.
Pillow: Our Best Option for Sitting Up in Bed
Pillow was created for customers who want both a plush appearance and more back comfort.
Its substantial cushions provide a softer contact surface when sitting upright to read, watch television or relax.
That's a practical advantage over the flatter Round and Square designs.
However, the cushions take up more space.
A Queen or King Ara with Pillow headboard measures approximately 92.5 inches deep overall, compared with 88 inches for Round or Square.
That extra 4.5 inches may matter in a compact room.
Our recommendation is straightforward: choose Pillow when sitting comfort matters and your bedroom has enough depth.
Extended: A Hotel-Inspired Statement
Extended was designed for customers who want a luxurious, elevated bedroom appearance.
Its unusually wide headboard can help fill a large wall and create a sophisticated hotel-like composition.
It's especially appealing in spacious primary bedrooms.
The important trade-off is wall width.
A Queen Extended headboard is approximately 115.6 inches wide—nearly 9 feet 8 inches.
That's significantly wider than the standard Queen headboards.
Measure the wall carefully, including the position of nightstands, doors and windows.
Interestingly, Extended is also our shallowest assembled headboard configuration in terms of front-to-back depth.
So it takes more wall width, but not more room depth.
3. Exact Ara Headboard Dimensions
The following measurements are the individual headboard dimensions from our technical specifications.
Headboard Width by Bed Size
Headboard width by bed size
| Headboard | Full | Queen | King |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | 66.8" (169.6 cm) | 73.1" (185.6 cm) | 86.9" (220.6 cm) |
| Square | 66.8" (169.6 cm) | 73.1" (185.6 cm) | 86.9" (220.6 cm) |
| Pillow | 63.2" (160.6 cm) | 69.5" (176.6 cm) | 83.7" (212.6 cm) |
| Extended | 109.6" (278.3 cm) | 115.6" (293.7 cm) | 130.0" (330.2 cm) |
Headboard Height and Component Depth
Headboard height and component depth
| Headboard | Overall height | Component depth |
|---|---|---|
| Round | 35.1" (89.25 cm) | 2.8" (7.1 cm) |
| Square | 35.1" (89.25 cm) | 2.8" (7.1 cm) |
| Pillow | 36.6" (92.94 cm) | 11.0" (27.89 cm) |
| Extended | 40.3" (102.25 cm) | 2.5" (6.4 cm) |
These are the measurements of the headboard components, not the entire installed bed.
An Important Space-Planning Difference
Pillow is narrower than Round and Square for the same size.
But it's also much deeper.
Extended is dramatically wider, but relatively shallow.
That means the best headboard for a small bedroom depends on which dimension you're trying to preserve.
If your room is narrow but reasonably deep, Pillow may still be worth considering.
If the wall is wide but your floor space is limited front-to-back, Extended may work better than its dramatic appearance suggests.
4. Total Assembled Bed Depth: Including the Headboard
When measuring your bedroom, we recommend using the complete installed depth of the bed.
The following measurements include the headboard.
Total assembled bed depth by headboard and size
| Headboard | Full | Queen | King |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | 83" | 88" | 88" |
| Square | 83" | 88" | 88" |
| Pillow | 87.5" | 92.5" | 92.5" |
| Extended | 82.75" | 87.75" | 87.75" |
These measurements are a more useful guide to room planning than mattress dimensions alone.
Example: A Queen Bed in a Smaller Bedroom
A standard Queen mattress measures 60 × 80 inches.
But the complete Queen Ara with Round headboard is approximately 88 inches deep.
With Pillow, it's approximately 92.5 inches.
The mattress length hasn't changed, but the overall footprint has.
If your room is tight, measure from the headboard wall to the opposite furniture or circulation area.
Don't assume a bed takes up only as much floor space as the mattress.
How Much Space Should You Leave Around the Bed?
A common planning preference is to leave approximately 24–30 inches of circulation space where someone needs to walk, although the ideal clearance depends on the room and individual accessibility requirements.
Storage drawers may need additional unobstructed room to open.
Rather than rely on one universal clearance rule, measure the furniture around the bed and how doors, drawers and walking routes will function. If you'd like help working out what fits, you can book a free design consultation.
5. Round vs. Square Bed Frames
Ara lets you choose the shape of the bed frame independently of the headboard.
Round Frame
Round has soft exterior edges and a modern design language.
It's our most popular base shape and pairs naturally with the Round headboard.
It can also be paired with other compatible headboards for a different look.
Square Frame
Square has clean, straight exterior lines.
It's intended for customers who prefer a more structured or classic appearance.
Do They Have Different Dimensions?
No. The nominal outside dimensions are the same for Round and Square within each size and storage configuration.
The difference is visual.
Both use the Ara structural steel foundation.
6. Exact Ara Bed-Frame Dimensions
These figures describe the frame without its headboard.
Ara frame dimensions in inches, non-storage and storage
| Size | Non-storage frame, W × D × H | Storage frame, W × D × H |
|---|---|---|
| Full | 62.4 × 80.1 × 14.6" | 63.9 × 80.1 × 14.6" |
| Queen | 68.3 × 85.2 × 14.6" | 70.0 × 85.2 × 14.6" |
| King | 82.9 × 85.2 × 14.6" | 84.2 × 85.2 × 14.6" |
The same dimensions in centimeters:
Ara frame dimensions in centimeters, non-storage and storage
| Size | Non-storage, W × D × H | Storage, W × D × H |
|---|---|---|
| Full | 158.5 × 203.5 × 37 cm | 162.3 × 203.5 × 37 cm |
| Queen | 173.5 × 216.5 × 37 cm | 177.7 × 216.5 × 37 cm |
| King | 210.5 × 216.5 × 37 cm | 213.9 × 216.5 × 37 cm |
Storage frames are slightly wider because of their exterior drawer configuration.
What Mattress Sizes Does Ara Fit?
The U.S. Ara range uses the following standard mattress size categories:
Standard mattress dimensions by Ara bed size
| Bed | Mattress dimensions |
|---|---|
| Full | 54 × 75" |
| Queen | 60 × 80" |
| King | 76 × 80" |
Always check the specifications of the mattress you're buying, particularly if it has unusual dimensions or special foundation requirements.
7. Which Headboard Finish Should You Choose?
Ara also offers different decorative seam treatments on supported upholstered headboards.
These were created to accommodate different design preferences.
They're aesthetic choices, not different levels of structural quality.
Regular Seam: Modern and Classic
Regular Seam creates a clean, understated look.
It's best suited to someone who wants a simple, versatile bedroom without prominent decorative upholstery details.
French Seam: Relaxed and Bohemian
French Seam introduces a more relaxed, textile-oriented appearance.
It can work particularly well in bedrooms that feel softer, layered or boho-inspired.
Channel Tufted: Elevated and Aspirational
Channel Tufted creates repeated upholstered detailing.
It was developed for customers who want a more luxurious, refined visual effect.
It's particularly appropriate when the headboard is intended to be a major design feature.
Are All Three Finishes Available Everywhere?
No. Available finish combinations depend on the selected headboard.
For example, the design references include French Seam options for Pillow and Channel Tufted treatments for Extended.
Use the current Ara configurator to see the options available for your selected combination.
8. Which Ara Fabric and Color Should You Choose?
We wanted Ara Upholstered to carry over the familiar Cozey sofa approach to fabric.
That means offering a choice of upholstery textures and colors, along with practical removable covers.
Depending on current availability, options include Cozey performance fabrics, chenille, Aquaforte™, velvet and bouclé.
Consider the Room's Lighting
A fabric can appear different in daylight, warm artificial lighting and a darker bedroom.
We recommend ordering swatches and looking at them next to the room's flooring, bedding and wall colors.
Consider Texture as Well as Color
A smooth performance fabric creates a different impression from a pronounced bouclé.
A chenille may create a softer-looking surface.
The fabric's texture contributes to the overall aesthetic as much as its color.
What About Cleaning?
Supported Ara Upholstered frame and headboard covers are removable and machine-washable.
Customers should follow the care instructions for the specific material.
Washable doesn't mean every fabric is stain-proof, pet-proof or immune to wear.
But the ability to remove the covers provides more flexibility than permanently attached upholstery.
9. Should You Choose Storage?
Ara's Round and Square frames are available with or without built-in storage.
Storage configurations have four side-access drawers, with two on each side.
Why Did We Choose Drawers?
We wanted customers to access their belongings without lifting the mattress.
You can retrieve a blanket without removing the bedding or disturbing a partner who is sleeping.
Each drawer opens independently.
This makes side-access storage particularly useful for items you want to reach regularly.
How Big Are the Drawers?
The following dimensions describe the nominal interior space of each drawer.
Nominal interior dimensions and volume of each Ara storage drawer
| Bed size | Interior dimensions per drawer | Approximate volume |
|---|---|---|
| Full | 25.6 × 25.0 × 5.1" | 53 L |
| Queen | 28.5 × 27.5 × 5.1" | 65 L |
| King | 35.7 × 27.5 × 5.1" | 81 L |
Each drawer supports up to 20 pounds of stored belongings.
With four drawers, the approximate combined nominal internal volume is 212 liters for Full, 260 liters for Queen and 326 liters for King.
What's the Disadvantage of Storage Drawers?
They need space to open beside the bed.
A nightstand, wall or dresser could obstruct them.
Before selecting storage, make sure the drawer-opening space works with your bedroom layout.
Is Storage Worth the Additional Cost?
It depends on your needs.
If you're short on closet space or need somewhere to store extra bedding, the added functionality can be valuable.
If storage isn't important and you prefer the simplest configuration, the non-storage version may be the better purchase.
We wouldn't recommend paying more for drawers you won't use.
10. Can You Change Your Ara Bed After Purchase?
Yes. Personalization doesn't have to end when you buy Ara.
This was an important part of how we developed the system.
Because Ara uses a common steel-frame foundation within the supported upholstered configurations, certain changes don't require replacing the underlying structure.
Change Your Fabric or Color
Customers can purchase compatible replacement covers for the bed frame and headboard.
This lets you refresh the upholstery or select another available color without buying a new structural frame.
Change Your Headboard
Customers can purchase a different compatible headboard and its matching covers.
For example, someone might initially choose Round for a smaller room and later prefer Pillow or Extended after moving.
The main steel frame can remain.
Convert From Non-Storage to Storage
Yes.
Customers can retain the steel structure and headboard while changing the appropriate exterior frame components and covers.
Adding storage also requires the drawer components.
Converting back to non-storage involves removing the drawers and installing the compatible non-storage exterior components and covers.
Change the Bed-Frame Shape
Compatible Round and Square exterior components can also be changed within the supported system.
The correct panels, covers and hardware are required.
Are All Parts Available for Immediate Purchase?
Availability and compatibility should be confirmed for the specific size and production version.
Contact Cozey Customer Happiness for help identifying the parts or conversion components you need.
We don't recommend improvising structural changes or assuming all furniture components from different collections are interchangeable.
11. What Is Our Most Popular Ara Combination?
Round headboard + Round frame + Storage is our most popular upholstered combination.
We think that makes sense.
Round has a modern appearance that works in many interiors.
It's less expensive than the Pillow and Extended headboards.
And storage adds useful functionality without requiring a different primary sleeping foundation.
For customers who don't have a highly specific design requirement, this combination is often a strong starting point.
However, popularity shouldn't replace personal preference.
We'd recommend Pillow to someone who prioritizes upright comfort and has sufficient room depth.
Extended is better for customers looking for a dramatic hotel-style aesthetic.
Square is a strong option for people who prefer classic, structured lines.
12. Which Ara Configuration Should You Buy?
Recommended Ara configuration by priority
| If your priority is… | Our recommendation |
|---|---|
| Modern, versatile appearance | Round headboard + Round frame |
| Classic, structured design | Square headboard or Square frame |
| Sitting upright comfortably | Pillow headboard |
| Luxurious primary-bedroom look | Extended headboard |
| Limited front-to-back space | Round, Square or Extended |
| Limited wall width | Compare Round, Square and Pillow; avoid Extended if necessary |
| Additional storage | Four-drawer storage configuration |
| Relaxed, bohemian styling | French Seam where offered |
| More elevated decorative upholstery | Channel Tufted where offered |
| Changing fabric colors later | Replacement covers for compatible components |
| Changing headboards later | Purchase a compatible headboard and covers |
| Adding storage later | Retain steel frame and headboard; change external frame components and add drawers |
| A broadly popular starting point | Round headboard + Round frame + Storage |
Final Thoughts: A Bed You Can Make Your Own
When we created Ara, we wanted customers to have more control over how their bedroom furniture looks and functions.
That meant choosing a headboard, frame shape, storage configuration, fabric, color and finish.
We also wanted to bring important practical advantages from Cozey's modular sofas into the bedroom.
That includes compact delivery, easier assembly, removable and machine-washable upholstery, and the ability to replace or change individual components.
Round, Square, Pillow and Extended each serve a different design purpose.
Storage adds functionality where it's needed.
And replacement covers, headboards and compatible frame components make it possible to adapt Ara over time.
Our goal wasn't simply to create a bed with lots of options. It was to create a bed system that customers could personalize for their space and continue enjoying as their preferences change.
That's what makes Ara more than just a bed frame. Explore the Ara Bed System.