The best storage bed should make it easier to access your belongings, not simply provide more space to hide them. Storage capacity matters, but so does how frequently you can use that storage, how easily it opens and whether accessing it disrupts the rest of your bedroom.
At Cozey, this thinking shaped the development of our Ara Bed System.
We chose four side-access drawers—two on each side of the bed—because we wanted everyday storage to be genuinely convenient.
You can retrieve a blanket without removing your pillows or duvet. You can access clothing while your partner is still sleeping. And if your children are relaxing or playing on the bed, there's no need to lift the entire sleeping surface just to reach something underneath.
We also wanted to avoid requiring customers to operate a large lift-up mattress platform whenever they needed something from storage.
But there are trade-offs.
Side-access drawers need sufficient space beside the bed to open. Bedside tables can obstruct them. And the amount of storage available depends on your bed size.
Here's an in-depth look at how Ara's storage works, the actual drawer dimensions, the advantages and limitations of different storage-bed designs, and what to consider before purchasing.
On This Page
- How Does Storage Work in the Ara Bed?
- Why Did Cozey Choose Side-Access Drawers Instead of Lift-Up Storage?
- How Much Storage Does the Ara Bed Actually Have?
- How Much Weight Can Each Drawer Hold?
- What Can You Store Under the Ara Bed?
- How Much Room Do You Need to Open Ara's Drawers?
- Drawers vs. Lift-Up Beds: Which Storage System Is Better?
- Ara Upholstered vs. Ara Wood: Which Storage Bed Should You Choose?
- How Is Ara's Storage Integrated Into the Bed Frame?
- Is an Ara Storage Bed Difficult to Assemble?
- Is an Ara Storage Bed Good for Small Bedrooms?
- Is the Ara Storage Bed Worth It?
- Final Thoughts: Great Storage Should Be Easy to Use
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Storage Work in the Ara Bed?
Ara's storage system is integrated into its modular bed-frame design.
Rather than using a lift-up mattress platform, the storage versions of Ara feature four drawers that open from the sides of the frame.
Two drawers are accessible from the left side, and two from the right.
The drawers operate independently, allowing customers to open one compartment without moving the mattress or accessing the other drawers.
We designed the system so that the bed can continue functioning normally while someone retrieves an item from storage.
Why Four Drawers Instead of One Large Compartment?
Dividing the storage into four compartments makes it easier to organize belongings.
For example, a couple might use the two drawers on one side for one person's belongings and the other two for their partner's.
Alternatively, customers could organize the compartments by purpose:
- Extra sheets and pillowcases.
- Light blankets and seasonal bedding.
- Folded clothing and accessories.
- Smaller bedroom essentials.
Having separate drawers also means customers don't need to expose or reorganize one large compartment every time they need something.
And because each drawer is independent, you only need to open the part of the storage system you're using.
Why Did Cozey Choose Side-Access Drawers Instead of Lift-Up Storage?
When developing Ara, we evaluated storage as an everyday experience rather than simply a way to maximize the space underneath a mattress.
We wanted people to use the storage regularly, without feeling that retrieving something was a chore.
You Don't Have to Lift the Mattress
With many lift-up storage beds, accessing the compartment requires raising the mattress platform.
Depending on the design, that involves lifting a substantial structure, often assisted by mechanical hardware.
It also requires having enough clearance above the bed and ensuring the surrounding bedding or objects won't interfere.
With Ara's side-access drawers, the mattress stays where it is.
You simply open the appropriate drawer.
You Can Access Storage While Someone Is Sleeping
This was an important part of our decision.
Imagine that your partner goes to bed earlier than you.
You want to retrieve another blanket or some clothing, but the item is stored underneath the mattress.
With a lift-up system, you generally need access to the mattress platform itself.
With Ara's side-access drawers, you can open a compartment without lifting or disturbing the mattress.
That makes the storage much more convenient for couples with different schedules.
The Bed Doesn't Need to Be Cleared First
We also wanted storage access to work during normal family life.
If your children are spending time on the bed, or you've already arranged your duvet and pillows, there's no need to remove those items or lift the sleeping platform.
The bed surface remains in place.
As with any furniture containing drawers, children should be supervised, fingers should be kept clear of moving parts and children shouldn't climb into the compartments.
No Large Lift-Up Platform Mechanism
Ara's drawer system uses rails, wheels and standard drawer hardware.
It doesn't require a gas-assisted or spring-assisted mechanism to raise the mattress platform.
That avoids the lifting operation and the associated mechanical complexity.
We think this makes sense for customers who expect to access their belongings regularly.
However, we wouldn't claim that every lift-up storage bed is unsafe.
Properly designed lifting systems can work well, and a lift-up bed may be more practical in certain room layouts.
Our decision was about prioritizing simple, convenient, independent access.
How Much Storage Does the Ara Bed Actually Have?
Summary: Every Ara storage bed has four drawers; a Queen provides approximately 260 litres of nominal internal volume, a Full approximately 212 litres and a King approximately 326 litres.
Ara storage beds include four drawers regardless of whether the frame is Full, Queen or King.
However, the internal drawer dimensions change with the bed size.
These are the approximate internal dimensions from our product-development specifications for the Canadian models.
| Bed size | Internal dimensions per drawer | Approximate capacity per drawer | Total capacity, four drawers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full / Double | 64.9 × 63.4 × 12.85 cm | 53 L | 212 L |
| Queen | 72.4 × 69.8 × 12.85 cm | 65 L | 260 L |
| King | 90.7 × 69.9 × 12.85 cm | 81 L | 326 L |
Volumes are calculated from the nominal internal measurements and rounded. They're geometric estimates, not guaranteed usable packing capacity. Actual storage depends on item shapes, folding and the drawer's construction.
This comparison reveals something useful.
The number of drawers stays the same, but larger bed sizes provide more space within each compartment.
A King-size storage bed therefore offers substantially more total drawer volume than a Full-size configuration.
How Much Storage Does a Queen Ara Bed Provide?
A Queen storage bed has four drawers with approximately 65 litres of nominal internal volume each.
Together, that's approximately 260 litres of storage space.
That can be useful for folded linens, clothing, spare pillowcases and other relatively lightweight bedroom items.
However, capacity alone doesn't tell you exactly what will fit.
The drawers have an internal height of approximately 12.85 cm, so they're better suited to folded items that can fit within a relatively shallow compartment.
A very thick duvet or bulky pillow may take up more vertical space than the drawer provides.
That's why we recommend evaluating the internal dimensions rather than assuming every item that fits inside a 65-litre container will fit inside an Ara drawer.
How Much Weight Can Each Drawer Hold?
Each Ara storage drawer has a specified maximum load of 20 lb, approximately 9 kg.
This applies to individual drawers.
Customers should distribute belongings appropriately and avoid overloading a compartment.
The weight limit matters because storage volume and supported load are different measurements.
A large drawer may have enough space for heavy books or dense objects, but that doesn't mean those objects are appropriate to store inside it.
We recommend using the drawers primarily for lighter household belongings, such as clothing and bedding, while staying within the specified limit.
The assembly instructions also recommend opening drawers gently with both hands and keeping them free of liquids, chemicals and flammable products.
Storage compartments shouldn't be used as seats, steps or places for children to climb into.
What Can You Store Under the Ara Bed?
The most practical uses depend on the bed size and the dimensions of the individual items.
Extra Sheets and Pillowcases
This is one of the most natural uses.
Sheet sets and pillowcases can usually be folded into compact shapes, making them suitable for relatively shallow drawers.
Keeping them underneath the bed also means they're available when changing the bedding.
Lightweight Blankets
Smaller or thinner blankets can be convenient to store near the sleeping area.
Thick comforters and large duvets may require more space than an individual drawer can accommodate, depending on how tightly they're folded.
We recommend measuring bulky items before purchasing.
Seasonal Clothing
Folded shirts, sleepwear, scarves and other relatively lightweight clothing are good candidates.
Storage drawers can be particularly helpful when wardrobe or dresser space is limited.
Bedroom Accessories
Other possibilities include spare cushion covers, small textile accessories and items that are useful to have nearby but don't need to remain visible.
What Wouldn't We Recommend Storing in Ara's Drawers?
We wouldn't use Ara's drawers for very heavy items, liquids, chemicals or objects that exceed the compartment's dimensional or weight limits.
We also wouldn't treat the compartments as airtight or climate-controlled storage.
Items that require special protection from humidity, dust or temperature should be stored appropriately elsewhere.
Our recommendation is to think of Ara's drawers as accessible, everyday bedroom storage—not a substitute for every type of storage furniture.
How Much Room Do You Need to Open Ara's Drawers?
This is one of the most important considerations before choosing a storage bed with side-access drawers.
The drawers extend outward from the sides of the frame.
That means the available space beside the bed is just as important as the room's overall dimensions.
Check the Distance to Nearby Furniture
Consider the position of nightstands, dressers, chairs and other furniture beside the bed.
If an object sits directly in front of a drawer, it may prevent that drawer from opening fully.
Pay Special Attention to Nightstands
A nightstand positioned close to the headboard may overlap the opening path of the drawer nearest the head of the bed.
This doesn't necessarily mean you need to remove your nightstand.
But its width, depth and position can affect how accessible that drawer is.
We recommend checking the exact configuration on a floor plan before ordering.
If you'd like help planning your bedroom layout, you can book a free design consultation.
Leave Space for Yourself, Too
The amount of space required to physically open a drawer isn't the only consideration.
You also need room to stand, crouch or kneel beside it and retrieve belongings comfortably.
A drawer might technically open without touching the opposite wall while still being awkward to use.
What If the Bed Is Against a Wall?
If one side of the bed is positioned against a wall, the drawers on that side may not be accessible.
Because Ara has two drawers on each side, this can reduce the amount of storage that's convenient to use.
For a room where the bed must sit tightly against a wall, we'd recommend comparing different storage-bed mechanisms before making a decision.
Before buying, measure the fully opened drawer footprint and surrounding clearance for your exact configuration. The internal dimensions in our storage-capacity table are not the same as the outward opening clearance.
Drawers vs. Lift-Up Beds: Which Storage System Is Better?
Different storage systems solve different problems.
Here's how we'd compare the most common approaches.
| Storage system | Main advantage | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Side-access drawers | Easy independent access without moving the mattress | Requires open space beside the bed |
| Lift-up mattress platform | Can provide access to a large compartment without requiring drawers to extend sideways | Requires lifting the platform and accessing storage from above |
| Loose underbed bins | Flexible and often inexpensive | Can be less integrated and may be harder to pull out |
| Open underbed space | Easy to see and reach stored objects where clearance permits | Items remain visible or need separate storage containers |
When Side-Access Drawers Are Better
We'd recommend considering drawers when:
- You access stored belongings frequently.
- Two people share the bed.
- You don't want to disturb the mattress to access storage.
- The room has adequate clearance on both sides.
- You prefer separate compartments for organizing belongings.
When Lift-Up Storage May Be Better
A lift-up design may be more appropriate when:
- The bed is positioned close to walls.
- There isn't enough space for side drawers to open.
- You prefer one large storage compartment.
- You rarely need to retrieve stored belongings.
- The lifting mechanism and its operation suit your needs.
Neither system is universally better.
But for customers who prioritize regular access without lifting the mattress, we believe side drawers offer an important practical advantage.
Ara Upholstered vs. Ara Wood: Which Storage Bed Should You Choose?
In Canada, the Ara Bed System includes upholstered and wood designs with storage options.
Both use a modular structural approach, but they create different visual experiences.
Ara Upholstered Storage Bed
The upholstered Ara is available with rounded or square frame styling.
Both can be selected with storage.
Customers can pair their chosen upholstered frame with a compatible headboard style within the collection, including Round, Square, Pillow and Extended.
The removable, washable upholstery is a major advantage for customers who want a softer bedroom aesthetic and easier textile maintenance.
It also allows customers to refresh compatible covers without replacing the entire bed.
Ara Wood Storage Bed
Ara Wood offers a more natural, architectural design language.
It includes Oak and Walnut finishes, with wood-framed and fluted styling.
The storage option is available with the fluted wood frame.
The raised leg-frame design is a non-storage option, intended for customers who prefer a lighter, more open appearance.
Ara Wood also offers Round and Fluted headboard styles.
Do Ara Upholstered and Ara Wood Provide Different Drawer Capacities?
According to our reference specifications, the Full, Queen and Canadian King storage configurations use the same nominal internal drawer dimensions across the Upholstered and Wood families.
The key difference is their exterior design and available configurations, rather than a major change in nominal drawer capacity.
Before ordering, customers should confirm the currently offered combinations for their selected product.
We'd recommend choosing primarily based on the design, material and maintenance preferences that matter most to you.
How Is Ara's Storage Integrated Into the Bed Frame?
The Ara system begins with a modular steel support structure.
Its base is built from four frame quadrants that connect to form the main foundation.
The frame is supported by legs and topped with a slat system designed to support an appropriately sized mattress.
The external panels create the selected bed-frame appearance.
With storage configurations, four drawer assemblies and their accompanying components are integrated into the frame.
The drawers use rails and wheels to facilitate opening and closing.
This is different from designing a large storage compartment that can only be accessed by lifting the entire mattress platform.
Why Does Modular Construction Matter?
The structure is divided into components that can be delivered in separate boxes and assembled inside the bedroom.
That helps address one of the practical difficulties of buying large furniture: getting it through doorways, hallways and staircases.
Modular construction also makes it possible to offer different external frame designs around a common structural approach.
However, the storage version requires more assembly than the non-storage bed because the drawers contain their own panels, fasteners, rails and other hardware.
The system is designed for manageable assembly, but customers shouldn't assume that every part of installing a storage bed requires no tools.
Is an Ara Storage Bed Difficult to Assemble?
The basic Ara frame uses a modular construction system with connected frame quadrants, hand-fastened legs and clip-on exterior panels.
However, choosing storage adds the work of assembling four drawers and installing their associated hardware.
The current assembly guides distinguish the main bed-frame process from the additional storage steps.
They also recommend two adults for larger pieces.
We think customers should evaluate the complete process rather than focusing only on the ease of joining the main frame.
What We'd Recommend Before Assembly
- Read the instructions for the exact bed and headboard configuration.
- Check that every box and component is present.
- Prepare a protected, level surface.
- Allow enough working space to assemble the frame and attach the headboard.
- Organize the drawer components before starting.
- Consider having another adult available, particularly when handling larger pieces.
For Ara, the assembly instructions recommend positioning the frame approximately 60 cm (24 inches) from the wall during installation so there is sufficient space to attach the headboard.
After assembly, ensure the frame is positioned correctly and the drawers open and close as intended.
Is an Ara Storage Bed Good for Small Bedrooms?
It can be an excellent choice, depending on the room layout.
A storage bed allows the space occupied by the bed itself to serve another purpose.
Instead of keeping every extra sheet, blanket or clothing item in a dresser, some belongings can be stored underneath the mattress.
This may reduce the need for other storage furniture.
But side drawers require clearance.
That's the trade-off customers need to evaluate.
When Ara Is Particularly Attractive
We think an Ara storage bed is worth considering when the bed is accessible from both sides and there's enough space for the drawers to open.
This is especially useful for couples sharing a bedroom.
Each person can access compartments on their side without having to lift the mattress or disturb the other person.
When Another Design Might Be More Practical
If the bed is positioned against a wall or tightly surrounded by large bedside furniture, side drawers may be difficult to access.
In that situation, a lift-up storage system or another approach might be more efficient.
The best storage bed isn't the one with the greatest advertised volume. It's the one whose storage you can actually use comfortably in your room.
Is the Ara Storage Bed Worth It?
We believe that depends on how you plan to use the additional storage.
If you rarely need access to items underneath your bed, a different storage solution may be perfectly adequate.
But if you're regularly reaching for sheets, clothing or blankets, convenient access can make a meaningful difference.
That's why we prioritized four independent side-access drawers.
We wanted storage that didn't require customers to lift the mattress, remove bedding or disrupt someone already using the bed.
We also wanted the bed to maintain the design choices that matter to customers.
With Ara Upholstered, that includes removable, washable covers and multiple headboard options.
With Ara Wood, it includes the distinct appearance of the fluted wood storage frame.
Both build on the same general principle: furniture should combine visual design with practical everyday functionality.
However, we'd also recommend taking the limits seriously.
- Measure the bedroom.
- Check your nightstand placement.
- Understand the drawer dimensions and weight restrictions.
- And choose the frame type that fits your home.
We believe being clear about these trade-offs is part of helping customers make a purchase they'll appreciate over time.
Final Thoughts: Great Storage Should Be Easy to Use
At Cozey, we believe bedroom storage should make daily life simpler.
It's not enough to create a large empty space underneath a mattress.
Customers should also be able to reach the belongings they store there without unnecessary effort.
That's why we chose four side-access drawers for Ara.
We wanted people to retrieve their belongings while their partner was sleeping, without removing bedding or lifting the mattress platform.
We wanted separate compartments that help organize everyday essentials.
And we wanted to avoid relying on a large lift-up mechanism when accessing storage.
The result is a system that prioritizes independent, convenient access.
But like any storage design, it has practical limitations.
You need enough space beside the bed for the drawers to open. Your nightstands need to be positioned appropriately. And stored belongings need to fit within the compartments' dimensions and weight limits.
The best storage bed isn't simply the one with the most storage. It's the one that makes that storage genuinely useful in everyday life.
That's the thinking behind the Ara Bed System.