What is a kotatsu table?
When it comes to practical furniture, Japan has it all. Who would have thought that a heated table could be used in so many different ways for different purposes?
If you've never heard of Kotatsu, you're missing out on a must-try hot desk.
Essentially, a kotatsu is a type of low table with a heat source underneath. It is surrounded by a quilted futon or blanket. The main purpose of this table is to help keep people warm during the cold winter months. Since it is a low-lying table, heat is well retained under the table and blankets.
Modern kotatsu tables are heated electrically via a built-in heater. Therefore, an electric heating element is built into the frame of the kotatsu table.
The table is surrounded by a quilt, also called kakefuton, to retain heat and keep you warm. People then use the kotatsu table to work, eat and relax.
The kotatsu table consists of four main components:
- table is usually made of wood or plastic.
- Quilted mat or seating area , also called shikifuton mat
- A blanket or duvet , or kakefuton, that covers the carpet and provides warmth
- Heater , which is usually electric. It used to be charcoal, but these days few people use charcoal at home as a heat source.
In Japan, the kotatsu table was and remains an important part of the home. People gather around the kotatsu to stay warm, cook stew on their portable stove, socialize, or watch TV.
On especially cold winter nights, there is nothing more comforting than enjoying a hot meal on a soft, blanket-covered table.
Find out more interesting facts about this part of Japanese culture from this video:
These days, most people use kotatsu for relaxation, eating and work. This is one of the most convenient ways to work from home.
Traditional heating device - heated table
Kotatsu is a heating device that has been used in Japan since ancient times. It consists of a low table covered with a blanket, under which there is a heat source. In the old days they used a brazier with coals, but now there is usually an electric heater under the table cover. It is often mentioned in Kawabata Yasunari's novel The Land of Snow. Sometimes, for convenience, a recess is made under the kotatsu into which the legs are lowered; This variety is called horigotatsu - “kotatsu with a notch.” A kotatsu without a notch is okigotatsu, “a placed (portable) kotatsu.” Recently, there are also high tables for chairs of the Western type, equipped with a heater - dainingu-kotatsu, “dining kotatsu”, by analogy with a dining table.
Cat warming itself under a kotatsu
In the absence of other heating devices that would provide constant heat, kotatsu is still constantly used in many homes. In winter, the whole family settles down at the kotatsu, talks, eats, watches TV, and naturally most of the family communication takes place at the kotatsu.
Kotatsu family watching TV
Kotatsu buyer's guide heated table
There are certain features to consider before purchasing a kotatsu table, futon, heater, or an entire set.
Not all kotatsu are the same, and you can see this in the small prints. Some sets are expensive but don't offer significant benefits over cheaper ones, so you need to be careful with the features.
Here is a list of things to look for when purchasing your first kotatsu table.
Voltage and plugs
Many kotatsu table heaters cannot be plugged directly into a 120-volt American outlet. Therefore, you may need to purchase a converter first.
Japan operates at a lower voltage (100) than America. Your kotatsu tabletop heater may not be able to handle 120V, causing a fire and safety hazard. Always check that the heating element is compatible with US standard plugs.
You should also keep in mind that some kotatsu tables are battery operated. This may not be the most environmentally friendly option, but it will save you from voltage problems.
However, the heat supply may be limited.
Size and height
Size is important. Many kotatsu tables are designed for one or two people.
Some of them seat 3-4 people, and some are very large, but I didn't include them here because you probably don't need a huge, low dining table.
- 29" x 29" is the most common size and is great for 4 people, but I recommend it for 1 or 2 if you need a comfortable place to sit. But this size is also best for working and eating because you can spread out all your electronic devices, plates, and utensils.
- 36×20 inches is the longer rectangular size of the kotatsu, which is also ideal for accommodating up to 4 people. This is a good size for gaming, socializing, and playing with kids because you have more space to store everything.
The ideal height is 20 inches because you have plenty of room for your feet and blankets.
Futon and blanket
A futon or rug is placed under the table. The blanket should be the same size as the table and then extend out.
You can find simple, thinner blankets or thick, insulated blankets that are better suited for winter weather. It's up to you to decide how cozy you want your futon to be.
Materials
Kotatsu tables are usually made of wood, and this is an excellent durable material that will not be damaged by prolonged heat exposure. Please note that the kotatsu table can become very hot!
Plastic tables are also good because they are made of high-quality and durable plastic, and not melting.
If you want a table that is strong and durable, I recommend wood. But if I were to choose a kotatsu table that is lightweight and easy to move, I would choose plastic.
What is a kotatsu made of?
In order for you to complement the options proposed below with your own thoughts and generally imagine the idea, let’s consider the general diagram:
- the kotatsu itself is the frame of a table, most often a low table;
- futon - that is, a warm blanket;
- heating element - installed under the table cloth.
Note! In Japan, kotatsu are traditionally low, almost floor-mounted, since traditionally they sit on the floor in houses, but there are also high variations of kotatsu, this is also quite acceptable.
In addition, a low futon can be used, which is located under the entire structure to make it comfortable and warm to sit on. It also needs to be said about the seats, since probably only half-chairs with backs or low chairs allow you to sit comfortably at the kotatsu. Something like a compact chaise lounge would also be ideal.
Review of the best kotatsu tables
It should be noted that in most cases the table and blanket are sold separately. This means you have to buy the table and then order the right size blanket or futon.
This shouldn't be a problem because it means you can replace your futon or blanket whenever you want. During the hot summer months, you can simply use the table by yourself without turning on the fire and without a blanket.
The kotatsu table is a very versatile piece of furniture and you can use it for anything.
Don't worry, I've reviewed tables, futons, and blankets too, so you can find what you need.
Best Overall Kotatsu Table: YAMAZEN White
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- Material: plastic
- Size: 29.5 x 29.5 x 15.15 inches (for 1-3 people)
- Recommended for: multi-purpose use for work, eating, communication, activities.
If you are looking for a versatile kotatsu table that can be used for almost anything, then the Yamazen plastic table is what you need.
It's more affordable than many similar models, but the perfect size for everything from work to lunch to journaling. You can even use it with three of your family members or friends.
Although the table is made of plastic, it has durable legs and a hard surface. Plus, I like the fact that it's quite lightweight (28 pounds) so you can move it around whenever you need to.
The legs are not removable, but this makes the table stronger and more durable in the long run. It has a reversible tabletop, so you will get a lot of use out of it.
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The table is heated by a 100-volt heater that operates at 300 watts. It has an intermediate switch which makes this table very safe. You can turn it off when not in use to avoid fire.
Just make sure there's an outlet nearby because the 10-foot cord is a little short. So, the only downside to this table is that you need to install it near an outlet.
Lastly, I want to point out that you can easily add a futon around it and then you will have a proper kotatsu setup.
This is truly the best all-around kotatsu table if you are just looking for one for a variety of activities at home.
Check prices and availability here
Best Kotatsu for the Job: BJDesign Wooden Chabudai
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- Material: wood
- Size: 29×29 inches (1-2 people for comfortable seating, maximum 3 people)
- Recommended for: Work from home and activities
I know working from home can be exhausting, especially if you sit at a traditional desk all day. But sitting on the ground and working at a kotatsu table is healthier:
The BJDesign Wooden Kotatsu Table is the perfect size to place your laptop, notes, and even a cup of coffee.
What makes it especially convenient to work with is the convenient cord compartment. This means fewer cables and wires everywhere and a cleaner workspace.
The BJDesign table has an elegant design and is made of wood. Therefore, you can be sure that it is stronger than many others.
The table is easy to set up. You can just plug it in and wait until you feel the heat radiate because you don't need a special converter. Luckily, the heater is compatible with a 120-volt American outlet.
Additionally, you can adjust the leg height to help you sit in a comfortable position depending on the type of futon or chair you use.
When you're working, you'll need a sturdy table that can be moved and adjusted. Heat levels can be adjusted, which is convenient because you don't always need a lot of heat.
But the heater also has a burn prevention feature so your electronics will not be damaged.
Check latest prices here
YAMAZEN vs BJDesign kotatsu table
The BJDesign wooden kotatsu table is stronger and the legs are easier to install. Additionally, it has adjustable legs so you can adjust the height of the table. The Yamazen table has a fixed height.
Neither desk requires a converter and is compatible with a 120-volt outlet, but the Yamazen has a neat intermediate switch.
When it comes to safety, the BJDesign has a burn prevention feature and there is no risk of fire, whereas the Yamazen table is made of plastic and can become deformed over time.
The bottom line is that if you want a very durable table, you should choose a BJDesign wood one. In contrast, if you want a lightweight table for everyday use, I recommend the cheaper Yamazen melamine kotatsu table.
Best Budget Kotatsu Set: LZG Japanese Table with Heater and Blanket
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- Material: Wooden table and polyester blanket
- Size: Best for one or two people
- Table size: (29.5 × 29.5 × 14.6 inches)
- Futon Mat Size: (78.7×6 inches)
- Blanket Size: (78.7 x 70.8 inches)
- Recommended for: warmth, food and coffee, leisure activities.
Okay, in this case the budget is still around $1000, but the Japanese kotatsu set is very expensive.
One of the annoying things about buying kotatsu kits is purchasing all the components separately. The LZG set is a great buy because it is a complete set with everything you need, including a table, futon, blanket, and heater.
I would like to point out that it is rated for 220V so you will need to purchase a converter to ensure you can use it safely. But other than that, this is an excellent energy-saving kotatsu set.
Don't know how to set it all up? Check out this kotatsu tutorial:
This is one of the classiest sets you can find on Amazon, with a beautiful white and gray patterned blanket and a white table. If you're looking to add a stylish multifunctional table that serves as a table, coffee table, and gaming area, this is it.
What I love about this set is that the materials, including the futon and blanket, are non-slip and washable. So even if kids spill something on them, you can clean up quickly.
Another feature I like is the temperature control. The fan heater has a grille for added protection, and a safety feature turns off the heat if the temperature gets too high.
Check prices and availability here
The Best Traditional and Versatile Kotatsu Set: Tatami Home Heater Tables.
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- Material: wooden table and flannel and polyester fabric.
- Size: 2-4 people
- Table: 31.5 × 31.5 inches
- Blanket: 74.8 x 74.8 inches
- Recommended for: coffee table, dining table, decor
Suppose you want to decorate your home in a traditional Japanese style, this traditional kotatsu coffee table set is the best choice.
It comes with a large table that works as a desk, coffee table, and even a dining table for 2-4 people.
Just one look at the kotatsu set and you'll be transported back in time to traditional Japanese homes with this multicolor thick quilt and brown solid oak table.
The table legs are removable, so the table can be easily moved. There is also a non-slip mat on the table to prevent it from moving; this way it stays firmly in place.
Although this table is advertised as a low winter table, it is suitable for use all year round. After all, there are many cool spring and autumn evenings when you want to warm up with a cup of good tea.
This set is expensive, but it is made from solid oak and has expensive design features. But because it's slightly larger than the cheaper set, it's better suited for families.
It is also an energy saving table because the heater has an independent switch that quickly transfers all the heat to the underside of the table.
This way, the warmth stays in the blankets and you can keep your feet warm with minimal energy expenditure.
Check latest prices here
LZG vs premium kotatsu set
While both of these kits are expensive, they are complete kits and will save you money in the long run. Purchasing all the components separately may cost you more, especially when you factor in shipping costs.
The budget LZG set has a more stylish and modern design, while the premium set has a traditional classic design. It's also slightly larger than the LZG, meaning more people can sit comfortably at the table to stay warm.
This is useful if you have children and pets because you can all fit.
Both sets help save energy and both are well designed, but I like the cheaper set because the heater automatically turns off when it gets too hot. This is a good feature, especially if you are concerned about kotatsu tables being a fire hazard.
However, a more expensive set distributes heat better, and the space under the table remains warmer due to better airflow.
Best kotatsu table with folding legs: AZUMAYA
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- Material: wood
- Size: 36x20x14.5 inches (2-3 people)
- Recommended for: Coffee table and leisure activities
If you're looking for a kotatsu table with folding legs, the Azumaya is a great choice because it's portable and inexpensive.
This table has a long rectangular shape, which makes it different from others. Since the legs are fully foldable, the table is compact and easy to store and move.
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The shape makes it more suitable for use as a coffee table in the morning and a cozy snack table at night.
So I recommend this one if you are looking for a versatile kotatsu table that is easy to move and transform from a coffee table to a full kotatsu with a futon and blanket.
The table is made from beautiful oak and a rubber wood top so it is very durable. Plus, its shape makes it an elegant and modern addition to any room.
It is equipped with a 300W heating element and a temperature control knob. This allows you to set the temperature according to your needs and as a result, you do not overheat.
Check prices and availability here
Best for Kids and Families: MustMat
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- Material: wood
- Size: 29.5 × 47.2 × 16.9 inches
- Recommended for: children, games, homework, leisurely activities.
Japanese children love to sit at the heated kotatsu table, do their homework, play and watch TV. This is a functional piece of furniture for the whole family.
So, you need a spacious table with sturdy legs that won't move while children are using it. This MustMat table is made from durable rubber wood and is very easy to assemble.
What makes this table suitable for children is that it is very easy to clean. Simply wipe it down with a disinfecting cleaning solution and all dirt, grime and germs will be removed in one swipe.
Another useful feature of this table is that this table has a powerful heating element (600W), which makes the kotatsu seating area very warm and comfortable for children.
The table has an on/off switch and temperature adjustment knobs so you can create the perfect temperature for your family members.
Since I know that children love to sit barefoot, you don't have to worry about them getting cold. The kotatsu stays warm and toasty.
Check latest prices here
Origin of the kotatsu table
The history of the kotatsu table dates back to the fourteenth century during the Muromachi period. At that time, people used fireplaces called irori for cooking and keeping warm.
At that time, the main source of fuel was charcoal. It fed the irori hearth and people used it mainly for cooking.
But since the hearth radiates heat, it also heats houses. Then people decided to make irori more functional; thus a seating area was added to the hearth.
The seating platform was made of wood, and a patchwork blanket was added to make it more comfortable. The blanket, known as an oki, traps heat and keeps the entire table warm.
This setup, called Hori-gotatsu, was the predecessor of the modern kotatsu.
In the seventeenth century, the earth was dug up so that people could put their feet closer to the warmth under the covers.
From then on, kotatsu underwent minor changes until the mid-twentieth century, when charcoal was replaced by electricity. Thus the modern kotatsu was invented.
Heating was added directly to the table frame, making the kotatsu portable and energy efficient.
Who loves kotatsu?
For the Japanese, a kotatsu is a kind of symbol of home comfort, and some people get so used to the pleasant warmth of a kotatsu that they spend almost all their time under it, doing all their business behind it, except to go to the toilet. Such people are jokingly called kotatsumuri - from the words katatsumuri, “snail,” and kotatsu, that is, “a person accustomed to kotatsu, like a snail to a shell.”
Many cats also like to bask under the kotatsu, which is reflected in one children's song - Neko wa kotatsu de maruku naru, “The cat curled up under the kotatsu.”
Kotatsu Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sleep with kotatsu on?
Yes, you can sleep under kotatsu, but for safety reasons it is better to sleep for a short time.
One of the problems with the kotatsu is that the heat source gets very hot during use.
So, if you are sleeping, you may accidentally touch it and get burned. Because the table is so low, you can move your feet and touch it.
A short nap under the kotatsu table is very cozy, but you need to be careful about your body temperature. Because your feet are under the heat source, the rest of your body doesn't get as hot.
Thus, as a result of uneven heating, you may catch a cold.
How much should a kotatsu cost?
Kotatsu are actually quite expensive. If you just want to buy a basic table yourself, you can find one for around $180-$220.
The better brands cost more and have better heaters.
But then you will have to buy a futon and a blanket. So, the total cost can reach $800-$1500 depending on the size, brand and material.
A cheap kotatsu set can be unsafe, and since this is a heated table, quality matters.
Why do the Japanese sit on the floor?
Sitting on the floor is really good for your body, especially your back, as it improves your posture. But the reason why the Japanese love to sit on the floor has to do with culture.
Tatami culture is a tradition that originates from tatami - floors made of natural reeds. Since tatami mats are not hard, you cannot place heavy furniture on them like traditional floors.
Since Japan is known for its minimalist approach to furniture, sitting on the floor is also a suitable way to declutter your home and keep it safe in case of earthquakes.
Is Kotatsu a fire hazard?
When you first hear about a heated table covered with a blanket, the first thing that comes to mind is the potential fire hazard.
In the past, when kotatsu was heated with charcoal, it was a real safety hazard. The blanket caught fire if it touched the coals.
But these days, electric heating elements are not dangerous.
These modern kotatsu tables are designed in such a way that they cannot catch fire and pose no danger. Additionally, many heaters are automated, so if they get too hot, they turn off.
So the basic answer is no; Electric kotatsu does not pose a fire hazard.
The only real danger is that you will damage or break the electric heater wires and cause a short circuit that could cause the carpet to catch fire. But this is unlikely.
Also, you may be wondering, can you get burned?
Well, most heaters have a guard to prevent you from getting burned by the element. However, hot air can cause burns if you hold your skin too close for too long.
The best advice is to use kotatsu carefully.
Are Kotatsu safe for cats?
Yes, there is a special kotatsu designed for cats or small dogs. Animals sit under a blanket or on a heated table, as cats love to sit near heat sources.
There is no danger to cats because this kotatsu only works in low temperatures.
What it is?
Kotatsu is a traditional Japanese piece of furniture. This is a low table with an electric heater built into the inside of the frame, and covered with a blanket or light futon, on top of which the table top is placed. Winters in Japan are quite mild, without sudden changes in temperature, but in the off-season the houses can be quite cool, especially if we are talking about traditional Japanese houses, which have very thin walls. And since electricity is expensive in Japan, the Japanese prefer to heat themselves rather than their rooms. Therefore, on especially cold days, they gather for kotatsu. The temperature of modern heaters built into the table can be controlled using a switch, and the futon that is used to cover the kotatsu retains heat perfectly. At the kotatsu, people sit on special zabuton pillows or directly on the floor, covering their feet with a futon.
But kotatsu is not only a way to keep warm. This is a kind of family tradition that performs many communicative and educational functions. Since the Japanese spend a lot of time at work, they really value the comfort of home and their family. By gathering for kotatsu, they feel better connected with loved ones, because in this way they can not only have family dinners, but also work, study, watch TV, read or play board games. Kotatsu brings family members closer together in every sense. If a person lives alone, he can completely crawl under the kotatsu and feel protected and peaceful, as happens in childhood when we build huts for ourselves and hide in them, like in a small fortress. Pets especially love kotatsu. Cats happily climb under a table covered with a blanket and can sleep there for hours.
And although under the kotatsu they mainly warm their feet by covering them with a blanket, this is quite enough to feel warm in the cold season.
