This is the table where I do most of my reading and writing. A Kotatsu (コタツ) is a Japanese style table with a heater attached to the bottom. You can optionally get a Kotatsu futon for the top which is almost like a blanket used to retain the heat and/or the bottom which makes the seat a little softer (I actually didn't need it as I have carpet underneath, but it was a matching set). The tabletop is a separate piece of wood and the futon/blanket is sandwiched between the bottom part of the table and the table top.

The table is about a foot high off the ground, so it's not for the long-legged. I can manage to cross my legs under the table, but just barely. The heater underneath glows orange when it's on, but it's actually safe to touch. The grill surrounding the heater has some sort of fuzzy coating that feels soft and cool to the touch.

Living in LA, I was able to procure my table from Marukai Forum, probably the largest Japanese supermarket chain in the US, even if there are only two. The table itself costs me $150 which is a lot cheaper than what you would find online. The futon set cost me around $80 and the two cushions I have cost me $10 a piece, although I'm thinking of getting new and softer (read: more expensive) cusions. There are also "chairs" for a kotatsu, which you can just imagine as a chair without legs. I opted with cushions as I can't imagine how I would get out of one. Of course, the question is: why do I need a heated table in hot hot LA? It's actually a bit chilly in my apartment, especially now in the winter. Plus, it feels good sitting under the kotatsu with shorts. I guess it's (still) a novelty to me. It would have been nice to have one when I was living in NYC!

Comments

(Comments are Closed)