The Stylish Kotatsu Table: The Japanese way of staying warm!

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Japanese kotatsu (炬燵) is a low, wooden table frame covered by a futon, or heavy blanket, upon which a table top sits. Underneath is a heat source, formerly a charcoal brazier but now electric, often built into the table itself. Kotatsu are used almost exclusively in Japan, although similar devices are used elsewhere: for example the Spanish brasero or Iranian korsi

The kotatsu now comes with storage space. Japanese online retailer Rakuten, via interior products seller Charisma, has a solution for the kotatsu paradox, with a kotatsu that’s packed with storage space. 

The table top is hinged, and opening up the panels reveals compartments measuring 30.25 inched wide by 14.9 inches long and 1.4 inches deep. That gives you space to stash a laptop or tablet, or magazines and manga. Since now that you’ll be both warm and entertained, it’ll be even more mentally difficult to leave the futon to make a run to the kitchen when you get the snacks. 

The kotatsu is available in two colors of wood, and its simple, elegant design means that even when winter is done, you can remove the blanket and continue to use it as an ordinary coffee table. 

The storage compartment kotatsu can be ordered here through Rakuten, priced at US$205.5 (22,800 yen).

 

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