From the century, the kotatsu typically consists of the electric heater attached to the frame, which is not limited to timber but may be made of plastic or other materials. Generally, a blanket (or shitagake) is draped across the frame and heater and under the table-top. This very first blanket is coated by a second heavier blanket, called as a kotatsu-gake (火燵掛布).
Kotatsu-gake often are decorative and may be designed to match dwelling décor. [9] A person sits on the floor or on zabuton cushions with their legs under the table and the blanket draped over the lower body. The kotatsu was designed when people most commonly wore traditional Japanese style clothes, where the heat would go through the bottom of the robes and rise to exit around the neck, thus heating the entire body.
Most Japanese home is not insulated to the same amount as a Western domicile and does not have central heating, thus relying primarily on space heating system. A kotatsu is a relatively cheap way to stay warm in the winter, as the futons trap the warm air. Families may decide to concentrate their activity in this one area of the house so as to save on power expenses. See Kotatsu table reviews 2018 here.
It is possible to maneuver under a kotatsu, although unless one is fairly short, one's body won't be completely covered. This generally is deemed acceptable for naps, but perhaps not for overnight sleeping for many reasons: one's body is just not totally covered, yielding uneven heating; the table is not low, so one may wind heating elements accidentally when moving while asleep, risking burns up. Traditionally, kids are told that they are going to catch a cold when they sleep soundly under a kotatsu. Pets such as cats frequently sleep under kotatsu, however, and are small enough to fit completely underneath--comparable to cats who sleep on floor heating ports in Western countries (Japanese homes do not generally have floor heating vents).
During the winter in Japan, the kotatsu often is the middle of national life. At the day family gather around the kotatsu to enjoy food, television, games, and conversation whilst keeping the low half of their own bodies warm. It has been said that,"once beneath the kotatsu, all of your worries slip away as a familiar warmth takes more and you also become entirely relaxed