The Kotatsu are traditional Japanese tables still popular in Japan today. Because of their multiple benefits, people from the outside world have embraced their use.
A Kotatsu table comes short-legged with a futon covering it. Below the table, a heat source got placed.
Since the futon covered the entire table, the heat emitted by the heat source could not escape. The Japanese would then place their legs below the table to enjoy the warmth. The Kotatsu helped the Japanese go through winter.
Traditional futons were made by stuffing cotton in a cotton zip case. Because of the influence of the outside world, today’s futons get made using various materials.
If you are interested in Kotatsu futons or blankets but have no clue about them, this guide is for you.
In this guide, you will learn essential details about Kotatsu futons or blankets. You will be able to know what blanket suits you to use in your Kotatsu. The market is flooded with different kinds of Kotatsu futons.
We have conducted detailed research and come up with a list of the best Kotatsu blankets in the market today. We shall review them to enlighten and help you choose an ideal Kotatsu futon for your table.
We’ll start by defining a Kotatsu futon or blanket for better understanding.
Our Review of Top Kotatsu Futon Blanket
A Review of the Best Kotatsu Futon or Blanket on the Market Today
EMOOR Microfiber Space-Saving Kotatsu Futon Set
This futon is a cheap and cozy way to keep yourself warm during the cold season. You can catch up on your favorite movie or listen to music while resting on it.
After a tiring day’s work, the EMOOR Microfiber futon set is the best way to relax.
The futon comes with multiple uses. You can read, nap, eat, play, chat with your friends or loved ones, or do any other small tasks.
Its beautiful floral patterns will keep your eyes fixed on it for a long time. The upper side is made of light and soft microfiber, while the bottom part comes with a fluffy boa. As a result, this futon is very warm.
Fitting it over your table is a piece of cake. It comes with slits at the four corners to allow it to drape with ease.
You can use it during both summer and winter. The four corners have elastic bands attached to them on the ground side to allow the futon to be used as a cover for an electric carpet.
The size is ideal for any standard Kotatsu table and comes with a rug.
EMOOR Washable Kotatsu Futon Comforter
- [ENJOY LIFE with KOTATSU] Kotatsu is a unique seasonal Japanese table used with Futon...
If you are searching for a futon made explicitly in Japan, this EMMOR comforter may interest you. You will need to use it on your square Kotatsu as it’s square-shaped.
Unlike other futons, this comforter doesn’t come with a table or rug. You will have to buy them separately if you also need them.
The futon is soft to the touch and handle and can be too cozy and warm. Thanks to the light, fluffy, and soft Toray polyester stuffed inside.
You can either wash it using your hands or a machine. It comes in plain color only and looks lovely.
You can use this comforter for many things when you place a tabletop on it. For example, you can eat or drink on it, or play games with your friends.
You can also utilize it during all seasons. Some people might find it a bit expensive, but it worth owning one.
EMOOR Microfiber Kotatsu Futon Set
If you only have a Kotatsu and require both the rug and futon, this EMOOR Microfiber set is the best to buy. The comforter comes with a rug, and they are both rectangular.
It means you can only use them in your rectangular-shaped Kotatsu.
What’s impressive about this futon is that it comes in various colors and patterns. You get to choose what you love and blend well with your room’s interior décor.
Its outer surface and that of the rug come with smooth, fluffy, and soft microfibers.
The futon’s inside side is light fleece and soft, explaining why it’s cozy and warm. You can also use it separately, making it ideal to use at all times. You need to hand wash it to keep it clean.
Defining a Kotatsu Futon or Blanket
It is a futon or blanket explicitly made for a Kotatsu table. You can find them in different sizes to suit various tables.
The materials used in making them today differ.
In ancient times, the Japanese’s used to create a case using cotton fabric. They made the case based on the table’s size.
By then, the Japanese had started growing cotton. They would stuff the cotton into the case to the thickness they wanted.
The Japanese would also use the futon for sleeping. They would stuff them with more cotton to create a thickness ideal for a mattress.
Currently, Kotatsu futons or blankets are being made and filled with other materials like polyester and microfiber.
A Kotatsu futon or blanket goes with a rug for the bottom. Usually, most futons or blankets get sold as a set with their base counterparts.
Some people get confused about what size of futon and rug to pick. Here is an insight into how to get the right size.
The Ideal Futon and Rug Size for Your Kotatsu
When buying a futon or blanket for your Kotatsu, first measure the table’s size. Then go for a Kotatsu blanket or futon larger than your table’s size by approximately 110cm to 130cm.
It would be best if the futon resembles your table’s shape. If your Kotatsu is rectangular, buy a rectangular blanket or futon.
Like the Kotatsu futon or blanket, consider the size of your table before buying the bottom rug. The rug should protrude further than your table by approximately 50cm.
Such a carpet will enable you to spread out as you wish.
Though it’s rare for the futon or blanket to fall off the Kotatsu, some manufacturers put measures in place to secure them. You can also improvise your way of keeping the futon or blanket fixed on the table.
The following are ways a futon or blanket stays secure on the Kotatsu table.
How a Futon or Blanket Holds On to the Kotatsu
I. Using a Sturdy Tabletop
In ancient times, the Japanese used to place a heavy tabletop on top of the futon. In return, the futon could not move or sway around. The tabletop also enabled the Japanese to use Kotatsu for various purposes.
For example, eating or placing things.
Today, the same concept applies to some futons and blankets used on a Kotatsu. Strong tabletops get placed over the futon.
Unlike traditional wooden tabletops, modern ones come made with various materials like glass. They also come in multiple designs and decorations to enhance the look of the Kotatsu and the room’s interior décor.
II. Underlays
The market has some underlays you can use to help fasten your futon or blanket on the Kotatsu. You can grip them on the table’s side or under the tabletop.
Choose underlays that will match the futon or blanket for a better display.
III. Screws
Some people prefer screwing the futon or blanket onto the Kotatsu to keep it secure. It means that you’ll drill holes into the futon or blanket and Kotatsu. It doesn’t make it a better option. Most Kotatsu users don’t use it.
Sometimes the cold season lasts longer, making you use your Kotatsu futon or blanket most of the time.
Because they are used near the floor, accumulating dirt, stains, and bacteria is very easy. Therefore, you need to keep them clean to avoid developing health issues like asthma, skin disease, or allergies.
Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to clean a Kotatsu futon or blanket. If you are one of them, the following information will enlighten you.
How to Clean a Kotatsu Futon or Blanket
a) Hand Wash
You need not worry if you don’t have a washing machine. Kotatsu futons or blankets are washable using your hands. Because they are bulky, you need a large area like a bathtub for cleaning them.
First, mix washing detergent with slightly warm water inside a large container. Then dip it in the futon or blanket. Start stomping the futon or blanket and turn it on regularly to ensure all parts get cleaned.
When you’ve checked that all dirt and stains are gone, drain out the water.
If using a container with a draining system like the bathtub, open the drainer and allow the water to go. If not, ask someone to help you wring out the futon or blanket as it can get heavy when wet.
Please don’t remove the futon or blanket from the washing container until it’s spotlessly clean. Then put clean water into the washing container and dip the wrung futon or blanket.
Rinse it as many times until the water is clear. Then wring out the water and hang it out to dry.
If you’re interested in learning how to clean a futon, read out the article: how to clean a futon.
b) Machine Wash
You can also clean your futon or blanket using a washing machine. But not all are ideal to machine wash.
Futons or blankets stuffed with feathers cannot be machine cleaned. Before washing, ensure the futon or blanket can be machine cleaned. Some come with labels indicating how to wash them.
Sometimes you find your futon or blanket can be machine cleaned, but it could be so large for your machine washer. It’s essential to consider the following factors to avoid any disappointments;
- Ensure the machine washer can fit the futon or blanket.
- You have a reliable clothes dryer. If not, ensure it’s sunny before washing. Some futons or blankets come thick and can take ages to dry. The futon or machine should dry adequately.
- The futon or blanket is washable by machine.
When all the above factors are in order, you can now start washing your futon or blanket. First, roll it up like you would a sleeping bag. Then tie the futon or blanket to prevent it from unraveling.
You can also place it inside a laundry net.
You can skip this if you don’t have a laundry net or something to tie the futon or blanket. It is unnecessary, but it will ensure the futon or blanket gets washed evenly when you do.
When the futon or blanket is ready for washing, start your washing machine. Allow the water to flow in first, and then put in a detergent.
There has not been any known detergent made specifically for Kotatasu futons and blankets, but you can use any reliable one. Both liquid and powder detergents work out great.
Putting the detergent directly on the futon or blanket may damage it. That’s why you need to dissolve the detergent in the water before dipping the futon or blanket.
After the machine has gotten enough water and the detergent has mixed evenly, drop in your futon or blanket.
Kotatsu futons or blankets don’t require harsh cleaning. When you place them in your washing machine, set them to ‘hand wash’ mode. It is the weakest setting.
When it reaches the ‘water wringing phase’, be keen not to do it over four minutes. Otherwise, it may make the futon or blanket weak, shortening its lifespan.
Alternatively, you may remove your futon before the wringing phase and do it manually. Place it in your bathtub and stomp it. Besides, it’s fun!
Then put it in a clean place outside to dry from the hot sun. If it’s not sunny, a reliable dryer will work out fine. While placing it inside a dryer, roll it up like you did while putting it in the washing machine.
In the absence of the sun and a reliable dryer, try a drying fan. Hang the futon or blanket in your bathroom and close the door. Then put on the dryer fan and allow it to run until the futon or blanket is completely dry.
Before using your futon or blanket, ensure it’s completely dry. The dampness may affect your health. Also, if it does not dry well, the blanket or futon may develop molds.
If you have no time for cleaning your futon or blanket, consider seeking the services of a professional. You will part with a few bucks, but it will ensure your futon or blanket is appropriately cleaned.
A quack may spoil your futon or blanket, translating into a total loss!
The Kotatsu futon or blanket washing is hectic and time-consuming. To avoid this havoc, place a cover over your futon or blanket.
Choose a cover made with an attractive but easy-to-clean material. This way, you will protect your futon or blanket from soiling. It is also easier and faster to wash the cover than an entire futon or blanket.
But you may ask, what happens when I can’t access a Kotatsu futon or blanket or don’t have one? Can’t I use any blanket? It is a brilliant question. Here is the insight;
Can You Use Any Blanket for a Kotatsu?
Yes, you can. The regular duvets work out great. But you need to be careful of its size and the material used in its making. Some duvets get made with inflammable materials.
It is also not easy to get a blanket with the right size for your Kotatsu. Avoid blankets made with synthetic materials.
Consider those produced with 100% natural materials.
It is recommended to use a futon or blanket made particularly for a Kotatsu. They are safe, convenient, and comfortable, and offer optimal user experience.
With the above information, you could be interested in acquiring a futon or blanket for your Kotatsu. But before then, you need to consider some factors for optimal results.
The following are things to have in mind while purchasing one.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Kotatsu Futon or Blanket
i. Your Table Size
A Kotatsu table or blanket should cover the entire table. It doesn’t make sense to buy one that can hardly embrace your Kotatsu. The heat from the heating source will not get preserved.
That means the futon or blanket will be useless. An oversized blanket or futon may not be easy to handle. Know your table size first and use the measurements to get your futon or blanket’s ideal size.
ii. Materials Used
The purpose of a Kotatsu futon or blanket is to keep you warm. Consider one made with a warm material. Also, go for a futon or blanket that can help preserve heat.
Cleaning a Kotatsu futon or blanket can be hectic. Go for the one made with water, stain, and dust-resistant material.
It is also good to consider the materials stuffed inside the futon or blanket. You cannot wash some like feathers inside a washing machine. Get a futon or blanket you can clean using both your hands and machine for convenience.
The futon or blanket covers a table with a heating system, ensuring the material used in making it is fire-resistant for safety reasons.
iii. Design
How will a circular futon appear on a rectangular-shaped table? Weird! When buying a futon or blanket, consider your Kotatsu’s shape.
The shape should be similar. Great designs improve the appearance of both the Kotatsu and the room. Consider something that pleases the eyes and blends well with your interior décor.
iv. Price
The market is flooded with many different Kotatsu futons or blankets, but each comes with its price tag. Various reasons like the material, style, size, and model used to attribute to each futon’s or blanket’s price.
Some cost peanuts, while others can be extremely high. When buying a futon or blanket for your Kotatsu, you need to consider your budget. Go for the one that fits your money. But ensure it meets all your needs.
After considering the above factors, the following reviews of the best Kotatsu futon/blanket currently on the market will help you choose what’s right for you.
Conclusion
Kotatsu futons or blankets are essential in every household, especially during the cold season. When it covers the whole table, it traps the heat from the heating unit.
In return, the preserved heat keeps you warm throughout, as explained above.
As illustrated above, there are futons or blankets explicitly made to use with a Kotatsu. But you can use a regular comforter as an alternative. You only need to look for the one that suits your table’s size.
The material used in making such comforters should also be of concern. Avoid those that can easily catch fire, dirt, stains, or humidity.
When buying a Kotatsu futon or blanket, you should consider some factors, as shown above. But if you are not sure what to pick, use the reviews of the best Kotatsu futon blanket discussed above as an eye-opener.
