Best Chabudai Table – The traditional Japanese low table reviews

The chabudai is one major piece of furniture found in most traditional Japanese homes, be it a tea or low dining table.

Most times, these tables come with a height of 15 inches, and this is because, most times, they are used on tatami mats in combination with floor cushions and chairs, or zabuton and zaisu respectively.

In addition, the chabudai table is used just for 7 to 9 months, as they have to be replaced with kotatsu during the winter. This is to offer extra heat during much colder months.

A very great importance of the chabudai is its versatility. Most people usually don’t utilize a Western dining table for much asides from eating, chabudai are usually used in confined spaces for working, studying, or eating dinner.

If you have been hoping to spruce your home with a bit of Japanese culture, or you just need a low table to help sit on the floor, as included in your aesthetic, the chabudai may also be your best option.

Here, we have reviewed come Japanese-inspired or Japanese chabudai and our picks below are the best chabudai tables.

5 Best Chabudai Table with Reviews

1. YAMAZEN ESK-751(B) Heated Chabudai Table

The YAMAZEN ESK-751(B) Heated Chabudai Table comes with a lot of great features that you’ll love over and over again.

This table caps out around 0.3 kilowatts every hour anytime it runs at full capacity. In Japan, especially in Tokyo, electricity costs can be compared to those of large cities in kwh costs. Therefore, during the winter months, Kotatsu is great for couples as well as singles to keep them insulated and warm while indoors.

If used with an electric heater, this heated Chabudai table will save you some electricity costs; about $2 to $3 dollars daily. Another great feature of this table is that it is totally reversible. You can also choose from the light grey surface or darker hue top during the summer months, where you may not use much of the heating functionality.

Pros

• It is completely reversible
• Adds great beauty to your home
• It is very easy to use
• This table can be assembled quickly and easily
• It has a compact and small size
• Easily warms the area beneath the table.

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a Kotatsu blanket, but you can easily make use of any home blanket

2. EMOOR Wooden Folding Chabudai Table

The EMOOR Wooden Folding Chabudai Table is one of the best traditional Japanese low tables, which is great for minimal life or small spaces. Its legs can be folded with ease, to help storage when not used, or for camping purposes.

The construction of the top board is made from natural wood veneer, which is made to sit on strong rubber wood legs.

It requires no assembly. Its legs can be folded with ease, ensuring that the stopper is pulled at each joint. When folded, it becomes just 10cm (4 inches) thick. It also adds beauty to your space.

Its top plate is made up of Wood decorative fiberboard. Its legs are made up of solid rubber wood and its surface processing is made up of Lacquer paint.

This product is the round small size. It also comes in other sizes such as Rectangle (Medium), Rectangle (Small), and Square (small).

Pros

• This table needs no assembly
• Great for small spaces
• It can be folded with ease
• Other different sizes available

Cons

• It may not be a perfect fit for larger spaces

3. EMOOR Microfiber Kotatsu Rectangle-Type Chabudai Table

The EMOOR Microfiber Kotatsu Rectangle-Type Chabudai Table features a Shikifuton (Rug) and Kakefuton (Comforter) only. It doesn’t come with a Kotatsu table. This product comes with lots of patterns and colors; all you need to do is choose whatever Futon will suit your room best.

Fluffy, smooth, and soft microfiber covers the outer layer of the rug and comforter. The comforter’s inner side is light and soft fleece, while the rug’s ground side is non-skid. This Futon is specially designed to save space; it has a compact design and has less wadding, with slits present at four corners and designed not to spread.

During the summer and spring season, you can decide to use the rug in your room without a comforter or Kotatsu table. To care for this, all you need to do is to hand wash it.

The dimension of the comforter is 180 x 220cm (71 x 87in), the rug is 150 x 180cm (59 x 71 in), which is great for Kotatsu tables (Rectangle-type) with a dimension of 75 to 80cm by 105 to 120 cm (29.5 to 31.5in by 41.3 to 47.2in).

Pros

• Fluffy, smooth, and soft microfiber
• This product comes with lots of patterns and colors
• It has a compact design and has less wadding

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a Kotatsu table

4. AZUMAYA ELFI-901OAK Kotatsu Heater Folding Legs Chabudai Table

The AZUMAYA ELFI-901OAK Kotatsu Heater Folding Legs Chabudai Table is an already assembled product and for Kotatsu use, it offers Table Top Removal.

The display size of the product is W 36in x D 20in x H 14.5in, while the size of the product with folding is W 36in x D 20in x H 5in. For home living in Japan, it has 300-Watt, 100-Voltage, and 50-60Hz. There may be a need to get a voltage converter if you are living outside Japan.

This product is very famous in Japan. It also includes a switch cable plug (to power on and off the device), and a handed knob to help control the temperature. It has a contemporary and traditional blend pattern, while its material is made of AC Carbon and Natural Wood.

It has a natural oak color and its style is Japanese Traditional Kotatsu Heater coupled with folding legs table. Lastly, it comes with a product warranty; this is eligible for just 90 days after the product is delivered to you

Pros

• It has a product warranty
• High-quality product
• The temperature can be controlled with a knob
• Great for home living in Japan
• It is very easy to set up
• Shipped very quickly

Cons

• You may need a voltage converter if you are living outside Japan

5. EMOOR Wooden Folding Chabudai Table

The EMOOR Wooden Folding Chabudai Table is great for minimal life or small spaces. When it’s not used, you can easily fold their legs and store them. This is another great reason why it is good for camping purposes.

Its top board is made up of natural wood veneer, which is made to sit on strong rubber wood legs. Because natural material is used, there may be a variation in the wood color and grain of the units.

There’s no need for any assembly. Folding all four legs is easy. After it is folded it becomes 10cm (4 in) thick.

Pros

• This table needs no assembly
• It can be folded with ease
• Other different sizes available

Cons

• May not work fine for large spaces

Japanese Chabudai Table Buying Guide

Our buying guide will help you make the best decision, as we will be discussing those things to consider before buying a chabudai table, as well as how to maintain it after buying. We have also included some frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic.

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Chabudai Table

Size and Design

Your room space determines the chabudai size you should go for. Some seem more pronounced than the others. For big families, they should choose a low big-sized table. These tables are available in different designs. Square and round chabudais are available.

Materials

Original chabudai Japanese manufacturers usually choose whatever wood they use very carefully and then inspect it to get rid of any imperfections before going ahead to cut it into different shapes and dimensions. Different chabudai tables are handcrafted and made from materials like wood, oak, stain, and pine. Make sure you buy your chabudai from authentic and unique antiques utilizing high-quality materials.

Mobility

Another important factor to consider is the portability of your chabudai. How portable is it? This can easily be determined from its collapsible features and weight. It’s best to get a folding chabudai, as they are easy to store in limited areas and move around your home.

Finish

Your table’s finishing determines how it can be maintained. For example, a good finishing element is lacquer, which is used while making some chabudais. This is why they are so easy to clean and they add to the product’s aesthetic value. Some craftsmen utilize different lacquer layers to bring out different colors. This type of piece will give your room a magnificent look.

An oil-coated chabudai table has a better appearance because it brings out its grain color. Make sure you choose a dealer that appeals best to your eyes. The chabudai low tables’ stains give them a natural look. Some chabudais also come in cedar smell, which is great as well.

How to Maintain Your Chabudai Table?

After successfully purchasing the best chabudai table, there’s a need to get some tips on ways to maintain it properly to ensure it lasts for long. These traditional Japanese low tables easily catch ink marks, water stains, or dust, but you should do more to ensure it keeps shining, as well as extend its lifespan.

With a combination of dust and polish, a dark film could be formed on your table. This is why it is very important that you practice deep cleaning at regular intervals. You may begin by dusting; this gets rid of light soiling present on it. Utilize a gentle cleaner to ensure the wood is maintained, and its finishing is not interfered with.

Mix soap and water together and then use a soft cloth to clean. Note that the cloth must not be wet, but damp; this is to prevent your chabudai’s wooden material from saturating. After the Chabudai table is cleaned, leave it somewhere outside or in your balcony to allow proper drying.

As your table ages, it may accumulate polish, and you may not expect it. You can also make use of tea bags to revitalize your antique. Just place these bags in boiling water and get the tea to cool to room temperature. Now, damp soft cloth, and insert it into the tea before using it on your table surface. Strong tea has tannic acid and it is great for chabudai wood. With this, your table continues to look shiny, making it look new at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chabudai

Low Japanese tables are called what?

Low Japanese tables are referred to as kotatsu. They are wooden, low table frames, which are covered by a heavy blanket or a futon, on which the table sits on. Beneath it is the heat source, which is electric and built into the table; this was initially a charcoal brazier.

Why are Japanese tables usually low?

Japanese tables are usually low because in the traditional homes of the Japanese people, from ancient days to date, they had little furniture to sleep or sit on. Without bedding or chairs, the Japanese people were used to sitting and sleeping on the floor.

Should I sleep underneath a kotatsu?

Never sleep underneath a Kotatsu! Although this could be a completely normal thing, making unconscious movements under your kotatsu may result in you having contact with the heating element found below the table accidentally. This could cause serious burns. Furthermore, you may dehydrate seriously while sleeping beneath a kotatsu table, depending on the deepness of your sleep.

Conclusion

It is clear that chabudai has come to stay. Chabudai symbolizes family harmony, as it brings everyone together. Chabudai can now be purchased online; you can choose from the products reviewed above, but remember to consider the factors we explained in our buying guide before choosing to buy one that you’ll enjoy for a long time. Buy the best Chabudai table today!