This Bed Is Designed So You Never Have To Leave It

If you're looking forward to spending the coming winter in bed, you're in luck, as there is a Japanese-designed you never have to leave. The Japanese might shrug their shoulders and think, "What's the big deal?" but over here in America, we are freaking out. This Japanese bed is a lazy person's wet dream. And let's be real: there are a lot of lazy people in America. The invention is a "heating table" bred with a bed to make something truly impressive. It's called a "kotatsu," and involves a blanket being draped over a low table, with the table top placed on top of the blanket. Underneath the table is a space heater, which sounds like a fire hazard to me, but also like somewhere I want to be immediately.

The kotatsu is also surrounded by couch, which makes it look extra comfy. Traditionally, those wearing Japanese robes would put their legs under the table and blanket, and the air from the heater would waft up their robes and exit around their neck, like a lovely warm ventilation system. Central heating for the body, if you will. And it's not exactly revolutionary — the origins of it go all the way back to the 14th century, when people would huddle by cooking hearths to keep warm. Within the next few hundred years they morphed into this bed-like structure, and the rest is deliciously comfortable history.

Here's the kotatsu in all its glory:

You can share it with a pal:

Read a book under it:

Take a nap after having tea:

Potential new work-from-home space?

Sign me up.

Images: Belle Maison (6)