Many of us can remember our first introduction to the centuries-old, tabletop game of chess. While some were first taught how to play by parents and grandparents, others discovered the brain-teasing, intellectual board game slightly later in life.
Likewise, some players are inspired by iconic Grandmasters such as Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen. Others, however, grew up with the Harry Potter franchise - and found Mr Ron Weasley’s intrepid, high-stakes game atop the Chamber of Secrets to be an utter marvel.
More recently, the Netflix hit show The Queen’s Gambit saw much of the global population re-discover a love for the mind-bending game back in 2020. Anya Taylor-Joy’s highly introverted and gifted character, Beth Harmon, inspired players of all ages to hop online and order their very first boards.
Slowly but surely, those learning how to play chess for the first time and players who retaught themselves began to enjoy the mental agility afforded by practising the 1,500-year-old game on a regular basis.
Modern invention has also allowed avid players to practice at an accelerated rate. Where in the past, finding a chess partner or club with which to play tournaments was essential - the arrival of Chess.com in 2005 allowed budding Grandmasters to play against computers in a bid to outsmart the robot.
While playing online and on the move is all well and good, there’s nothing quite like the tactile luxury of playing a casual chess game with a friend over a physical board. When it comes to tournaments, though Magnus Carlsen is known to have hopped on Chess.com - we’re sure he’d agree that the feeling of hitting the timer amid a regal power struggle during an in-person game is rather unique.
Not only does playing chess over a physical board help to elevate your gameplay, but it also works to improve your interior design game. A statement chess set which has been artisanally crafted with unique materials is sure to be a coffee table conversation starter. If all you’re looking for is a design piece - we recommend investing in some museum putty to ensure your kings and queens aren’t sent flying at the slightest love tap.
We’ve curated a selection of the best chess boards to elevate your game below. Keep scrolling for more.
Shop now
Print Works The Art Of Chess
A bird’s eye view of this fantastic chess set by Swedish design company Print Works evokes the feeling that you’re playing in the clouds. When not in use, the set will make for a brilliant coffee table accessory which is sure to spark conversation.
Buy now £65.00, Selfridges
Cat Ceramic Chess Set
Cat lovers rejoice, for this ceramic chess set is bound to combine your two special interests most delightfully. Handmade in Wiltshire, the red and white set features two battling breeds of cat; the glorious Ragdoll and the adorable Tuxedo.
Buy now £260.00, Etsy
Ombre Lucite Chess & Checkers
This wonderful ombre chess and checkers set reminds us of a 1980s Miami sunset. Crafted from transparent acrylic Lucite, the rather abstract pieces make this set unsuitable for beginners, but certainly serve as a brilliant design piece for your retro futurist-style home.
Buy now £220.00, Revolve
Italfama Onyx Chess Set in Case – Small
Crafted from luxurious and cool-to-the-touch Onyx, this hand-crafted chess set by Italfama arrives stored in a velvet-lined carry case to ensure the precious game pieces remain intact. At just 30x30cm, this set is far from cumbersome and offers avid players the perfect surface on which to compete in a quick, friendly game.
Buy now £175.00, Farrar & Tanner
Ceramic Chess Set with Unique Chessboard
Handcrafted by StudioOrfe, this beautiful ceramic chessboard is realised in a large, circular design which makes taking your opponent’s pieces easier than ever. This star seller’s chess pieces are globular and wavy yet offer brilliant tactility. We love how the seller also offers personalisation in the form of engraved initials or dates.
Buy now £251.75, Etsy
Fruits V. Wannabe Veg Chess Set
This charming ceramic chess set features fruity and ‘wannabe’ vegetable opponents to add an eclectic touch to your home décor. Though finding your way around which fruits and vegetables are supposed to resemble traditional chess pieces may be difficult, it’s certainly worth the struggle to play with this delightfully handcrafted statement piece.
Buy now £231.97, Etsy
The French Knight Luxury Black Chess Set
This luxurious, traditional set was crafted with seasoned players in mind. The classically weighted chess pieces make for precise and authoritative gameplay, while the laser-cut wooden veneer has been lacquered to reveal unbeatable shine.
Buy now £329.99, Regency Chess
John Lewis Classic Wooden Chess & Draughts Set, Small
A foldable, portable and beginner-friendly chess and draughts set is an essential piece of homeware. This value-for-money, two-in-one option is sure to help you develop your skills in the beloved strategy game.
Buy now £50.00, John Lewis
Handmade Rainbow Chess Board
Looking for a statement chess board which won’t set you back an arm and a leg? IconicArtDesignStore on Etsy has got you covered with this rainbow-hued wooden set. Add a personalisation of up to 20 characters to ensure this board becomes an heirloom piece.
Buy now £90.33, Etsy
Dal Negro Backgammon and Chess Compendium
It’s not often that we come across multi-use boards which combine the art of chess and backgammon – but Del Negro has done it. Known for creating family games since 1756, you’re in for a treat with this hand-carved Italian board by the iconic brand.
Buy now £180.00, Abask
