Whether you're feeling the urge to brush up your chess skills or simply want the ultimate accessory for any sophisticated aesthetic, a stylish chess set is a gorgeous
According to the New York Times, people have jumped at the chance to get their hands on a chess set, as sales have skyrocketed since the series debuted on Netflix. Luckily, there’s no shortage of gorgeous options on offer, from designer brands to boutique artisans.
Covering the best chess sets - made of everything from elegant glass to striking marble or rustic wood - here’s our round-up of the most beautiful ones available, guaranteed to bring joy to your home... even if you never lift a piece!
Best chess sets for your home
Royals Incrusted Deluxe Chess Set
This Polish-made chess set from industry heavyweights Masters of Chess combines the classic look of wood with one-of-a-kind stylised piece designs that truly make it a standout addition to any room.
Crafted from hornbeam and cherry wood and finished with eye-catching lacquer, the pieces stow away in green felt-lined compartments inside the folding board for easy transportation. We also love the notations along the edges to delineate each square - essential if you're serious about improving your game.
Classic chess set
- Buy now from Arket (£49)
This beautiful green chess board, designed by the Swedish lifestyle brand PRINTWORKS, will make an ideal addition to your home if you're a fan of sleek but classic decor. The wooden board has an acrylic top and lacquered wooden pieces, and it also comes in a stylish gift box, so it makes a perfect present for any chess fan.
RADICAL Marble Chess Set
A marble chess set is the last word in sophisticated decor accessories, boasting a sturdiness and heft that truly makes an impression. This set by Radicaln is particularly striking, handmade from white and green oynx marble with a varied natural finish. The pieces sit atop a 38 x 38cm polished marble board suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
For peace of mind, the set is dispatched in secure protective packaging to ensure it makes it to you safely, and the box contains housing for the individual pieces to prevent chipping en route.
Skyline Chess Set
Take on the ultimate trans-Atlantic battle with this set from John Lewis, which pits London against New York with pieces representing the iconic skylines of the two cities.
Umbra Wobble Chess Set
How’s this for a truly unique design? The undulating curves of this beechwood board give it the appearance of ocean waves - and the round-ended pieces are designed to quiver in place during play, adding an extra element of excitement and tension to your game.
Circular three-player chess set
- Buy now from Menkind (£49)
Prepare your mind to be blown - three players can compete at the same time with this board, so it's the best chess set to go for if you have two playing partners. Black, grey, and white pieces clash on a circular base, with trajectory lines to help you keep track of your moves.
It might take a few goes to get the hang of three-way chess, but from an aesthetic point of view we’re in love already - the design of the circular board is a work of art.
African soapstone chess set
- Buy now from Etsy (£59.95)
A chess set doesn't have to be monochrome! This African-themed set, hand-made in Kisii, Kenya from local soapstone, comes in stylish natural pink and grey hues. Not only is it a cute twist on a traditional set, you'll have the satisfaction of supporting a Fairtrade organisation which ensures artisans are compensated fairly.
Online stores like Etsy often have several different soapstone chess sets available, so it's worth taking a look.
Resource chess set by Jonathan Adler
- Buy now from Selfridges (£625)
If you’re serious about style, you can’t go better than Jonathan Adler. The American interior decorator’s Chelsea boutique is a mecca for design-lovers.
His Resource chess set features clean lines and chunky shapes inspired by the minimalist 1970s styles of fashion designer Halston, and is crafted in a striking pattern of clear and smoky acrylic. It's the best chess set for those with a flair for modern style.
Olive wood chess set
- Buy now from Etsy (£126.23)
Crafted in Tunisia using olive wood, this rustic-look chess board would look stunning in a Nordic-style decor scheme. We love the little slide-out drawers stowed underneath to store the accompanying set of hand-carved wooden chess pieces.
Matryoshka dolls chess set
- Buy now from Etsy (£60.20)
The Soviet Union was famous for producing generations of grandmasters, so why not consider a chess set with a distinctly Russian twist?
The colourful, rustic chess set above features hand-crafted wooden figures based on traditional matryoshka nesting dolls. The board is made out of birch wood and them marked with letters and numbers to help you brush up on your game strategy.
