An object first, but still a game
A decorative set is chosen with the eyes first: it has to suit the room where it will sit. Yet all our models remain playable, with 32 pieces and a real grid. Only the size of the pieces varies: often smaller than on a club set, they suit relaxed games.
Our styles
- Glass: one side clear, one side frosted, for a luminous look. See our glass chess sets.
- Black marble-effect lacquer: a folding case with gold-coloured clasps, 8.8 cm king. The pattern is printed; it isn't real marble.
- Minimalist design: a 40 cm black veined board and geometric gold pieces.
- Figurines: resin Chinese soldiers or warriors on a red lacquered board, see our themed sets and pieces.
Where to put it
Allow at least 10 cm of space around the board so it has room to breathe visually. Avoid a sunny windowsill, which fades finishes. On a coffee table, a 30 to 40 cm board is ideal. For a whole piece of furniture, see our chess tables. Want a gift that stays on show for years? Browse our luxury chess sets and our chess decor too.
Decorative and playable: our guidelines
For a set that will also be played, keep to a king of at least 6 cm and squares of at least 3.5 cm: below that, the pieces become hard to pick up. For a purely decorative set, size matters less than the material and how it suits the room. Finally, think about storage: a folding case protects the pieces from dust when the set stays on display for a long time.
39 cm folding wooden chess set, Staunton pieces and 2 extra queens
See the set →
All chess sets →
39 cm folding wooden chess set, Staunton pieces and 2 extra queens
See the set →
All chess sets →
