Luxury Board Games That Double as Home Decor

Swap tech for tactics this gifting season with this portable chess set by Smythson. Clever zipped compartments keep the wooden pieces neatly stowed within the signature Panama leather board, ready to be unrolled at the airport lounge, on the yacht deck or at the family dinner table. That way, your favourite ‘Grand Master’ – their words, not yours – can offer their pearls of wisdom anyplace, anytime. 

Save the round table for dinnertime and serve the history buff in your life the Camelot chess set from Royal Selangor – a creation that brings the ancient world of King Arthur to life, and a fitting choice of theme for a game that dates back over a millennium. Intricately sculpted in solid pewter, the pieces stand ready for battle on a board of wood and pewter squares. Once victory is claimed, the expertly detailed ancient warriors rest in red felt-lined compartments beneath their field of glory.  

Anyone familiar with this classic boardgame will consider it a triple win to own this elegant backgammon set by Aspinal of London. Personalise up to four initials on its briefcase-like design, crafted from solid wood covered in full-grain leather from a gold-rated LWG-certified tannery. Embossed with a crocodile effect, it opens via dual clasps to reveal marbled acrylic pieces, leather dice cups and a board inlaid with over 50 leather pieces for a smooth playing surface.

With 260 years of crystal-making heritage, Baccarat reimagines one of humanity’s favourite games in the Jeux backgammon set, proving art and leisure can co-exist. One of five games – including checkers, dominos, Chinese go and chess – created with Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, it features crystal pieces gliding across a marble board, with red felt accents completing the decadent experience.

Heritage and time-honoured pastimes combine in Ralph Lauren Home’s Westover playing cards gift set. Perfect for poker night, the two tartan-backed decks are housed in a lidded leather case with gold-tone hardware and tonal topstitching, making it a refined addition to any desktop or coffee table. The brand’s moniker is debossed in cursive lettering on the base for an elegant finish.

When it comes to luxury boardgames, Cartier may not be the first name that 'jumps' to mind – but its creations are hidden gems amid the Maison’s gold bangles, diamond earrings and handbags. The Panthère de Cartier solitaire board receives the same meticulous craftsmanship as its fine jewellery: a beige fabric-based design in varnished resin, with each sculpted curve cradling a blown-glass bead flecked with gold leaf.