A casual game of chess could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, so it’s always nice to have an aesthetically pleasing chess set to play with!
Whether you’re looking for a new set to mix things up or you’re adding some new options to your collection, this guide has got you covered!
In today’s article, I’ll walk you through the top 5 nicest chess sets that you can find on the market. So without further ado, let’s dive right in!
1. Chess Armory Wooden Chess Set
Kicking off the list with one of the overall best options for casual players as well as beginners. The set is also highly affordable, which makes it an incredible choice for buyers on a budget!
This wooden chess set is very well made while maintaining the standard design for all the pieces.
Every piece is handcrafted from high-quality wood with excellent consistency and great attention to detail.
The set also comes with 32 pieces, including extra queens, which is convenient for players who manage to promote a pawn to a queen while still having the first one in the game.
I also like that all the pieces also come with a felted bottom to protect the board from scratches while playing.
The chessboard is made from inlaid walnut wood and measures 15 inches x 15 inches, which is relatively small but makes it highly compact and portable.
Not only that, but the board also folds into a small box with a felted interior, allowing you to store all the chess pieces to take your set anywhere you go!
In addition to the regular wooden board, the set is also available in a magnetic design, which helps in keeping the pieces stable for new players, especially younger ones!
Pros
- Available in both magnetic and non-magnetic designs
- Handcrafted with a felted bottom to keep the set in pristine condition
- Highly portable and folds into a felt-lined storage box
Cons
- Some pieces may look scuffed or lightly scratched out of the box
2. Classic Game Collection Metal Chess Set
If you’re looking for an elegant chess set that comes at a decent price, this one might be the one for you!
The chess pieces in this one are made from solid steel, so they’re hefty and feel nice in hand.
The set comes with 32 pieces without extra queens. The bottom of the pieces is lined with felt, although it feels a bit flimsy and may come off with time.
The set comes with a classic wooden inlaid board that measures 12 inches x 12 inches, which may feel a little small for some players.
The board is removable and sits on top of a wooden box that is lined with felt/velvet where you can keep the chess pieces. The box also comes with two bags for convenient storage.
Pros
- Highly affordable price
- Elegant board with well design pieces
- The chessboard is removable for convenient storage
Cons
- Some may find the set relatively small
3. Radicaln Handmade Onyx Weighted Chess Set
If you’re looking for a chess board that is both decorative and game-friendly, you should keep this one in mind.
Both the chessboard and the pieces are carved and polished entirely by hand from marble onyx.
The quality of the pieces is excellent although they may lack some fine details if you look close enough.
Additionally, the set comes in various colors and the pieces are fitted with a felt bottom to prevent scratches and keep the set in mint condition.
Since the set is meant to double as a decoration, it doesn’t come with a storage box, although the option would’ve been a nice add-on.
Pros
- Sleek design and made entirely of marble Onyx
- Doubles as home decoration
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons
- Lacks a storage box
4. Muba Luxury Handmade Chess Set
This chess set is an excellent pick if you don’t mind splurging a bit for superior design and craftsmanship.
The chess set is entirely handcrafted with a mosaic board and metal pieces. Each chess piece has its unique look and you can notice the fine details in every single piece.
The chessboard is also a box with a felt interior where every piece has its indented slot for convenient and safe storage, although you will want to leave the set on display at all times!
The set also comes with a zippered cover to protect the entire set from scratches during transportation.
Pros
- Incredibly elegant with unmatched attention to fine details
- Equipped with convenient storage for individual pieces
- Features a zippered cover for added protection
Cons
- Premium price tag
5. Srenta Fine Glass Chess Set Game
Lastly, if you’re looking for a unique chess set that stands out, this one might be an interesting choice to consider.
The Srenta chess set is made entirely from glass. Both the pieces and board are made from frosted and clear glass for identification, although this could be slightly inconvenient in limited visibility settings.
The set comes with an optional felt bottom that you can adhere to the pieces by yourself. I like that the set gives you the option to remove them if you’re mainly buying this one for aesthetics.
The main downside of this set is that it’s quite small, as the board only measures 9.7 x 9.7 inches while the king’s height is 2.2 inches.
Pros
- Unique and attractive design
- Well-made with attention to fine details
- Comes with felt bottoms that you can attach yourself
Cons
- The set is a bit too small
Wrap Up
This marks the end of today’s guide that walks you through the 5 nicest chess sets, whether you’re a beginner who has recently tapped into the world of chess or you’re a veteran who has enjoyed the classic game for years.
If you’re looking for a simple yet highly practical chess board that is also well designed, you should consider Chess Armory Wooden Chess Set.
However, if luxury is your main priority, you may consider options like Muba Luxury Handmade Chess Set or Radicaln Handmade Onyx Weighted Chess Set.
