15 unique and aesthetic chess set designs

If you are on this page, you probably enjoyed playing this strategy board game. Standard black and white squares are a common sight in most chess. Even if you don't have any experience with the game, you will be familiar with common phrases associated with playing chess. "Mat", "opening", "children's mat" - all these are common words that we use quite often.

Chess is one of the oldest board games in the world, dating back about 1500 years. A timeless classic, this game has changed a lot in recent years. Artists contribute to its concept and execution by mixing different aesthetics to create truly unique sets. With its many shapes and sizes, this simple board game has become not only the epitome of style but also an intellectual activity.

If you are bored with regular Staunton style chessboards, there are many unique chess boards and sets you can choose from. Unique chess sets of any cost, shape, and size are currently available. Whether you are an amateur or a professional, you can always find an exceptional design to your liking. Here we have collected 15 of the best unique chess sets that will amaze you.

15 PHOTOS

1. SKYLINE THE NEW YORK CHESS SET.

This set will be a welcome addition for lovers of stately architecture. Inspired by iconic buildings, this chess set combines design aesthetics with a modern flair in its unique chess pieces. Inspired by the iconic New York skyline, this set comes in three finishes: acrylic, premium metal, and luxe bronze. The 32-piece set has been carefully selected to include some of the city's most iconic skyscrapers. Brownstone House, Guggenheim, Flatiron, Chrysler, Empire State Building, and One World Trade Tower are the most coveted properties. Each set includes a chessboard with a presentation box.

2. SET CHESS RALPH LAUREN HOME SUTTON.

Impeccably designed for people with a discerning taste, this chess set by Ralph Lauren is a work of art. It is made of rich walnut wood and carbon fiber leather with polished nickel and carbon fiber checkerboards. Comes with a removable nickel and carbon fiber cover. The base is lined with leather and felt and has storage slots. For a collector, this might be the best chess set.

3. CHESS SET UMBRA WOBBLE.

Give movement and spontaneity to your next strategic match. Uniquely crafted to bring novelty to the game, this set does exactly what the name suggests. Figures swing at the slightest touch but never roll off the board. Wooden figurines are equipped with a weighted chrome base. This helps them to bend and sway without toppling over the board. The set is finished in maple and walnut wood with chrome accents for a luxurious look. An insane and humorous touch that makes the game dynamic, this award-winning set is truly eye-catching.

4. WOODEN CHESS OF ORIGINAL DESIGN BY MAN RAY.

Created in 1920 by artist Man Ray, this set has been perfected by experienced craftsmen. The original creation was inspired by Man Ray's long-standing friendship with the ardent chess player and fellow artist Marcel Duchamp. A minimalistic approach, the geometric patterns of the chess pieces are riddled with hidden symbols. The king is made in the form of a pyramid, and the queen is a conical headdress worn in the Middle Ages. The strength of each piece on the board is expressed in its relative volume. Pawns are the shortest pieces on the board, and the king is the strongest of all pieces.

5. CHESS TUBIBU UNIQUE WALL GAME.

Crafted from metal and plexiglass, this unique magnetic chessboard hangs on the wall for vertical gameplay. It can also be easily removed to play on the table and then back on the wall to save space. Fun and functional wall art is a versatile set that makes an extraordinary gift.

6. CHESS LLADRÓ. SILVER SHINE. PORCELAIN CHESS.

This unique glass chess set with glass board and porcelain figurines originate from the house of Lladró. The brand is known for its adorable porcelain collectibles, but few people know about their beautifully designed chess sets. These handcrafted black and white porcelain pieces come with impact-resistant glass panels. Lladro chess is generally quite difficult to find and therefore usually expensive. This adorable handmade set, made in Spain, is sure to please any chess lover.

7. CHARLES HOLLANDER'S ROYAL DIAMOND CHESS SET.

Arguably one of the most expensive playgrounds, this extravagant set was created by French jeweler Bernard Machen. Handcrafted from 14K white gold with approximately 9,900 black and white diamonds, it takes gaming to a whole new level. The epitome of luxury, only the board and the diamond-encrusted details weigh a total of 186 carats. Each set is created by 30 craftsmen as a result of tireless work of 4,500 man-hours.

8. MINIMAL SET OF CHESS HERMAN OMA.

If you're a fan of simple futuristic design, this mid-century modern chess set is sure to grab your attention. Faithfully replicating the original design, this wooden chess set includes a borderless board and wooden playing elements. Each piece has been reduced to a minimalist, modern look without going abstract. Made from boxwood and rosewood, the pieces are weighted enough with a felt base. The chess pieces and the board are carefully polished and the gloss perfectly emphasizes the structure of the wood.

9. LUXURY CHESS SET MANCINI.

Dedicated to the impeccable craftsmanship of Italian craftsmen, this chess set is truly a collectible. It comes with a maple and briar checkerboard with a raised bezel and a glossy finish. The solid brass chess pieces are plated with 24K gold and silver, and the bottom is felted. The gold/silver finish has multiple clear coats to ensure they won't tarnish in the long run. A real heirloom, it will be a great addition to your living space.

10. CHESS SET ARENA 3D.

Another 3D chess set, this chessboard was modeled after the Roman arenas used by gladiators. Chess is made by hand. These products are designed to be ideal for learning and communication tools suitable for both children and adults. The company strives to turn ordinary wood into a work of art. Each of their products is meticulously crafted to ensure the highest levels of quality and craftsmanship.

11. SET OF ANTIQUE CHESS GIANT.

Surpass your gameplay with this giant aluminum chess set with huge chess pieces. It comes with a beautiful inlaid wood plank with a painted finish. This chess set is more than just a board game, it creates an immersive visual presentation. This ornate large board chess set is a great companion in a quiet battle.

12. PORTABLE CHESS SET RAW STUDIO.

Combining super unique design and contrasting materials, this chess set is the most beautiful handheld game on the market. With a handcrafted leather base and individually hand-polished metal details, it just asks to be owned and displayed. The board itself is hand-stitched, creating a noticeable difference between the suede and leather sides.

13. CHESS SET IN STERLING SILVER AND 24-CART VERMEIL GOLD.

This is possibly one of the most bizarre and unusual chess sets ever. This creation from the house of Tiffany is exquisite to the core. Crafted from sterling silver, 24k gold plated silver, and wood, it is housed in a sterling silver box lined with felt and satin-finished at the bottom. Luxurious board with exotic solid wood accents. Taking inspiration from corrugated cardboard, it elevates art to the side of the mundane, creating a functional yet elegant design. This colossal $ 75,000 chess set bears the imprint of Tiffany's true mastery.

14. CHESS FROM MARCEL WANDERS STUDIO.

Marcel Wanders, a leading design studio based in Amsterdam, turns this iconic game into a grand interpretation of strategy and honor. While the pieces are made of crystal, the board itself is made of Carrara marble. A true collectible, it was created in collaboration with Baccarat to celebrate the timeless quality of classic board games in history.

15. LEONARDO FRIGO X PURLING LONDON ART CHESS ‘UNTITLED III’.

Italian artist and violinist Leonardo Frigo creates intricate hand-drawn illustrations in ink. He collaborated with Purling London, known for their quirky Art chess sets, to create this hand-illustrated set. Crafted from boxwood, these chess pieces are covered in Italian napa leather felt embossed with Purling logos in 18K gold. Handcrafted by the artist himself, this set is a valuable treasure for collectors and chess enthusiasts all over the world.