10 Best Chess Tables Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Chess Table for Home?
Functional, versatile, yet decorative, chess tables are pieces of furniture specially designed for tabletop chess boards. When accompanied by a set of chess chairs, they are pieces of furniture that help avid chess players enjoy exhilarating game times. However, their low popularity and personal needs can offer chess players a severe problems during the decision-making process.
Quick Summary
1. Best overall – Beaumont Lane Game Table
2. Best value – RoyalChessMall Wooden Chess Board Table
3. Best design – Olive Wood Chess Table
4. Best budget – Hey! Play! Deluxe Chess Table
5. Best with chairs – Hathaway Fortress Chess Game Table And Chairs
6. Best portable – BOWERY HILL Game Board Table
7. Best metal and wood – E.P.C Metal And Wood Chess Game Table
8. Best wood – Beaumont Lane Wood Pedestal Game Table
9. Best with drawer – Acme 82846 Bishop Game Table
10. Best easy to use – Hey! Play! Wood 3 in 1 Chess Backgammon Table
Top Best Chess Tables Based on Reviews
1. Best overall – Beaumont Lane Game Table
As far as chess tables are concerned, this particular table is arguably the best you can find as it is made of solid select wood designed to last for long, thus guaranteeing its durability. One fantastic feature of this table is that it is fitted with a reversible game board which allows you to play multiple games. You can use one side of its gameboard for checkers or chess and the other for backgammon, making it the ideal game table. In addition, the table comes with all the needed game pieces to give you exciting game experiences.
The game table is also fitted with a brass finished hardware drawer to store game pieces safely. It will transform your game room’s decor with its excellent style and fantastic color finish. If you wish to have an exciting time playing chess, getting this table will give you that.
2. Best value – RoyalChessMall Wooden Chess Board Table
If you are searching for the right chess table to give you premium value for your money, this table is perfect for you as it is crafted handsomely and ideal for any game room’s decor. The tournament table is twenty-seven inches in height and can serve both practical and display purposes effectively. One thing that makes this chess table unique is the wood combination with which it is designed, which makes it fit into several home styles and designs and add color to game rooms.
In addition, it is made of solid wooden materials designed to last for as long as possible, making it a suitable table for game rooms. Experience more exciting chess moments with this table as its game board supports an easy movement of pieces to make your games more enjoyable. This game table is an easy way to enjoy chess in a fun and comfortable environment.
3. Best design – Olive Wood Chess Table
When it comes to design, no table beats this particular Olive Wood Chess Table as it is uniquely crafted with high-quality materials that can last for a long time. One unique thing about this game table is that you can use its tabletop individually as a tabletop chess set due to its legs which can be screwed or unscrewed from its base, so it is designed for your convenience at all times. In addition, the chess table comes with handcrafted chess pieces that give you an antique feel while playing.
As it is made of durable, top-quality materials, you are assured of using it for a long time. As an added advantage, the table is also fitted with a storage drawer to store your chess pieces safely when they are not in use. Its unique design also allows you to adjust its height while playing and reduces the risks of the table getting scratched in transit.
4. Best budget – Hey! Play! Deluxe Chess Table
Most chess tables are often quite expensive, but this particular game table is different as the fantastic addition to both your living room and game room is pretty affordable; hence you do not have to break the bank to own it. The beautiful chess table combines versatility and practicality as it can serve as an excellent game table and a great end table.
In addition, its tabletop is fitted with both chess and backgammon game boards making it a suitable game room item. With this chess table, your game moments with family and friends will undoubtedly be transformed and more enjoyable. Right beneath its gaming surface is a storage drawer specially tailored to keep your game pieces safe when not in use. You will also enjoy this chess table for a long time as it is made of durable solid materials.
5. Best with chairs – Hathaway Fortress Chess Game Table And Chairs
Getting a game room fitted with suitable chairs and game tables can be challenging, but this item makes such a thing of the past game table comes with a chair set ideal for head-to-head competitions in chess, checkers, or backgammon. The game table is stylishly designed from solid hardwood with a mahogany finish that guarantees durability and fits easily into several game room decors. In addition, it comes with a reversible tabletop gameboard that allows you to switch between playing surfaces for different games.
The two stylishly designed and comfortable chairs accompanying the table complete its versatility as it can serve as a gaming table or a beautiful end table. With this item, you get to sit in style and enjoy chess or checkers games with friends and family. As an added advantage, the table comes with storage drawers where you can securely keep game pieces after play.
6. Best portable – BOWERY HILL Game Board Table
The game table is unique and excellent due to its compact design and antique look, adding color and spice to the room. It also comes with a reversible playing board which allows you to play games like checkers and backgammon. In addition to being a great game table, you can also use it to serve or entertain visitors within the home.
With a compact and well-crafted design, which makes it portable, it is ideal for tiny homes and can be moved around easily. Getting this chess table is an easy way to enjoy games more with your family.
7. Best metal and wood – E.P.C Metal And Wood Chess Game Table
The simple chess table is designed to fit different game room decors and designs with its sturdy metal stand and attractive wood finish. It is designed to play chess and checkers, so it comes with the needed pieces for each game. In addition, the game table has a storage drawer where you can keep the game pieces once the play is over.
Its lightweight design makes it ideal for tiny homes, and it is tailored to support two players conveniently. As it is easy to assemble and handle, you will have a wonderful time playing chess with this table.
8. Best wood – Beaumont Lane Wood Pedestal Game Table
Wooden chess tables have an attractive design, and this particular table is no different. If you are searching for an elegant-looking table that will color your home and make it more admirable, this table is just what you need. It is made of high-quality wood and resin components designed to last for a long time.
The table also has a handcrafted pedestal base that provides stability, primarily when used. As an added advantage, the chess table is fitted with a single drawer for storing game pieces safely. With its reversible game board, you can enjoy chess and backgammon at different times.
9. Best with drawer – Acme 82846 Bishop Game Table
It is a unique-looking square game table with two drawers with enough space to keep game pieces once play is over safely. In addition, its wooden pedestal base offers stability and support during play. You will also get to use the table for a long time as it is made with top-quality material.
One thing that makes it an ideal game room table is that it comes with a reversible gameboard that allows you to switch between chess, checkers, and backgammon. Its beautiful design also allows it to blend with various gameroom styles, making it perfect for use.
10. Best easy to use – Hey! Play! Wood 3 in 1 Chess Backgammon Table
For those who prefer easy-to-use chess tables, this particular table is the right fit as it comes with chess pieces and is easy to assemble. It comes with a multipurpose tabletop that features chess and backgammon game boards and can also help serve visitors in your home.
As an added advantage, the table comes with a veneered side which helps conceal the game surface when a match is not happening. In addition, you get to enjoy chess matches with it as it offers a guarantee of durability since its build consists of top-quality materials. If you need a simple chess table that is easy to handle, this table is the right choice.
Top 8 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Chess Table
You’ll find a buying guide that’ll help you get the best chess table that matches your needs and style.
1. Define Your Needs
Don’t start by scouring the local furniture showrooms or antique shops for tables that may fit into your budget, needs, and indoor styles. However, it’s always better to have on paper what your actual needs are. This also helps you to determine the possibility in relation to your wallet. So, you have to answer the question of size, design, location of use, and material.
2. Table Designs to Choose From
Pedestal Style Chess Tables
Stylish and very decorative, the pedestal style tables are quite popular. They are mostly found indoors and are suitable for those who want a contemporary style. Their downsides are the single leg. They can be less stable on the floor, unlike those with four legs. So, ensure the base at the feet is balanced enough to ensure stability and durability. Not all pedestal tables have single legs though. Some types have single trunks extending from underneath the playing surface downwards. They can end up on a three-legged structure. These offer more aesthetics and, sometimes, better stability.
Four-legged Chess Tables
By far the most popular and varying design, the four-legged chess tables are simply what they are called. Offering classic and/or vintage style, they have four legs, although with varying designs. They are by far the most stable and versatile types of chess tables. They can serve as serving tables or as coffee tables.
3. Whether You Need a Multi-purpose Chess Table
Many people often ask the same question: why buy a chess table when a coffee or side table can be improvised for the game? Chess tables seen in stores look so basic. However, they have specific features that make them great for chess. But asides from chess, they can serve multiple functions, either gaming or some other everyday uses.
Tables for Chess, Checkers, Backgammon, or Go
The playing surface shapes of many chess tables make them suitable for non-chess games. To ensure this versatility, choose tables with perfect squares with the standard size for the chess boards. However, note that there are rectangular, round, or geometric shapes. If you’re going for these, know that they’ll come in a much bigger size than the standard square-shaped tables. This is because, irrespective of the shapes, the chess board’s square playing surface has to be centralized on the table. What this means is, if, for example, it’s a rectangular top table, the dimensions or area will be much more than a normal chess table.
If you want to choose a model that will be versatile for multiple games, the tabletop area then must be well considered. The size of the chessboard usually ranges from 14×14 inches to 24×24 inches. The standard size for a checkerboard is 16×16 inches. Meanwhile, a standard Go board is 19×19. And finally, while the backgammon board has no standard size, you can find them in lengths of 11 inches, 15 inches as well as 18 inches. What this means is that you can easily place these other board games on a chessboard table comfortably.
Tables for Non-gaming Uses
Chess tables look like the regular small sitting room tables. We admit! This is why they can serve as many possible uses, while no ongoing games are being played on them. Another benefit of a multipurpose chess table is that you can transform them, in no time for reception and entertainment. They can serve as serving tables for guests you look to entertain. You can deploy them as picnic tables for an evening barbecue time in the garden or yard. They can be used to place trays with cups or other items.
4. What Material Should Choose From?
The construction material should be chosen according to the location of the use of the chess table. The furniture material suitable for use indoors aren’t always ideal for use outdoors – in the patio, yard, garden, or terrace.
Wooden Chess Table
If you play chess indoors, wood is a no-brainer! Very elegant, they blend and add to the internal decor of the room. Some of the most commonly used wooden materials for chess tables are mahogany and rosewood. Exotic wood varieties such as white oak and black walnut aren’t rare either. Although these latter costs a bit more than the former.
Concrete Chess Table
For outdoor use, you’ll need a table built to withstand the outdoor weather excellently. Rain, snow, and sun can affect wooden, plastic, steel materials, or their finishes. So, the ideal chess tables for outdoor uses are the types that have concrete playing surfaces. This concrete can be made of terrazzo or granite.
5. Chess Tables With or Without Drawers
Chess Tables With Drawers
Just like a functional bedside table, there are many chess tables designed to have a little drawer underneath the playing surface. These are ideal models to choose from if you want to keep the game pieces close by. They also help you ensure the chess pieces are well stored without losing any item. Most chess tables with drawers are built for those who need ready-to-play chess sets. They come engraved with the chessboard. The chessboard may be built to be slid off horizontally, opening up the storage space for easy access. However, those with normal classical drawers are the most popular.
Chess Tables Without Drawers
One thing to note about chess tables with drawers is that they can be weightier. Hence, they are more suitable for indoor use. However, the advantage of the models without drawers is their lightness, ease of transportation, and simple design. In addition, they can come at a slightly lower price, depending on the main construction material.
6. How to Choose the Right Chess Table Size
The size of the chess table you choose will depend on the room size. Secondly, the size to choose will depend on if there are other purposes you’ll need the table for.
First, if you need the table just for chess, you can choose a chess table with 2-inch chess squares. The overall size of the top should range between 20-22 inches x 20-22 inches (length x width).
On the other hand, do you have a collection of board games of varying sizes? Then you may have to find a compromise. You would need to choose a table that you can use with the whole set. A table with a 24 x 24 inches slot or insert would be great. This will also be able to hold most of the tournament-level chess sets. There’s however a caveat here! The larger the size of the table’s playing surface, the larger the table will be. Therefore, ensure you have enough room space to accommodate a chess table that will also go along with the set of chairs.
7. Engraved Chess Table Options
An inspection of the various types of chess tables online will show to you that there are tables that have the chessboard engraved on the top. An inlaid or engraved chess board is more desirable for casual home users. Ready-to-play, all you just need to take care of are the game pieces and, of course, your opponent. These are great if you need the tables for the main purpose of playing board games. They may not be ideal as serving tables, however. Meanwhile, they can be used as tables for any other type of square-shaped board games (checkers, backgammon, etc.) too. You only have to ensure that the size is compatible.
Other engraved but creative options are the DIY tree stumps if you live in a rather rustic area. You can engrave a board game on that unnecessary tree in the garden or backyard if you’re down to the right height. All you’ll need is a couple of chairs, friends, and drinks to enjoy the evening games!
8. Do You Need Custom-made Chess Tables?
Instead of combing through the local furniture store looking for chess tables which will most likely not suit your needs, why not go for custom-made ones? The good thing about custom-made tables like this is that you can order from a nearby professional or workshop. So, you wouldn’t have to pay extra costs for shipping. Don’t get things twisted; you can order custom-made from furniture companies by sending in details on preferences.
With custom-made furniture, you will get models designed to your taste – material, style, budget, design, etc. And if you’re a handyman in DIY furniture, then that’s great. You just got the chance to improve your skills, get productive, and provide a utility item.
Conclusion
Chess tables are simple items that improve gaming moments as they often provide comfort and convenience. Most of these tables can also serve as end tables is can be seen in living rooms. They also come with game boards for other games like checkers and backgammon, so there is no dull moment with them.
The Beaumont Lane Game Table is the best choice for you in choosing chess tables. You can also choose BOWERY HILL Game Board Table to give you exciting chess game moments.
Choosing a chess table is down to individual preferences. Identify what your needs are. Do you want an indoor or outdoor table? Exotic wooden materials are elegant, durable, and aesthetic. But consider your budget. If you don’t want to wake up to discover a missing king, knight, queen, bishop, or pawn, get a table with storage options.
The size chosen will determine their ability to deploy them for multipurpose use. And on the rare occasion that no model catches your eye, then challenge yourself to a woodworking project.
Alternatively, you can send your details to the woodworker down-street or to a brand of your choice for a custom-made table.
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