Competitive streak? The rise of stylish games

Take, for example, our Bennet collection, featuring a smart backgammon set crafted from luxurious wood and sustainable buffalo leather debossed in a repeating pattern that’s completely unique to us. Gleaming brass details and a handy carry case for taking the set on your travels complete the look. The wooden dominoes set in our same collection features the same materials and technique and looks as good dressing a coffee table as it does with chunky pieces scattered during play. Elsewhere, our leather solitaire set is something beautiful to gather around with the same hallmarks that make all Bennet pieces so covetable.

And what about our Capablanca games table? The ultimate showpiece for games aficionados, the showstopping design features gold-coloured legs and a hand-painted chequerboard top for chess or draughts. The table comes with an additional top with a felt-lined surface on one side and a hand-painted backgammon design on the other. Better still, all the chess pieces are hand-carved, while you’ll also find draughts pieces and a beautifully-crafted deck of cards. Rather handily, the whole thing can be conveniently folded and stored away without taking up too much space thanks to its compact design.

Those with the space and means, however, aren’t folding their tables away at all. Rather, they’re carving out dedicated rooms or zones for fun and games, whether it’s a David Lynch-inspired poker room complete with ball bit, Wheel of Fortune and vintage games table like model and actor Cara Delevingne – who recently unveiled hers to Architectural Digest magazine – or simply a nook in the living room for a game of cards and a glass of whisky.

For the latter, it’s easy to create a spot for challenging your nearest and dearest to a stylish round at home. Whether at your dining or on a side table – or, indeed, at the dedicated games table – it’s all about the finishing touches. Invest in seating that’s as comfortable as it is stylish for extended play, whether upholstered dining chairs such as Wilbur in moody caramel velvet or a glamorous armchair like Rupert with its deep, inviting seat. Set the scene with a table lamp that emits a warm and flattering glow – and doesn’t take up too much space on your table – for games that extend from day to night. We love our wireless Purdy with chinoiserie shade. And go all-out on beautiful glassware for filling with premium spirits and gorgeous cocktail accoutrement for mixing Old-Fashioneds during late-night sessions. The Emsworth cocktail shaker and bar utensils are just the things. Something textural and characterful underfoot, like a handmade rug, also helps to zone the area, as does the addition of artwork. These framed playing card collages are a playful nod without going overboard and showing your hand. 

Get inspired to create your own gaming space by browsing our furniture, lighting, homeware and games