A selection of our fantasy chess sets

Beyond pure competition, chess is an art form. Fantasy chess boards transcend the game to become true decorative works, where every piece tells a story.

Table des matières

What is a fantasy chess board?

A fantasy chess board differs from classic Staunton models through its thematic and artistic design. The pieces represent historical figures, mythological creatures, fictional heroes or abstract motifs. Far from being mere novelties, the finest fantasy chess sets are hand-sculpted works of art, painted with meticulous care.

These sets appeal as much to collectors as to lovers of interior decoration. They also make exceptional gifts for chess or history enthusiasts.

The main families of fantasy chess boards

Historical and thematic

Napoleonic wars, ancient Rome, Vikings, the American Civil War… These sets recreate history’s great battles across 64 squares.

Medieval and fantastical

Knights, dragons, sorcerers: the medieval world lends itself naturally to chess, where the king and his court come to life in resin or metal.

Animals and nature

Pieces depicting wildlife, birds or sea creatures. A unique style that delights nature lovers.

Pop culture and film

Chess boards inspired by films, series and comics — for fans who want to combine their love of the game with their favourite world.

Our favourite selection

Among the vast range of fantasy chess boards, some stand out for the quality of their sculpting, the richness of their detail and the originality of their themed chess set. An unusual chess set stands out from the crowd:

Historical chess boards

Our historical and thematic chess boards recreate great eras with remarkable fidelity. Each piece is individually sculpted and hand-painted, often in high-quality resin. Uniforms, armour and attributes are reproduced in the finest detail.

♛ For a fantasy chess board that lasts, choose quality resin or painted metal. These materials withstand wear better than plastic and keep their colours over the years.

Painted resin chess boards

The painted resin collection offers an exceptional level of detail. Resin allows facial expressions, armour textures and drapery to be reproduced with a finesse impossible to achieve in other materials. Each piece becomes a collector’s chess figurine.

How to choose your fantasy chess board

Criterion	Recommendation
Use	Pure decoration: prioritise aesthetics. Regular play: check the stability and weight of the pieces.
Material	Painted resin for detail, metal for durability, painted wood for warmth.
Size	King of 8-12 cm for decorative models, compatible with a chess board of 40-50 cm.
Budget	From €80 for a basic set to €500+ for collector’s pieces.
Theme	Choose a theme that speaks to you: a historical era, a fantasy world, a personal passion.

A fantasy chess board is not just a game — it’s a centrepiece of your interior decoration. Place it on a coffee table, a desk or in a display cabinet for maximum visual effect.

Fantasy and playability: are they compatible?

One question often comes up: can you actually play with a fantasy chess board? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Themed pieces can sometimes be less ergonomic than classic Staunton pieces, and distinguishing between piece types can be less obvious for an opponent unfamiliar with the model.

To combine playability with originality, choose models where the pieces remain easily identifiable. Discover our full range of complete chess sets to find the perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Chess is a sea in which a gnat may drink and an elephant may bathe.

— Indian proverb