All the stylish people I know are using board games to elevate their coffee tables – it's an unexpected way to add some luxury to your living room

Board games have long been an established tradition and can be found in some form in almost all households across the globe. Usually making their debut during the holidays or periods of celebration, games can be the centerpiece in an evening of entertainment.

But their purpose isn't aesthetics or, at least it wasn't until now. Board games have recently had a luxurious glow up, and we are seeing some of the most stylish people we know use them as decoration in their homes to add interest to a coffee table or sideboard.

This revival of the humble game set is very much in keeping with the growing 'collected home' interior design trend, centering around adding character and personality to a home with unique and often unexpected pieces.

And the growing popularity of game sets has not gone unnoticed by designers or luxury home brands. Here the experts tell us why luxury games are the new way to elevate your surfaces.

1. They're both functional and decorative

L'Objet is a luxury retail store that sells bespoke decor pieces for the home. Elad Yifrach, the company's founder and creative director shares his views on the classic tradition and why he introduced games into the L'Objet line.

'I’ve always loved having a game board as part of my living room coffee table. It invites play and interaction. For L’OBJET, I’ve reimagined the classic game boards with unexpected use of materials and design elements that express beautiful craftsmanship, making them functional and decorative objects.'

Traditional board games aren't typically particularly aesthetic pieces. They are bold in color and cheap in materials but designers like Elad are elevating the humble board game to become statement design pieces that you want to keep on show.

2. They encourage connection and quality time

No game is complete without another player. Games are traditionally brought out during times of shared festivity and they encourage you to team together and have fun.

Bryony Sheridan, buying director of the luxury homeware site, ABASK recognizes the importance of game sets in creating an inviting home. 'When it comes to games, more and more people are stepping away from their screens and embracing ‘the real thing’ as a sort of rebellion against the digital age. Many value the ritual and tangible experience – not just for the social connection, but also the joy of learning something new and creating traditions.'

'Since our launch, games sets have been a key part of the ABASK curation,' she continues. 'Not only do the designs we stock look exquisite, but they are also functional. They bring people together, celebrate exceptional craftsmanship, and serve as heirlooms to be cherished and passed through the generations.'

Introducing games set as a permanent decor feature encourages communal activities and integrates game-playing into the everyday. A central coffee table is the perfect spot for a luxury game as it will look lovely when not in use but also encourages guests to play.

3. They can elevate your aesthetic

Games sets make great statement pieces, elevating the living room (or whichever room you choose to put them in) with a hint of luxury and refinement. Like a chic coffee table book or beautiful vase, game sets can accessorize a surface and elevate an area.

ABASK's range is filled with timeless classics and more abstract choices. 'Whether it's boules or bridge, every design is always of the highest quality.' Bryony says, 'Ensuring the exterior matches the beauty of the interior is essential, especially in communal areas where they’ll be viewed from every angle. With this in mind, we seek out games crafted from rare materials.'

4. They bring a dose of fun to any room

While these new luxurious board games are far from the colorful cardboard originals, the idea is of course to still have fun – and that goes for the design too.

Bryony suggests styling your game set with an on-theme accessory for an opulent and fun display. 'I love highlighting the game as a statement piece, styling it with accessories that match the mood, such as our playing cards cocktail napkins. Leaving the board open is a great way to spark conversations, especially when it features original artwork or marquetry by the likes of Alexandra Llewellyn, or William & Son—the playfully illustrated snakes and ladders compendiums are a personal favorite.'

Colorful living rooms are vibrant and joyous, so to match this aesthetic, try incorporating a bold board design to create a fun, game area in your living space. Or create a cohesive and thought-out scheme by choosing a paired-back wooden board that doesn't detract from your neutral decor.

We love the concept of board games doubling as decor. A board game that stays on display does so much more than just add a stylish focal point to a coffee table or sideboard, it also creates an inviting, space for family or your guests to naturally gather and spend quality time together.