18 reasons to have a chess set in your living room

Let's get this straight: You don't have to be a grandmaster or a chess enthusiast to have a chess set on display. In fact, it's one of the simplest ways to add character, warmth, and a touch of intelligence to a home. Here are a few reasons why you not only might, but definitely should have a chess set on your coffee table.

1. It makes you seem smarter
No one says it out loud, but everyone thinks it. A chess set signals resourcefulness, patience, and the ability to think several moves ahead. Whether it fits or not is not so important.

2. It invites spontaneous play
When the chessboard is already ready, it's much easier to say, "Shall we play a game?" It's a bit like having fresh buns in the oven. The opportunity is there. You just have to take advantage of it.

3. It looks good
A beautiful wooden chess set is like furniture's answer to a classic Rolex. It presents itself. Especially if it's a set that's made with thoughtfulness in form and material.

4. It's a conversation starter
"Do you play yourself?" is often followed by an exchange of stories about losing games against a grandfather, a friend who could checkmate in four moves, or a mobile app that always wins.

5. It can be a gift with history
Many chess sets are given as gifts. And a set in the living room tells that there is something important here. It creates curiosity and conversations.

6. It makes your living room more sophisticated
Not in a superficial way. But in the way where you imagine the resident reading books, drinking black coffee and having an educated view of life.

7. You get a chance to talk about wood species
If you own a Norwald set, you can just as easily incorporate the fact that the pieces are turned from acacia and boxwood, and that the board is made from walnut and maple. It's impressive.

8. It's better than a screen
Chess brings people together without blinding them. It gives them something to gather around without pulling everyone into a digital bubble.

9. It lasts longer than most decorations
A chess set never goes out of style. It doesn't sit around collecting pointless dust like a decorative cactus or a purposeless jar.

10. It deserves its place
A good chess set isn't just something you unpack at Christmas and put back in the closet in January. It's made to stand out.

11. You get better at the game
Just looking at the board as you walk by can make you sharper. Your brain is working in the background. Small moves and combinations stick.

12. It reminds us that strategy takes time
In the midst of the pace of everyday life, it's healthy to see something that reminds us that patience and overview still have a place in life.

13. It's timeless
Chess has been around for over 1500 years. That makes most trends look like sandwiches in the rain.

14. It keeps you sharp
A quick game of chess tickles the brain in the same way as a Sunday cruise. Only more elegant.

15. It reminds us of childhood
Most people have a chess story. A grandfather, a school tournament, a chess game in the rain. It's a bridge to something personal.

16. It doesn't take up much space
A foldable set, such as Norwald's magnetic solid wood set, takes up no more space than a coffee table book. And it's just as beautiful.

17. It gets used more when it's in front
This applies to everything from candles to coffee cups, by the way. But chess is one of the better habits to make visible.

18. Because it just feels right
You can analyze everything in pieces. Some things just make the home better. And a good chess set is one of them.

Haven't found the right chess set yet?
See Norwald's selection of handmade sets in solid wood here .