Board Games Are the New Puzzles

Whether it’s a never-ending Monopoly tournament or a quick round of gin rummy, board games are one of the best ways to spend leisure time right now. Sure, the primary-hued plastic pieces can be an eyesore, and it’s not ideal to leave a badly designed cardboard square on your coffee table, but that’s the price we pay for a good time, right?

But what if your collection of board games was actually…chic? Like can-double-as-decor chic? Options do exist. Our style team gathered the best colorful and well-designed board games—they’re so cute you’ll want to leave them sitting out. So kiss bland Battleship goodbye; your board game cabinet just became your home’s most well-designed feature. 

If You Want to Revamp an Oldie

Colorful Backgammon Set, MoMA Design Store ($96)

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Backgammon is a classic, but maybe you’ve never tried it. That’s about to change with MoMA Design Store’s eye-candy update that’s colorful enough to draw even the most reluctant of players.

If You’re an Architecture Geek

Frank Lloyd Wright Memory Game, Amazon ($20)

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Test your knowledge of Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic geometric designs with a matching game so graphic, you’ll want to store it among your art books. 

If You’re Craving Color

Classic Double Six Dominoes, Amazon ($25)

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Bring Pantone’s color of the year to your coffee table with a set of bright dominoes. When you’re done playing, leave them scattered on any surface for a messy-chic color moment.

If You Can’t Pick a Shade

Sunnylife Giant Jumbling Tower Game, Anthropologie ($50)

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Think of Anthropologie’s ombré wood blocks as Jenga’s chicer, younger sibling. The wood’s saturated hues make for a great centerpiece during a game-play break, too.

If You Want a Challenge

Chess Set, Printworks ($47)

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A game of chess is a time commitment, so why not opt for an easy-on-the-eyes version to stare at while you plot your next move? We’re loving this forest green–and–ivory combo, which will offer color inspiration even after checkmate. 

If You’re Itching to Feel the Feels

Card Game, We’re Not Really Strangers ($30)

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If you’re wary of frivolities, how about a pack of cards that encourages you to dig deeper? The We’re Not Really Strangers game offers 150 prompts meant to forge new connections and deepen existing relationships.

If You Want to Go Back to Basics 

Acryllic Neon Tic Tac Toe Set, Mark & Graham ($99)

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Tic-tac-toe has never looked so good. This version offers acrylic game pieces as pretty as they are entertaining. 

If You’re Feeling Puzzled

Fish Puzzle, Areaware ($15)

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Puzzles are all the rage right now, so why not try out one of Areaware’s mini designs? This collection is based on aromas, so once you’ve finished your fishy friend, move on to a hunk of cheese, a slice of pie, or a fresh flower. 

If You Want to Get Stoned

Mancala Set, Edie Parker ($1,295)

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Mancala was an elementary school favorite, and it’s making a comeback. This set includes an acrylic base and vibrant gems you’ll want to repurpose into DIY jewelry. 

If You’re Craving Breakfast at Tiffany’s 

Metallic Playing Cards, Tiffany & Co ($100)

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Playing cards hold endless game-night possibilities, from poker to Go Fish. But a metallic deck hiding in the famed robin’s-egg blue box? Every luxury lover’s dream come true.