Chess Sets
Handcrafted Staunton Chess Sets
Explore one of the UK’s finest collections of handcrafted Staunton chess sets. From practical walnut and maple sets for everyday play to heirloom-quality designs made from distinctive hardwoods, every collection has been assembled around quality, playability and enduring Staunton tradition.
Wooden chess sets remain the preferred choice for players, collectors and gift buyers. Their natural beauty, comfortable handling and timeless appearance make them equally suitable for regular games, study, display and presentation.
Traditional Staunton Design
Recognisable profiles, balanced proportions and clearly defined pieces make the Staunton pattern the established standard for comfortable and intuitive chess play.
Natural Wooden Materials
Our collections feature woods including boxwood, acacia, walnut, maple, ebony, ebonised hardwood and padauk, each offering its own distinctive colour and grain.
Made for Play and Display
Choose from compact sets for occasional use, weighted designs for regular games and refined statement pieces for display, gifting or collecting.
Carefully Matched Sets
Chess pieces, boards and storage solutions are selected in suitable proportions to create attractive, practical and well-balanced combinations.
Luxury and Collector Chess Sets
For those who appreciate artistry and chess history, our luxury collections include carefully developed reproductions inspired by historic Jaques of London chess sets and important early Staunton patterns.
Many pieces are individually turned, carved and hand-finished by experienced artisans. The resulting sets capture the character, proportions and visual authority associated with traditional Staunton chessmen.
These collections are particularly suited to collectors, discerning players, presentation gifts and anyone seeking a chess set with a stronger connection to the heritage of the game.
Choosing the Right Chess Set
The right chess set depends on where it will be used, how frequently it will be played and the amount of space available.
Board Size
Larger chessboards create a more impressive playing area, while compact and folding boards are easier to store. Always check the overall board dimensions as well as the square size.
King Height
King height provides a useful indication of the overall scale of the pieces. Tournament-style sets commonly use kings measuring approximately 3.75 to 4 inches.
Materials
Every wood offers a different appearance. Walnut and acacia produce warm natural tones, while ebony and ebonised finishes create a darker, more formal presentation.
Weighting
Weighted chess pieces provide additional stability and a more substantial feel during play. They are especially popular for regular games and club use.
Intended Use
Consider whether the set will be used primarily for everyday games, family play, tournament practice, permanent display, travel or as a special gift.
Specifications
Review the measurements and product details provided on each page before ordering. This will help ensure that the scale, materials and design meet your expectations.
Why Choose Official Staunton?
Complete Your Chess Collection
Explore matching chessboards and individual sets of chess pieces to create a combination suited to your playing style, available space and preferred materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are your Staunton chess sets handmade?
Many of our wooden chess pieces are individually turned, carved, polished or hand-finished by experienced artisans. Manufacturing methods vary between collections, so the individual product description should be consulted for specific details.
What size chessboard suits a 4-inch king?
A king measuring approximately 4 inches is generally well suited to a chessboard with squares measuring around 2.25 inches. The base diameter of the king should also be considered when checking the proportions.
What makes a weighted chess set different?
Weighted pieces contain additional internal weight, giving them a lower centre of gravity and a more stable, substantial feel during play. They are especially popular with regular and experienced players.
What makes the Staunton pattern special?
Introduced in 1849, the Staunton pattern established a clear and practical visual identity for every chess piece. Its recognisable shapes and balanced proportions helped it become the accepted standard for organised chess.