Best Chess Sets by Budget: Value, Mid-Range & Luxury

Here at Regency Chess, we endeavour to offer a range of chess sets for every budget, whether you’re buying as a gift or looking for something personal. In the past, we’ve covered topics such as the best chess sets for beginners versus weathered enthusiasts, so today we’re going to delve into what classes a chess set as value, mid-range, or luxury.

Value

When you hear terms like “value” or “affordable,” it’s easy to assume that means lower quality or mass production. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth with our range. Over the past few years, we’ve intentionally streamlined our selection, reducing the number of chess sets, boards, and pieces we offer. Our goal has been to simplify the browsing experience and ensure that every product we stock meets a high standard of craftsmanship.

As part of this refinement, we’ve removed 99% of the mass-produced sets from our catalogue. Instead, we’ve focused exclusively on the hand-crafted, high-quality chess sets we’ve become known for since 2007. We believe this approach offers our customers a better experience and products that are made to last.

What does that mean for our value range? In short, the same level of care goes into crafting these pieces as with our luxury sets. In fact, many are made in the same vetted workshops, by the same expert craftsmen.

So what’s the difference between a £130 set and a £1,200 one? Typically, the more affordable sets are made from accessible woods like ebonised boxwood, acacia, or sheesham. They may be less intricate in their detailing compared to the luxury range, but they still deliver excellent quality and aesthetics at a more accessible price point.

Mid-Range

Our mid-range chess sets are ideal for players who want something a little more refined, whether for regular play, display, or both. These sets typically feature higher-grade woods and more detailed carving, offering a step up in aesthetics compared to our value range.

Many of these pieces are made from woods like ebony and rosewood – materials prized for their grain, colour variation, and durability. The knights are often more intricately carved, and you may notice small details in the rooks and bishops that set them apart.

In many cases, the chessboards paired with these sets are also more substantial, with more unique wood combinations. These sets are perfect for players who want something special without venturing into the uppermost pricing tier.

Whether you’re buying as a serious player or a gift-giver looking for something with impact, our mid-range collection delivers exceptional quality that won’t disappoint.

Luxury

Our luxury chess sets represent the pinnacle of design, material selection, and artisan skill. These are true statement pieces, crafted not just to play with, but to admire and pass down through generations.

Only the finest woods are used in this range, such as genuine ebony, rosewood, and antique-finished boxwood. Each piece is hand-turned and carved by master craftsmen, often with just one knight carver responsible for all four knights in a set to ensure perfect consistency.

The attention to detail in our luxury sets is extraordinary. From the deep carving on the knights’ manes to the symmetry of each rook’s battlement, nothing is overlooked. The balance and weight are perfectly calibrated for the smoothest playing experience possible, and additional queens are included as standard.

Paired with high-end chessboards made from materials like palisander, walnut root, or briarwood, and finished with deep gloss lacquers or satin veneers, these sets are designed to stand out in any home or office.

A luxury chess set isn’t just a purchase – it’s an investment, an heirloom, and a centrepiece all in one.