Turn An Old Chessboard Into A Furniture Statement Piece With These DIY Ideas

Since its invention in 6th century India, the game of chess has become a staple for board game lovers and intellectuals the world over. Its popularity has ebbed and flowed over the years, spiking again in 2020 with the introduction of the popular television series, "The Queen's Gambit." With a long history and multiple styles and editions to purchase, it's no surprise that one in five Americans plays chess. The same black and white squared plank is also used for the game of checkers. When you think about it, the potential for unused boards is astounding. Thankfully, there are ways to take advantage of those old game sets.

With a little DIY know-how and the right tools, you can transform this one-on-one activity into a stylish statement piece. If you don't have one on hand, pick one up at the local thrift store, or buy one new for as little as $9.97 from Walmart. Opt for wood or glass over cardboard for a more durable finished product. With your game in hand, it's time to gather materials and repurpose an old chess set into a unique furniture item. Let's get started.

The best way to make a statement with your decor is to incorporate something you love — like chess. If you're working with the standard 20 inch by 20 inch square board, you can construct a quick side table out of a cube. TikToker Nadrahrepurposed completed this craft on a budget with a thrifted $6 chess set, some cardboard, and a roll of contact paper. To make your own, gather some large boxes and pick up a 20 inch by 15 foot roll of drawer liner from Walmart for $6.47. Trace the chess set outline and cut six equal-sized squares of cardboard. Form a cube using tape and stuff the box with foam. Cover it in peel-and-stick paper and top it with the chess set. Use hot glue for a permanent fixture, or leave it loose to play around with later. You can also make a side table by fixing legs directly onto the game.

TikTok user Dellatok was lucky enough to have a rustic board sliced from a tree stump. They used a drill to fix metal legs onto the underside of the disc. This method works best with a solid wood set, round or square. To make your own you'll need a drill, hairpin table legs, and the appropriate screws. You can pick up a set of 16-inch legs complete with hardware for $19.99 from Amazon. Customize the finished product to your taste no matter which technique you use.

A chessboard side table works for the sake of art, or play. Top it with game pieces for fun, or add coasters and embrace it as a style element. Either way, you can further customize your DIY statement piece by modifying color and construction methods. The cardboard cube table is a great example of something you could enhance by changing materials. Instead of cardboard, have your local hardware store cut you six equal pieces of plywood or pine plank. Swap out duct tape for wood glue to assemble. Cover the creation in contact paper, or stain the wood for a natural finish. You can also change the game board to fit your design aesthetic.

A little paint goes a long way, but a chess set is a tricky pattern to recreate. To swap the colors in the board for hues that resonate with your home's interior, grab yourself some painter's tape for $5.98 from Home Depot. Block off one set of squares on the table and fill in the remaining ones with acrylic paint and a small brush. Let it dry, and peel the tape off. Repeat this process with the second set of squares. TikTok user Meaptopia also painted the board exterior by taping the edges of the interior to keep lines crisp. However you make it your own, this one-of-a-kind tabletop checkerboard is the perfect conversation piece for your living room.