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A big feature of the modern home is a room specifically designed for entertainment. This can take the form of a cinema, bar, or games room. The penchant is to go for a futuristic look, with sleek neons and vibrant colours, but what are the key pieces to hunt out at your local antiques fair if you want to go for a more sophisticated, classic style? We discuss some of the most eye-catching statement pieces below.
Card Table
While gaming tables today have glass screens and plenty of arcade games loaded onto them, the concept of furniture designed for entertainment is nothing new. Playing cards have been a pastime for centuries. The oldest known game of this type in existence is Karnöffel, which is still played in Germany. It dates back to the 15th century.
Specific tables designed for games of this nature have been around just as long. This means you will be able to find a whole plethora of styles, from the 18th century to Art Deco.
The typical look of a card game setting is a dark room, with large plush furniture items and ornate tables on which to play. US states such as California have designated buildings for this, set aside from casinos and other gambling establishments. While some have been modernised, this traditional look is still preferred. Players can often find this aesthetic preserved in online platforms, particularly with live dealer games. You will see this in titles such as 21 Burn Blackjack, one of the many side rules variations available.
When playing classic table games online, people also have a wide choice. They can partake in classic banked table games, in which they take on a dealer, like blackjack. However, they can also go up against others in pursuits like poker. There is also a wide range of variations: players can get numerous side bets and different rules. All of these keep card games fresh and interesting for new audiences.
Thus, as they are no longer necessary for playing tables games in the modern world, you can get classic card tables for relatively low prices. You don’t have to always keep them for cards either, but you can use them as side tables. Many older ones will be made from high-end woods like mahogany or teak. Some of these are now endangered, so you may need to get certain certificates if you are buying them from abroad.
Chess Set
The world’s oldest known chess set dates back to approximately 700 CE. Known as the Afrasiab Chessmen set, it was found at an archaeological site in Uzbekistan. That its original owners lived in the 8th century means it predates the Mongol invasion of the region. The set included the king, a queen, a rook, a bishop, a knight and pawns. It is believed chess dates back to India, specifically the Gupta dynasty of the sixth century. Originally, it was known as Chaturanga. Trade took it across the world, particularly along the Silk Road. By the 9th century, it arrived in Europe, and its more modern rules were established in the 15th century.
Chess sets have since been made in a range of different styles from across global history. You can get Victorian-era ones that are more akin to a table, with compartments for keeping pieces. Even if you want something more up-to-date, or don’t want a large table-type set, you may be able to get hold of the nineteen-sixties boxed sets with exciting pop art designs. Even though these do not double as pieces of furniture, they can be real focal points and interesting items for your shelves and display cabinets. Today, the best chess sets and tables are made by some of the most fabled craftsmen on earth. The board used in the television show ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ was created in Spain by Ferrer. Naef is a famous Swiss company that makes exquisite Bauhaus-style boards and tables with minimal design aesthetics.
Pinball Machine
Pinball machines are the unsung heroes of the arcade era. While they may not qualify as antiques, the early models are just coming into the realm of collectables. They hark back to an era of diners, big bright automobiles with a good dose of rock and roll music. These machines can also be a great focal point when entertaining.
Most of the original manufacturers, such as Bally and Stern, came from the United States. Many are still making machines now. In Europe, these machines started to hit the shores in the late fifties and early sixties. If you are astute, you can pick one of these machines up for around $1500.
Be wary of buying one that needs renovation. With so many mechanical moving parts, you will need a specialist to repair most things and it is not something that can be done alone. Luckily, there is an underground pinball scene so you will be surprised to see how many repair experts are probably located quite close to you. Any of these items are sure to be a talking point when you have guests over. Think about the look of your room when choosing an item. A more industrial, post-1940s room would benefit from a one-arm bandit. Yet, ones that double up as libraries or studies would look great with chess boards and card tables to hand. Shop around and see what lies at your local vintage fair or antiques auction.
