The Valuable Retro Item That Turns Your Game Table Into A Statement Piece

As enticing as screen time can be, many people are looking for analog activities that get them offline. Board and card games are a fun option, and having a designated game table is a great way to show off your personality. Game tables are a playful alternative to the coffee table that is going viral in living room design. It may be a random table you dedicate to gaming, or a specialized table with features designed for gaming, such as a recessed area to contain game pieces, padded surfaces, and convertible designs. Either option can be stylish, but stacks of mismatched cardboard game boxes on the table will make it look cluttered. A nice vintage game set, though, looks great, keeps your games accessible, and can be very valuable.

Well-loved board games are full of character, but cardboard boxes don't last forever. Deterioration and discoloration look messy, so maintaining an aesthetic home while regularly using the boxes can be difficult. Retro game sets, whether they are truly vintage or just vintage-inspired, keep the nostalgia of board games but level up the style. With their briefcase-style boxes or ornate boards and pieces, they blend much better into more mature home decor. Whether you have a setup in your living room or a game room, the old-school room in a home that's suddenly trending again, a vintage set is an aesthetic upgrade. These sets can be difficult to find, but the right set will be valuable, not just for its use, but also if you decide to resell it.

If the retro game vibe is appealing to you, there are a number of ways to achieve it in your home. The most affordable and potentially lucrative option is to scour thrift stores. On a lucky day, you could find a truly vintage game board or set for under $10 that will look wonderful in your space. Plus, it could be an incredible deal on a valuable item. For instance, a vintage briefcase backgammon set can sell for about $40 online. It certainly helps to know the fast and easy way to tell if your thrift store find is authentic and valuable.

This also means that if there is a particular game or aesthetic you want, you may be able to find it online. Just be aware that some of these can be pricey. A vintage poker set with a briefcase-style carrying case in good condition can go for as much as $400. Many vintage sets have wooden and leather elements that make them durable and premium. You will still want to take proper care of your vintage set to prolong its life. Use the board gently, and clean it carefully based on its materials. This might involve mild soap and water on leather or plastic and dry dusting on other materials. Also, keep the game in a space with controlled temperature and humidity.

Finally, if thrifting is unsuccessful or the care requirements don't fit your intended use, you can get modern games with retro-inspired designs for prices ranging between about $30 and $150. This can give you the look with less effort all around.