Vertical chess boards — also known as wall chess, wall-mounted chess or demonstration chess — are chess systems designed to be displayed and played on the wall. This page serves as a practical overview of this category, from use cases and terminology to choosing the right board.
How to Choose the Perfect Vertical Chessboard — The Definitive ChessboArt Buying Guide
Vertical chessboards are more than game tools — they’re a blend of chess passion, interior design, and handcrafted art. This guide compares our core lines — ChessboArt800, ChessboRN / ChessboINK, ChessClub, and Custom — so you can confidently pick (or design) the right board.
If you want a deeper, technical dive (materials, magnet systems, design logic), the topic is described in much more detail in our Encyclopedia: Encyclopedia Vol. 1 (Anatomy) and Encyclopedia Vol. 2 (Magnets & Physics).
Updated:
Vertical Chessboard Comparison Table
 Model |
ChessboArt800 | ChessboRN / ChessboINK | ChessClub | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Board Size |
800 × 800 mm | 800 × 800 mm | 800 × 800 mm | customizable |
 Wall-Mountable |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
 Board Material |
solid wood | veneered plywood (painted / burned squares) | metal (printed) | wood / resin |
 Frame Material |
American walnut | American walnut / beech wood / ash | pine | custom |
 Magnets |
200 (board) + 64 (pieces) | 200 (board) + 64 (pieces) | 32/64 magnets in pieces | custom |
 Chess Pieces |
solid wood | plywood (drop-resistant) | plywood (drop-resistant) | wood / resin |
 Personalization |
✔ Full | ✔ Full | Only pieces | ✔ Full |
 Weight |
~15 kg | ~10 kg | ~3 kg | varies |
 Most common use |
Luxury interiors / prestige display / masterclass | Professional teaching / cinematic & video clarity | Education / clubs / flexible everyday use | Your concept |
 Signed by Artist |
✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
 Price (est.) |
 $$$$ |
 $$ |
 $ |
 ? |
 Example |
View ChessboArt800 | View ChessboRN | View ChessClub | View Custom |
Note: The table shows the most common scenarios, not limitations — all ChessboArt boards are used across multiple environments (teaching, training, events, interiors, content).
Why Vertical Chess (in real life)
Vertical chess is not a gimmick. For many players it solves one very practical problem: keeping a position visible.
When a board lives on the wall, it becomes something you can return to throughout the day. That changes training habits — especially for analysis, teaching, and puzzle work.
Which model fits your environment?
ChessboArt800 — luxury, prestige, and a dream object (built for years)
ChessboArt800 is the purest expression of our craft. It is the object people dream about — designed to live on the wall for years and to look better with proper lighting and a strong interior context.
It is often chosen for prestige spaces, but it also works beautifully for teaching and high-level training — including premium masterclass settings.
ChessboRN / ChessboINK — professional, cinematic, practical “right now”
RN / INK is often chosen by prestigious schools, trainers, and people creating instructional content (including reels and short lessons). The contrast between painted or burned squares and the pieces can be more readable — especially on camera and in group teaching.
It’s also a very pragmatic choice: RN/INK is typically around half the price of Art800, while keeping the same stability philosophy (including the strong magnets system).
And one underrated benefit: plywood pieces are more resistant to drops than solid wood — which matters in daily club and school use.
ChessClub — educational, club-ready, but surprisingly stylish
ChessClub is our smartest “democratic design” solution: light, practical, and excellent for schools, clubs, bars, and events. It’s also a favorite for workshops and outdoor activities.
And yes — some clients still hang it in the living room. Great design is allowed to be practical.
Magnet system: stability & everyday use
The question we hear most often is simple: “Will the pieces hold?” The answer is yes — but what matters is how. Our premium lines use a unified concept where stability is designed into the system (board + pieces).
Want the deeper technical explanation of magnets, physics and design decisions? See Encyclopedia Vol. 2 (Magnets & Physics).
Personalization & identity
Personalization is not just decoration. In many cases it is what turns a board into something truly “yours” — a school, a club, a studio, or a personal story.
- Laser engraving: frames, boards, or pieces — names, dedications, logos.
- Custom materials & finishes: from classic wood selections to bespoke projects.
- Custom builds: if you want something truly unique (dimensions, materials, concept).
Things to Consider When Choosing
- Environment: home interior, club, school, studio, or public event?
- Readability: do you need maximum contrast for teaching / filming?
- Handling: daily use vs “statement piece”.
- Mounting: wall type, weight, and display method.
Mounting matters. If you need the practical wall guide, start here: How to Hang a Chessboard on the Wall.
Ready to Choose Your Perfect Vertical Chessboard?
If you tell us how you plan to use it (home / school / filming / club), we can recommend the most fitting line and configuration.
👉 View All Vertical Chessboards
Want more real-life examples, events and interiors? Visit our Gallery.
Further Reading & Guides
FAQ
Will the magnets hold the pieces securely on a vertical board?
Yes. The system is designed for real, everyday use on the wall. Premium lines (Art800 and RN/INK) use strong magnets in both the board and the pieces for very stable, readable positions.
How heavy are the boards and how do I hang them?
From ~3 kg (ChessClub) to ~15 kg (ChessboArt800). For practical wall mounting across different wall types, see: How to Hang a Chessboard on the Wall.
Will there be smaller sizes in the future?
Not anytime soon — but perhaps one day. The 800 × 800 mm format is the result of extensive testing. It works perfectly for teaching, looks impressive on the wall, and fits surprisingly well into many different interiors. A smaller board would require a very similar amount of work, while the final effect would simply be less impactful.
Can I personalize my set?
Absolutely — engraving, custom materials, and bespoke builds. If you want maximum freedom (dimensions, finishes, concept), choose Custom.
Is a vertical chessboard practical for actual play?
Yes — especially for analysis, teaching, and daily training. Fast blitz is possible, but the format naturally favors thoughtful play and study rather than speed.