How I Turned My Living Room into a Royal Game Den (And Lost to My Grandma)
I always thought indoor games were for people who owned tweed jackets and drank tea with their pinky fingers raised. You know, the kind of folks who say things like “Checkmate, old chap!” while sipping Earl Grey. I was wrong. Dead wrong.
It all started on a rainy Sunday when Netflix asked me for the fifth time, “Are you still watching?” I took it personally. My couch had molded itself to the shape of my butt, and I knew — it was time for a change.
That’s when I rediscovered chess, carrom, and even tabletop Hot Wheels racing. (Yes, grown-ups can play with Hot Wheels. Don’t judge me.)
The Transformation Begins
Now, you can’t just plop a chessboard on a dining table and call it a vibe. No, no, no. To truly honor the indoor game gods, I decided to create an ambience.
Step 1: Mood lighting. Because nothing says “battle of minds” like a soft amber glow that makes you feel like you’re inside Sherlock Holmes’ study.
Step 2: Furniture that respects the game. I bought a vintage-style chess table that looked like it belonged in a Maharaja’s palace. Bonus: it makes guests think I’m sophisticated (I’m not).
Step 3: Scented candles. I lit one called “Forest Whisper.” It made everything feel deep and mysterious… until it mixed with the smell of pakoras.
Step 4: Snacks. Essential. But avoid greasy ones. No one likes a carrom striker slipping due to samosa oil. (Learned that the hard way.)
Then Came Grandma
I invited my grandma for a game of chess, expecting to go easy on her. She brought her own board. From 1972. With dents from wars fought and won.
What followed was 42 minutes of intellectual destruction. She didn’t even blink while sacrificing her queen. I thought she made a mistake. Turns out, it was bait. She whispered, “Bobby Fischer who?” and checkmated me in three moves.
The scented candle went out by itself, probably out of shame.
Why Indoor Games Rock (and Not Just Because of Grandma)
- You bond. Whether you’re fighting over UNO rules or teaming up in Scrabble, you’re spending time together — offline!
- You think. Unlike Instagram scrolling, chess actually uses your brain.
- You style your space. With hobby-centric furniture like wooden chess tables, carrom boards with hidden storage, or even themed display racks, your game setup becomes a part of your décor.
The Takeaway?
Turn your home into a hobby haven. Add a cozy corner with a wooden chess table(https://bruinhout.com/product/bruinhout-regal-game-table-vintage-inspired-chess-table/), a multi-game cabinet(https://www.ikea.com/in/en/cat/gaming-furniture-55002/), or even a Hot Wheels rack for “race nights.” Throw in some snacks, dim the lights, and get ready to either bond with friends or be destroyed by relatives.
Oh — and never, ever, underestimate grandmothers. Especially if they wear bifocals and smirk at your opening move.