The familiar deck of cards may have some competition this Diwali, with mahjong finding its way into Indian homes. Reflecting this shift, dedicated game tables are emerging as a feature of luxury interiors, bringing entertainment into the décor conversation. At a recent home design exhibition, brands showcased pieces that combine design with play, from chess tables to mahjong sets. “Game tables are becoming an integral part of how people design and use their living spaces. Beyond their functional purpose, they can bring character to a room through their form, materials and detailing,” says Hridik Chawla, co-founder of home décor and lifestyle brand Essentia Home.Shubhi Gupta, founder of Object Theory, adds that while chess and playing-card games have an established place in Indian households, mahjong is bringing an interesting international influence.
The new luxury of shared experiences
Experts state that the focus of luxury homes is increasingly shifting towards how people experience a space. Game tables offer a way to bring people together, encouraging conversation and friendly competition rather than simply serving as decorative furniture.“Family rooms, once built around TV and movie watching, are seeing an addition: the game table. A game table is really an excuse for people to stay in the same room for hours, and that is the heart of hosting,” says Rubeena Singh, interior stylist and founder of The Verve Collective. According to her, homeowners are moving beyond the brief of making a room look beautiful to creating one where their families actually gather.Gupta sees this as part of a wider shift towards more experiential homes. “People are increasingly interested in creating spaces that encourage conversation, connection and shared experiences, particularly in a world where so much of our interaction happens through screens,” she says.
A festive gathering around the game table
With Diwali approaching, furniture that encourages interaction can offer an alternative to conventional hosting arrangements. Rather than being reserved for a particular occasion, versatile game tables can become a part of the home throughout the year.“Festive occasions like Diwali often encourage people to look at their homes differently, especially spaces where family and friends come together. Rather than choosing furniture just for the season, homeowners are increasingly looking for versatile pieces that work throughout the year,” says Chawla.Gupta believes that furniture can play an active role in shaping the festive experience. A game table, she says, can become the centre of an evening, bringing together different generations through a shared activity.For Ankita Sonawala, Brand Head of Zen Diamond (India), a jewellery brand that has created its own mahjong set, the appeal is also personal. She says, “As a mahjong lover myself, I know how much the little details matter to the community, so we wanted to create something that players would connect with.”
Bespoke game tables as design statements
As game tables become part of the home’s visual language, personalisation is gaining importance. Homeowners want pieces that complement their interiors rather than resemble furniture brought in solely for entertainment.“While cards were often played sitting on the floor, this year mahjong has entered the scene, and that needs a table. And unlike cards, mahjong isn’t played only around Diwali – so a game table sits in the middle of your living space all year, and people want it to look like it belongs to the home, not like it came out of a club,” says Singh.Bespoke commissions allow homeowners to customise game tables to suit their interiors, from the choice of wood, finish and dimensions to the surface artwork and cultural influences. Citing the example of a game side table she created, Gupta explains, “Our Snakes and Ladders side table reimagines the childhood game through hand-carved teak wood and Gond art, turning a playful memory into a contemporary collectible. ” Such pieces bring together craftsmanship, nostalgia and functionality, allowing game tables to reflect personal memories while serving as distinctive design elements within the home.“People are becoming more considered about what they bring into their homes, choosing things that serve a purpose while also reflecting their interests and personalities. A Mahjong set is a lovely example: it is something you can display, but it is also meant to be used and shared. Unlike many collectibles, it comes to life when people gather around it. I think that is what makes it special” – Ankita Sonawala, brand head of a jewellery brand
Game tables
Styling a game table during festivities
Choose a warm palette: Rich wood tones, warm neutrals and deeper shades such as burgundy or forest green can create a festive setting. Let the table’s materials and finishes guide the surrounding palette.Get the lighting right: A pendant hung low over the table can create an intimate atmosphere. Warm, layered lighting adds depth while making the space comfortable for extended games.Prioritise comfortable seating: Choose chairs that offer proper support for a game lasting a couple of hours, rather than focusing on appearance alone.Anchor the space: A rug can define the game-playing zone, while a small side table or bar cart keeps drinks and snacks within reach.Keep festive accents subtle: Brass details, floral arrangements and a little texture through wood, fabric or greenery can add warmth. Keep the playing surface uncluttered so the game remains the focal point.(as suggested by Hridik Chawla and Rubeena Singh)“Homeowners are increasingly seeking furniture that combines functionality, craftsmanship and individuality. Bespoke game tables reflect this shift, serving a practical purpose while expressing personal tastes, memories and stories through distinctive design and detailing” – Shubhi Gupta, founder of interior design studio
