There are games in Israel that are more than just a pastime — they are part of the cultural identity. Backgammon is certainly one of them. But what happens when a top designer like Arik Ben Simhon decides to take the most Israeli game and turn it into something that rivals any luxury design item?
The answer can now be found in his store on Nachalat Binyamin: A designer backgammon set that looks more like a jewelry box than a traditional game, priced at NIS 3,400.
From the Drawer to the Center of the Living Room
“I love a home that looks like it’s lived in,” explains Ben Simhon, describing the philosophy behind the new design. “The games, the objects, the books — they all need to be part of the visual space, not hidden. That’s how you create a home that’s alive and real.”
This approach is most clearly reflected in his new backgammon set. Instead of hiding the game in a drawer or cabinet, Ben Simhon wants it to have a place of honor in the living room. “This backgammon set is exactly that. I wanted to turn it into something visible, touchable, something to be proud of. It’s not just a game — it’s a design piece that belongs on the table, at the heart of the home.”
The new backgammon set certainly invites attention. It’s a true design piece, crafted like a jewelry box: A tightly constructed case made from natural oak wood using precise CNC craftsmanship, giving it a clean, contemporary, and striking presence.
The game board itself is covered with high-quality faux leather, printed with a unique graphic design by artist Ben Frankfurter. This graphic brings the classic game into a modern, original design space, while preserving its full functionality.
Ben Simhon continues here the same line that characterizes all his furniture collections: A blend of warmth, natural materials, and meticulous aesthetics — with a wink to a world of real, imperfect, and accessible living.
The backgammon set can be integrated into a living room, study, or guest corner. It’s perfect as a design gift — for collectors, design lovers, or anyone looking for an emotional and unique item with a story. With a price of NIS 3,400, it’s clearly not a game for every budget. It’s a luxury item meant for an audience seeking not just a game, but a design piece that will stay in the home for years and be passed down through generations.