13+ Seriously Cool Playing Cards You Won’t Want to Put Down
Okay, I’ll admit it: I’m obsessed with gorgeous, cool playing cards.
Sleek designs have a premium feel – they’re my weakness. Remember those worn-out, sticky decks we all played with as kids? Yeah, not a fan. Now that I’m all grown up (well, sort of) and hosting my own game nights, I’ve got a bit of a collection going on.
If you’re like me, you know that thrill of opening a stunning new deck.
So buckle up because I’m about to spill the beans on the most eye-catching decks around. Let’s face it, a beautiful deck isn’t just about the gameplay—it’s about the whole vibe!
Think of it as a tiny art collection you can actually play with. Whether you’re a poker shark or just love chilling with friends over cards, these decks will seriously elevate your experience – aesthetically speaking, at least 😉
Rifle Paper Co Garden Party Style Playing Cards
I couldn’t help myself.
I totally splurged on these Rifle Paper Co. Garden Party cards. My partner and I have been obsessed with card nights lately (that’s kind of how this whole blog got started), and I wanted to surprise her with something special – and these decks absolutely delivered.
I even forked out the crazy $40 shipping from the US (I’m in the UK, by the way). Worth every penny!
These cards are a floral masterpiece. The backs? Gorgeous. The face cards? Custom-designed and stunning.
Honestly, they’re just perfection. Whether you’re playing with friends or treating yourself, you won’t regret adding these to your collection.
Orbit Playing Cards
I’ve been an Orbit fan for ages. Their cards feel amazing, like seriously smooth, and their designs are just awesome – perfectly space-themed, but understated enough to feel super classy.
I scored a pack of their first editions, and now I’m obsessed with getting my hands on the Forest deck. Sadly, they’re “Private Stock” right now (whatever that means… I’m waiting to hear back from support).
In the meantime, their Black Hole edition is still available – perfect for all you cardists out there with those fancy flicks and spins. The cutouts give them this super unique look. Heads up, though: some Orbits are marked!
Perfect for showing my daughter some magic tricks, but keep that in mind depending on what you’re buying them for.
Jaques of London Luxury Playing Cards
Okay, if you want to feel like card-playing royalty, this Jaques of London set is it. They’ve been making games since 1795, so they know what they’re doing. You get two beautiful decks (one in a green box, one in white) and here’s the kicker: they come in this stunning solid mahogany case.
Seriously, it’s got the official stamp, brass details, and the whole works.
I’m a sucker for anything in a fancy wooden box, but these cards are actually fantastic quality, too. Perfect for playing, and let’s be honest, amazing for showing off.
Probably the ultimate gift for any serious card lover, but hey, sometimes you just gotta treat yourself!
Bicycle Aureo Gold Playing Cards
You can’t go wrong with Bicycle, right? They’ve been the big name in cards since forever (like, 1867!). Their selection is HUGE, so there’s definitely a design out there for everyone. But for me, the Aureo Golds are where it’s at.
At first glance, they might seem simple, but flip them over and bam! That intricate gold foil design on the back?
Pure elegance.
Turns out, it’s even inspired by Renaissance art – how cool is that? Bonus points: the embossed box adds that extra luxurious touch.
And hey, Bicycle cards are made to be played with. They shuffle like a dream and handle beautifully – precisely what you’d expect. If you’re not into the gold vibe, definitely check out their Red Verbena deck. Just as stunning!
Bicycle’s Disney Limited Edition 100-Year Anniversary Playing Cards
While we’re on the subject of Bicycle, every single Disney fan (or someone who knows a die-hard Disney fan) must have these cards on the radar. They’re a little pricey than most, but the art, quality, and limited availability surely make this a prestigious investment.
The pack features over twenty of the most iconic Disney and Pixar characters we all know and love, with court cards tucked with holographic white foil.
I’d say these are probably a collector’s piece more than you’d play with them, but it’s certainly a deck to get the whole family excited about games night.
Heritage Bird Playing Cards
Admittedly, good playing cards cost a fair bit, and if you’ve got kids in the house, you probably don’t want their sticky fingers over your precious collector’s pack. I say, find the balance and maybe even teach them something in the process with the Heritage Bird pack.
Under £10, these are simple cards, each with a bird species on the front, complete with name and Latin identification. Gorgeous, minimalist, and some fantastic artwork – this makes for a great gift or family pack.
There are also Sea & Coastal and Wild Animal versions.
Chinese Pine Tree Luxury Playing Cards
These cards are currently in the post so I’ll update when I remember, but oh my, these took my breath away. These are a little more ‘moody’ than I’d usually go for, but the design is stunning.
I’m particularly in awe of the face cards. I basically just see Japanese-themed stuff, and I’m in (my collection of vintage postcards is getting a little out of hand), and these top it.
Homemade by a small business running an Etsy store, these cards really just nail what you’d want from a decent luxury set.
KOSON OHARA Vintage Retro Beautiful Japanese Art
There’s a New Zealand shop over on Etsy with a stunning collection of Japanese-themed playing cards I’ve had in my basket for a long time. The only reason I’m holding back is because I don’t need them, but damn, every time I log on and see them and get so close to committing.
Just take a look at these. The waterfowl collection is my favorite, but there’s people, birds, art deco, fashion, all sorts. If Japanese style is your thing (and let’s be real, who’s isn’t it?), these are a must-have.
Playing Arts: Future Chapter 1 Playing Cards
These aren’t just any playing cards – they’re a gorgeous time capsule of creativity!
The concept behind this “Future Edition” deck is fascinating. Artists were given free rein (there were 299 total entries) to imagine what the world might look like 100 years from now, and the results are both thought-provoking and stunning.
Expect everything from alien encounters and robot companions to battles for equality and visions of a transformed planet. It’s like playing with a deck that doubles as a collection of social commentary and futuristic dreamscapes.
Definitely a conversation starter, and a beautiful way to support independent artists.
Monarch Playing Cards
Urgh, I miss my Monarch deck so much.
I had the beautiful blue and left it with my parents when moving out, but I haven’t seen them since. These are a must-have for card game-loving households, magicians, individuals, or cardistry fanatics.
They look amazing, they feel incredible, and they come in Blue, Gold, and Purple versions, all of which just knock it out of the park.
These cards actually became such a big hit after they were featured in the Now You See Me movie series, which just goes to show the kind of reputation they have.
Sunrise Playing Cards
Designed by Tyler Deeb of Misc Goods Co, these cards were released back in 2012 (an excellent year for playing cards, it seems) as a Kickstarter project. Three months of designing and attention later, these gorgeous cards are here and available.
The attention to detail on these cards is absolutely outstanding; every letter, number, symbol, and pattern just screams elegant beauty. A winner for all tastes.
Versions Available:
Honourable Mentions
Now, I get my personal tastes and preferences aren’t for everyone, and what you like is your own. If you didn’t feel grabbed by the decks on this list, don’t worry, here’s some honourable mentions.
These are cards that clearly look amazing, have a fantastic theme, or play well, they’re just not ones I have nor would get. Just not my taste, but hey, I can still appreciate them for what they are.
Stratosphere MURCHISON Playing Cards
Holo backgrounds. Meteorite themed. Full foil. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a deck of cards like these. They’re handmade, which is incredibly interesting and based on the complicated, mesmerising Murchison Meteorite.
These seem super shiny and out there, great for making a statement and look like a lot of fun. If I was going to get this deck, however, it’d undoubtedly be for the face card images – they look brilliant.
Japanese Prints Playing Cards
I stumbled across these Japanese Prints Playing Cards on Etsy, and they immediately caught my eye. If you love classic Japanese art, these are a must-see. Each and every card transforms a traditional woodblock print into a playable masterpiece. It’s like shuffling through a miniature art gallery!
While they’re not as pretty as some of the other decks here, and they are rather simple, the artwork is iconic, and for that reason, they could be a win in for your games.
Imagine playing cards adorned with beloved landscapes, beautiful figures, or even scenes from folklore. These would be absolutely stunning for a low-key game night where you can actually appreciate the artwork.
Honestly, they’re the kind of deck I’d be tempted to frame a few of!
Playing Arts: Edition Zero Playing Cards
The incredible artwork. The diversity in the cards. The box. Everything about this deck screams creativity. For me, it’s a little too much and I can’t imagine playing games with it, so more of a collection set, but certainly for some tastes.
Edition Zero was launched back in 2012 as a collective art project: Playing Arts series. It’s back and in full force, although availability can sometimes vary. High quality, loved by its users, another great set.
The Edition Three set is also absolutely wild, with 55 unique card designs from international artists in their own style. Therefore, there’s not a great deal of consistency from card to card, but it looks fantastic and certainly adds a whole new element to the same.
Liberty London Maxine Playing Card Set
An honourable mention because I’ve checked the website several times, and there’s no availability. There’s a waitlist, but no sign or message of when this two-deck set is available again, which is such a shame, given how bold they are.
Featuring a beautifully smooth floral print, I could get lost using these cards for hours. I adore the fact there’s a blue and orange version, and you get both in the same set. A great gift to yourself.
So, there you have it! From minimalist masterpieces to Disney magic, there’s a stunning deck out there for every taste.
Now get shuffling and let the good times roll (in style, of course)!
