Forget Beth Harmon - interior design was the true star of Netflix's 'The Queen's Gambit'

Monica HumphriesDec 12, 2020, 20:52 IST

As Beth Harmon travels the globe competing in chess tournaments, viewers see the world from a 1960s interior-design lens.Netflix

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Netflix's "The Queen's Gambit."
The hit limited series released on Netflix follows the story of chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy).
Beth travels around the world playing in tournaments and competitions.
Throughout the series, mesmerizing backdrops surround Beth's captivating chess matches.

"The Queen's Gambit" is much more than a story about a prodigy chess player - it's about breaking gender norms, iconic fashion trends, and stunning cinematography.

But another binge-worthy element is the series' backdrops.

From a flower-filled bathroom in Mexico to a Soviet-inspired hall in Russia, the show's production designer, Uli Hanisch, and set decorator, Sabine Schaaf, use design to capture the culture and style of the 1960s.

"For each city, we thought about what the biggest cliché would be to let you know where you are," Hanisch told Architectural Digest.

As Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) enthralls viewers with her striking chess abilities, the audience is also enraptured by the stunning set design. Here, we look at some of the best interior design moments from the show.

After Beth Harmon leaves her bleak orphanage, she enters a mid-century maximalist oasis.

Beth Harmon takes in her new home upon arrival. Netflix

Beth's new bedroom is also an explosion of different patterns.

Beth poses for a photograph in her bedroom. Floral sheets clash with plaid wallpaper. Netflix

In an iconic design scene, Beth rips down the curtains and updates the home with modern wallpaper, patterns, and colors.

In episode six, Beth tears down the curtains. Netflix

The updated home features a velvet couch and geometric wallpaper.

Beth chooses teal and pastel pink walls for her new living room. Phil Bray/Netflix

Beth's competition sites are also packed with intriguing set design choices - just take this high school gymnasium as an example.

A high school gymnasium where Beth competes. Netflix

As Beth starts playing in larger tournaments, she travels to hotels around the world. This gave set designers a chance to vary decor, color schemes, and style.

Beth and Benny Watts compete in Las Vegas, Nevada. Phil Bray/Netflix

In Las Vegas, Beth competes in the US Open against a glitzy backdrop.

Beth in Las Vegas, Nevada, in "The Queen's Gambit." Phil Bray/Netflix

Beth and her adoptive mother also travel to Mexico City, where Beth competes in an Art Deco-inspired hotel.

Beth and her adoptive mother travel to Mexico for a tournament. Phil Bray/Netflix

Beth's hotel room draws from a similar inspiration.

In Mexico City, Beth practices chess from a hotel's bathtub. Netflix

Beth's Parisian hotel is "pompous," according to the show's production designer.

Beth practicing her chess moves in luxury in Paris. Phil Bray/Netflix

When Beth heads to Moscow, Russia, for her final tournament in the series, she stays and plays in a Soviet-inspired hotel.

A scene from the final episode of "The Queen's Gambit." Netflix

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