chess board size for home chess

what do you think is better, 48*48 or 38*38?

Over 90% of my games are played on boards with squares between 2" (51mm) and 2.25" (57mm). Boards in this size range can easily accommodate sets with king heights between 3.5" and 4" (86-45mm), and king diameters between 1.5" and 1.75" (38-45mm).

Smaller boards and sets are better suited for analysis, or in venues where table space is extremely limited.

For OTB games at home I like squares of 2” or a little more (50 to 55 mm). I find that’s big enough to feel substantial, but still easy to move around and fit on the desk next to the computer. I also have two boards with 1.75” squares that I like for analysis and for daily games, where I need to leave the board set up in a corner for a long time. I have two of those so that I still have an analysis board free if one’s taken up with a daily game. When I was first starting out, I tried a board with 1.875” squares, and I like that size of board a lot for home but it’s too difficult finding pieces that really fit it well, most are just a little too big or a little too small.

I heard she said she needed a magnifying glass for yours.😁

A square size of 55mm (2 1/8") is currently the de facto standard for all major tournaments and World Championships and has been since the 80s. The primary reason being that these events use DGT electronic boards (and previously Didatto, Chavet or RF boards) which were only available in 55mm. Many tournaments in North America seem to use 2 1/4" (57mm) squares which in practice is very close. Unless I am mistaken the 2000 WC match used a 50mm square board and 90mm pieces, which was unusual.

I bought a 15 3/4” inch board with 3 1/4” inch pieces. Technically the pieces are “too big” for the board but to me it’s beautiful. Either way 15 inches seems perfect to me

This is up to the person. 1st you should ask yourself how much space do I have. If this is a home set. I always recommend getting a chess table. To me chess tables are the ideal chess set option for home use only. If you don't have room set aside for a chess table. 2 inch to 2.5 inch squares for the board. 3.5 inch to 4.5 inch set for home use. If you still don't have room for boards and sets of this size. 3 to 3.25 inch set with a board with 1.75 to 1.875 inch squares as the bare minimum. Anything less is just too small to be enjoyed and or be displayed properly.