The Magic of Illuminated Onyx
Light up this golden natural stone for a stunning interior design element
Natalie Myers
5 November 2018
The natural beauty of onyx goes to a new level when cut to a 3- to 5-mm thickness and lit from behind. The translucency of the quartz stone, with colours ranging from white to yellow to amber red, allows the surface to seemingly take on another dimension as it glows from within.
Designers have been using backlit onyx for some time to create a high-end contemporary look in commercial applications, especially in the hospitality industry. After seeing it used with reception desks in lobbies and incorporated into bathroom sinks and vanities throughout hotels and other commercial spaces, clients have taken note and started to request similar applications in residential projects.
A windowless bathroom is lit via a large slab of golden onyx set behind the bathtub. The slab draws attention to the modern clawfoot tub and creates a moody, otherworldly space.
Browse through images of spaces enhanced with onyx
Browse through images of spaces enhanced with onyx
Stunning is the only word to describe the use of onyx as the low wall supporting the bar-height counter. The backlit component combined with the black counter, cabinets and lighting results in a striking kitchen.
The same design concept works in smaller doses. A single backlit pedestal creates an similar statement while saving some of the expense associated with the installation in the previous photo. Interestingly enough, this designer paired the white/yellow onyx with black cabinetry as well.
A closeup view of the pedestal highlights how the illumination showcases the gorgeous natural stone.
Another thought is to incorporate backlit onyx in a backsplash. The area behind the stove is large enough to create an impact without going over the top.
These are the best materials for kitchen backsplash
These are the best materials for kitchen backsplash
Another view of the kitchen shows that the yellow onyx was paired with light creamy tones and just a touch of dark wood for a natural-looking, well-lit, softly coloured kitchen that still feels very contemporary. You don’t have to pair onyx with black every time; other colours can also be excellent choices.
Modern Home Theatre
A similar idea is to use a large slab of backlit onyx as a media wall. Again, such an installation would include creating a niche to house the flat screen TV, so be sure to work with an expert.
Check out these media units that steal the show
Check out these media units that steal the show
Using backlit onyx as stair risers creates more of a commercial or hospitality-industry feeling, but the look could be just right in a large house.
Backlit onyx need not be a permanent installation in your home. You can create the same effect with a standalone piece of custom-made furniture, such as a table.
Read more:
10 Trending Ways to Beautify Your Home With Backlighting
Tell us:
Have you used onyx in your home? Share images and your thoughts in the Comments below.
Read more:
10 Trending Ways to Beautify Your Home With Backlighting
Tell us:
Have you used onyx in your home? Share images and your thoughts in the Comments below.
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We used Lumonyx, a resin infused onyx and it is quite tough, thin and relatively easy to work with. Used it on a commercial bar. It turned out great and we have had no issues with customers slamming down drinks : ) . They are at Lumonyx Onyx
Thanks Jim H. Amazing you mentioned the bar, about an hour ago, I told my husband we should have a bar made with a lighted top!!
Hi. I am exploring the idea of hanging a slab of Onyx on a wall. I noticed on your website a frame that I am wondering does the slab of Onyx go inside that frame and then you hang that on the wall? I would like to hang the slab without having to rebuild the wall in order to hang the slab securely.