Onyx
*Image Source: Marble Trend
Onyx is one of the most striking and luxurious natural stones available, known for its bold veining, rich colour variations, and rare translucent qualities. Unlike granite or quartzite, onyx is often chosen as a statement material, bringing drama, depth, and sophistication to kitchens, bars, feature walls, and custom interior designs. One of its most unique features is its ability to be backlit, allowing light to pass through the stone and highlight its natural patterns in a truly stunning way. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes onyx special, how it’s used in modern interiors, and why it continues to be a favourite for high-end, design-forward spaces.
Backlit Onyx: Why It’s One of the Most Striking Natural Stones
Onyx vs. Other Natural and Engineered Stones (Sintered Stone, Marble, Quartzite & Granite)
Ready to explore onyx for your next project? Contact Natural Stone City today to speak with a stone expert, view premium onyx slabs, and get professional guidance on selecting the perfect natural stone for your space.
Key Takeaways
Onyx is a luxury accent stone known for its bold veining, rich colours, and unique translucency, making it ideal for statement pieces rather than high-traffic surfaces.
The stone is perfect for backlit applications, including feature walls, kitchen islands, bars, and fireplace surrounds, which highlight its dramatic patterns.
Onyx is more expensive than granite, marble, or quartzite due to its rarity, slab quality, and installation requirements, with added costs for reinforcement and backlighting.
Available in a wide range of colours, including white, ivory, green, honey, gold, black, charcoal, and select pink or blue varieties, with lighting affecting its appearance.
Cabinet colours should complement the dominant tones in the onyx slab, with recommended options including warm wood, matte black, soft whites, and neutral greys or taupes.
Onyx pairs beautifully with metal accents, glass, wood, and minimalist stone or concrete, creating a balanced and cohesive design.
Compared to other natural and engineered stones, onyx offers unmatched visual impact but requires careful maintenance and selective placement.
Popular Benjamin Moore paint colours like White Dove, Simply White, Classic Gray, Revere Pewter, and Kendall Charcoal enhance onyx without overpowering it.
Professional guidance is crucial for slab selection, installation, and lighting to ensure longevity and showcase the stone’s dramatic beauty.
Visiting Natural Stone City’s showroom allows homeowners to see the full range of onyx slabs, get expert advice, and plan a custom project tailored to their space.
Onyx
1. Onyx Kitchen & Interior Design Examples
*Image Source: MSI Surfaces
Onyx is most often used as a statement stone, chosen for its dramatic appearance rather than everyday durability. Its bold veining, rich colour movement, and translucent qualities make it ideal for areas where visual impact is the priority.
Statement Applications for Onyx
Onyx is commonly featured in select areas of the home where it can take centre stage without being exposed to heavy daily use. Popular applications include:
Kitchen islands, where onyx creates a stunning focal point that anchors the entire space and elevates the overall kitchen design.
Feature walls, which allow the natural movement and depth of onyx to be fully appreciated, especially in open-concept living areas.
Bar and entertainment areas, where onyx adds a sense of luxury and works beautifully as a showpiece surface for hosting and social spaces.
Bathroom vanities, showers, and powder rooms, where onyx delivers a high-end, spa-like feel and transforms smaller spaces into unforgettable design moments.
Each of these applications highlights the stone’s natural beauty while limiting exposure to excessive wear.
Designed to Be Seen, Not Overused
Onyx performs best when it is treated as a visual highlight rather than a workhorse material. Designers often pair it with more durable surfaces in high-traffic areas to preserve its appearance over time.
By using onyx intentionally in feature applications, you can enjoy its dramatic beauty while maintaining both function and longevity throughout your space.
2. How Expensive Is Onyx?
*Image Source: Marble Trend
Onyx is considered one of the more luxurious natural stones, which is reflected in its price. Its rarity, unique appearance, and delicate nature make it more expensive than many other natural stones, though engineered options like Natura Sintered Stone Onyx offer similar beauty at a slightly lower cost.
Comparing Onyx to Other Stones
The cost of onyx varies depending on the type, quality, and source. Here’s how it generally compares:
Natural Onyx is typically more expensive than granite and most marble due to its rarity and striking visual patterns.
Natura Onyx (sintered or engineered onyx) can provide a similar appearance at a lower price, while offering greater durability and ease of maintenance.
Granite is usually more affordable and widely available, making it a practical alternative for high-traffic surfaces.
Marble and quartzite fall between granite and onyx in price, with quartzite often being more durable but less visually dramatic than onyx.
Understanding these differences helps you balance visual impact with budget and functionality.
Factors That Affect Onyx Pricing
Several key factors influence the final cost of onyx for your project:
Rarity of the stone, as some colours and patterns are highly sought-after and limited in availability.
Slab quality and thickness, since larger, unbroken slabs with minimal flaws command higher prices.
Colour consistency and veining, as dramatic, uniform patterns are more desirable and often more expensive.
Installation complexity, because onyx is delicate and may require specialized handling, reinforcement, or custom fabrication.
Additional features like backlighting can significantly increase both material and installation costs.
By understanding these pricing factors, homeowners can make informed decisions when selecting onyx for a high-impact, long-lasting installation.
Investing in Onyx
While onyx comes at a premium, it delivers unmatched beauty and luxury that few other stones can match. Proper planning and professional installation ensure that your investment highlights the stone’s dramatic qualities while protecting it for years to come.
3. What Colours Are Onyx Slabs?
*Image Source: Red King Onyx - Marble Trend
*Image Source - White Pearl Onyx - Marble Trend
*Image Source: Blue Onyx - Marble Trend
*Image Source: Onyx Coral - Marble Trend
Onyx is prized for its vivid colours and striking veining, making it one of the most visually dynamic natural stones. Its translucent nature means that light and placement can dramatically influence how the colours appear in your space.
Popular Onyx Colours
Onyx slabs are available in a wide range of shades and tones, each offering a unique look and feel:
White and ivory slabs provide a clean, elegant backdrop and are often used in minimalist or modern interiors.
Green onyx adds a natural, vibrant touch, perfect for feature walls or statement countertops.
Honey, gold, and amber tones create warmth and richness, enhancing kitchens, bars, and living spaces.
Black and charcoal varieties deliver a bold, dramatic aesthetic, often paired with metallic accents or high-contrast designs.
Soft pinks and blues are found in select rare slabs and offer a delicate, luxurious appearance that works well in bathrooms or decorative applications.
These colour options allow designers and homeowners to select a slab that perfectly matches their design vision.
How Lighting Impacts Onyx Colour
The translucent quality of natural onyx means that lighting plays a critical role in its appearance. Natural light can enhance the depth and veining of the stone, while backlighting can dramatically transform the colour, making it glow and highlighting subtle tones. By considering lighting during design and installation, you can maximize the beauty of your onyx slab.
With its wide spectrum of colours and responsiveness to light, onyx offers unmatched flexibility for creating dramatic, high-end interiors.
4. What Cabinet Colours Go Best with Onyx
Onyx is a bold and visually striking stone, so selecting the right cabinet colours is essential to keep the stone as the focal point while ensuring the overall space feels balanced. The goal is to complement the natural veining and tones of the onyx without competing with it.
Recommended Cabinet Colours
When choosing cabinetry to pair with onyx, consider these options:
Warm wood tones create a natural, inviting contrast that highlights the richness of amber, honey, or green onyx slabs.
Matte black cabinets provide a modern, dramatic backdrop that works especially well with darker onyx varieties, enhancing depth and elegance.
Soft whites and off-whites offer a clean, timeless look that allows lighter onyx slabs to shine without overwhelming the space.
Neutral greys and taupes create subtle sophistication and work well with onyx slabs featuring complex veining or mixed tones.
These cabinet colours help to anchor the space while letting the onyx remain the centrepiece.
Matching Cabinets to Onyx Tones
It’s important to match the cabinet tone to the dominant colour in the onyx slab. For example, if your onyx has strong gold or honey tones, warm wood or taupe cabinets will harmonize beautifully.
Lighter onyx with white veining pairs best with soft whites or off-whites, while darker onyx benefits from matte black or deep grey cabinetry.
By thoughtfully pairing cabinets with the stone’s natural colours, you can create a cohesive and visually striking design that truly highlights the beauty of onyx.
*Image Source - MSI Surfaces
*Image Source - MSI Surfaces
5. Backlit Onyx: Why It’s One of the Most Striking Natural Stones
Unlit - *Image Source: Marble Trend
Backlit - *Image Source: Marble Trend
One of the most unique and eye-catching features of onyx is its ability to be backlit, thanks to its naturally translucent structure. Unlike granite or most quartzite, light can pass through onyx, illuminating its veining and creating a warm, dramatic glow that instantly transforms any space.
Popular Applications for Backlit Onyx
Backlighting enhances onyx in a variety of settings, making it a true statement material. Common applications include:
Feature walls, where backlit onyx turns a wall into a stunning focal point and draws attention to its natural patterns.
Kitchen islands, where light passing through the stone adds drama and luxury, create a centrepiece for entertaining and cooking areas.
Bars and wine rooms, where the glow of backlit onyx elevates the space and adds an upscale, sophisticated ambiance.
Fireplace surrounds, where the illuminated stone creates a cozy yet visually striking atmosphere in living spaces.
These applications showcase onyx as both a functional surface and an artistic design element.
Backlighting Options and Considerations
Unlit - *Image Source: Marble Trend
Backlit - *Image Source: Marble Trend
When planning backlit onyx installations, several factors affect the final look:
LED panels are the most common lighting option, providing even illumination without generating excessive heat that could damage the stone.
Colour temperature influences the tone of the backlit onyx. Warm white LEDs enhance amber, honey, and gold tones, while cooler white lights bring out green, white, or blue shades.
Lighting placement behind the slab should be uniform to highlight the veining without creating harsh shadows or hot spots.
Backlit onyx allows designers and homeowners to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary showcases, making it one of the most striking and versatile natural stones available.
6. What Complements Onyx in Interior Design
Onyx is a visually dramatic stone, so choosing complementary materials and finishes is key to enhancing its beauty without overwhelming the space. When paired thoughtfully, these accents can highlight the stone’s natural patterns and create a cohesive, luxurious design.
Materials and Finishes That Pair Well with Onyx
Several materials naturally complement the bold veining and rich colours of onyx:
Brass, gold, or black metal accents add elegance and sophistication, creating a refined contrast against the stone’s natural tones.
Glass and mirrored surfaces reflect light and amplify the visual impact of onyx, especially in feature walls, bars, or bathrooms.
Wood textures bring warmth and balance to the space, softening the stone’s bold patterns while creating a harmonious environment.
Minimalist stone or concrete elements provide subtle, understated backdrops that allow onyx to remain the focal point of the room.
These complementary materials ensure that the design feels intentional and well-balanced rather than chaotic.
*Image Source: Marble Trend
Striking a Balanced Design
When incorporating onyx into interior spaces, it’s important to avoid competing focal points. By pairing the stone with thoughtful accents and neutral or complementary finishes, homeowners and designers can highlight onyx’s dramatic beauty while maintaining a cohesive and visually appealing environment.
7. Onyx vs. Other Natural and Engineered Stones (Sintered Stone, Marble, Quartzite & Granite)
Onyx stands out for its luxurious appearance and translucent beauty, but it differs significantly from other natural and engineered stones in terms of durability, maintenance, and ideal use. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right stone for your project while maximizing both beauty and functionality.
Comparing Onyx to Other Stones
Onyx is best viewed as a statement or accent stone, rather than a daily-use countertop. Here’s how it compares to other popular stones:
Durability:
Onyx is softer and more prone to scratches and etching than granite, quartzite, or engineered stones like Natura Sintered Stone Onyx or quartz. It requires careful handling and reinforcement for safe installation.Maintenance Requirements:
Onyx needs regular sealing and gentle cleaning with non-abrasive products, whereas granite, quartzite, and engineered stones are generally more forgiving and easier to maintain.Visual Impact:
Onyx offers unparalleled drama and translucency, creating a glowing, artistic effect when backlit, something that most other stones cannot achieve.Ideal Applications:
Onyx excels in feature walls, backlit panels, bars, and powder rooms, where its beauty can shine without enduring heavy daily use. Granite, quartzite, and engineered stones are better suited for high-traffic areas like kitchen countertops or flooring.
*Image Source: Marble Trend
Positioning Onyx as a Luxury Accent Stone
While other stones offer durability and versatility, onyx should be treated as a luxury accent material. Its unique veining, colours, and translucency make it perfect for high-impact design features that elevate the overall aesthetic of a home. By using onyx strategically, homeowners can enjoy its stunning beauty while preserving its longevity and minimizing wear.
8. What Benjamin Moore Colour Goes with Onyx?
Choosing the right paint colour is essential when designing around onyx.
The goal is to enhance the stone’s natural beauty without competing with its bold veining and rich tones.
Paint colours should complement the dominant hues in the onyx slab while creating a cohesive and visually balanced space.
Sampling Paint Colours
Because onyx is naturally translucent and responsive to lighting, it’s important to test paint colours directly beside your slab before finalizing your choice.
Lighting conditions, both natural and artificial, can dramatically affect how the paint and stone appear together.
By carefully selecting complementary paint colours, you can highlight the elegance of onyx while creating a cohesive and visually stunning interior.
Recommended Benjamin Moore Colours
Here are some popular Benjamin Moore paint colours that pair beautifully with onyx:
White Dove OC-17
White Dove provides a bright, clean contrast that works well with darker onyx slabs, highlighting their veining.Simply White OC-117
Simply White offers a warm and versatile backdrop for lighter onyx slabs, keeping the space airy and elegant.Classic Gray OC-23
Classic Gray adds subtle warmth that complements the natural veining in a variety of onyx colours.Revere Pewter HC-172
Revere Pewterpairs nicely with honey, gold, or beige-toned onyx, creating a sophisticated, harmonious look.Kendall Charcoal HC-166
Kendall Charcoal delivers a dramatic contrast that works well with darker onyx or for feature walls in modern interiors.
Is Onyx Right for Your Home?
Onyx is a stunning, luxury accent stone that can transform kitchens, bathrooms, bars, and feature walls into breathtaking design statements. It’s ideal for homeowners who want a visually dramatic focal point and are prepared to give the stone the care it requires. Onyx works best in areas with lighter use, such as powder rooms, backlit panels, or decorative surfaces, rather than high-traffic countertops or heavily used kitchen areas.
For those seeking more durable options for everyday use, stones like granite, quartzite, or engineered sintered surfaces may be a more practical choice. Regardless of your selection, professional guidance is essential. Expert advice ensures the right slab is chosen, properly installed, and maintained to preserve its natural beauty for years to come.
View Onyx Slabs at Natural Stone City
Seeing onyx in person allows you to fully appreciate its dramatic veining, vibrant colours, and unique translucency. Natural Stone City’s showroom offers a premium selection of onyx slabs, along with expert advice to help you select the perfect stone for your project. Our team can provide custom project support, from slab selection to installation guidance, ensuring your design vision comes to life.
Expert Consultation and Custom Fabrication
Our experienced personnel are on hand to walk you through the process, from selecting the perfect material to developing a custom solution to fit your space. We offer in-house fabrication services, including custom edge profiles, sink cut-outs, precise measurements, and professional installation for an easy fit and flawless finish. We do everything in-house; nothing is subcontracted.
Competitive Pricing and Unparalleled Service
We believe in delivering exceptional value. That means offering competitive prices without compromising on quality or service. Our team is dedicated to providing honest advice, clear quotes, and dependable support, making your renovation process smooth and stress-free.
Visit Our Showroom or Get a Free Quote
Ready to elevate your space with onyx? Contact Natural Stone City today to book a consultation or schedule a slab viewing and see our premium inventory firsthand.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“Natural Stone City provided top notch service and quality. From the first time we walked into the showroom through to final installation, they went above and beyond to ensure that their costumer is not just satisfied, but truly happy with their investment. We especially want to publicly recognize and thank Maria for taking the time to walk us through the warehouse explaining the pro’s and con’s of different choices. This being our first time through the process of choosing countertops for the kitchen and bathroom, Maria’s knowledge and honesty was invaluable.
We give this company and all their employees the highest ratings possible and will recommend them to everyone we know. Go visit them, you will not be disappointed!”
-Rob Coutts
