Design reference: this page is not presented as a completed Benson Display client project. Use the layout and fixture ideas to describe your own requirements; specifications and project scope need separate confirmation.
The Allure and Practicality of Onyx
Onyx is a strikingly dramatic natural stone, renowned for its beautiful pastel colors and unique swirling patterns. Its most distinctive property is its translucency, which allows light to pass directly through the stone. This characteristic is often highlighted through backlighting, transforming the material into a glowing focal point for features like countertops, backsplashes, and sinks. The visual effect is stunning, creating an ambiance that no other stone can replicate.
Despite its beauty, onyx is a relatively soft and delicate stone that scratches easily and can show signs of wear quickly. Therefore, it is crucial to understand its best applications. While it makes a dramatic statement, it is often best used in areas with lighter use or as a stunning backsplash rather than a high-traffic kitchen countertop. When investing in onyx, many advocate going “all in” with backlighting to fully capitalize on its unique, translucent nature and create a truly breathtaking installation.
Technical Details and Installation
The creation of a backlit onyx feature is a specialized process. Since onyx is translucent, backlighting works by placing light fixtures, such as LED strips, behind the stone on a custom-built frame. The goal is to achieve a uniform glow without visible hot spots, which sometimes requires a diffuser like plexiglass. This is not typically a DIY project; it often involves contractors and custom lighting specialists who build frames and light strips tailored to the specific slab’s color and pattern.
Onyx is available in a variety of standard and custom sizes to suit different projects. Common slab dimensions range from 5 to 8 feet in length and 4 to 6 feet in width, with thicknesses typically at 2cm or 3cm. It is also offered as tiles in sizes like 12″x12″ and 24″x48″, with thickness options from 1cm to 2cm. With finishes including polished, honed, and tumbled, backlit onyx is recommended for both interior and exterior applications, including wall cladding, bar tops, desks, ceilings, and feature walls.