A Touch of Luxury: Onyx Home Decor

As much as it seems counterintuitive, the popularity of semiprecious materials and gemstones is rising in the countertop market. While most experts do not recommend semiprecious stone for kitchen counters that are subject to regular use, onyx is one type of rare stone that is being used more and more frequently throughout the home – on bar tops, kitchen panels, accent walls, bathrooms, dining rooms, and even bedrooms.

Onyx is a soft “royal” stone that is naturally formed by limestone that dissolves and redeposits, resulting in unusual and beautiful colors and a translucent quality. Its translucence is what makes it a hot material in homes of every style; when lights are strategically placed beneath it, the stone takes on a striking luminescence that is impossible to reproduce with other materials.

While onyx is one of the most expensive semiprecious stones on the market and is susceptible to damage, it’s gaining popularity due to its sheer beauty and breathtaking uniqueness.

Kitchen

Decorators everywhere are finding uses for onyx in the kitchen, mainly as an accent – backsplash, panels, island – as it is not designed to hold up to heavy use.

Bar

Because it’s not recommended for kitchens, it’s often found on lesser-used bars for a jaw-dropping statement – perfect for entertaining – without the constant fear of damage:

Bathroom

Onyx has made its way into bathrooms, too. An onyx sink is gorgeous – check out our Madeli round drop-in onyx sink, DVontz rectangular onyx sink, and Madeli Ancona oval onyx sink – and not as costly as a larger-scale project. They can be underlit just like a countertop but are more affordable and less prone to damage.

But those large-scale projects are simply incredible. Onyx on the counter, vanity, wall, tub, or shower creates a show-stopping bathroom, especially when backlit or underlit.

Lighting

If onyx is not in your budget but you’ve fallen in love with it, see if you can squeeze in a reasonably-priced onyx light fixture – like our Arteriors Paddock onyx table lamp or an eye-catching chandelier or pendant – The material lends itself to it, and it won’t cost you as much!

Accessories

But if you can afford it (lucky!), it doesn’t have to be limited to the kitchen or bath. An onyx accent wall, fireplace surround, or objet d’art (because who needs manmade art when you can hang Mother Nature’s artwork on your wall?) will make your décor unforgettable in any area of the home. Try it in the dining room, bedroom, living room, or breathtaking staircase:

Onyx inspiration

For less expense with a similar effect, there’s onyx-inspired décor in other materials (like porcelain tile or panels); some are so genuine-looking they’re practically guaranteed to inspire double-takes:

Onyx cleaning and maintenance

Onyx is a soft stone, like marble, so it’s prone to damage. To keep yours in optimal condition, you’ll need to take good care of it!

• Seal onyx counters and products every 1-3 years, depending on its color and the type and frequency of use (light onyx will need more frequent sealing; damage-prone areas, like counters, should be sealed more frequently as well). Do not use a standard stone sealer; use a sealer recommended by your stone supplier. Some onyx should not be sealed; ask your supplier.
• Do not cut directly on an onyx surface
• Avoid contact with acidic food or cleaners or stain-causing liquids like red wine
• Wipe up spills immediately – even water. Blot, don’t wipe
• Do not scrub onyx with excessive force
• Do not use abrasive cleaners
• Avoid prolonged contact with heat
• Avoid cleaning products that may contain acid, such as window cleaner, vinegar-based sprays, or regular kitchen counter cleaning agents; use gentle, stone-safe cleaners only (ask your supplier for recommendations)
• Do not spray even mild cleaning agents directly onto the counter; spray it onto a soft cloth and then wipe

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save