Onyx stone is one of the most strikingly beautiful natural stones available. I've seen an increase in onyx stone interior design schemes in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. Leading brands and designers are using this stone not just in design features but in home furnishings, too. And I have to say, I am particularly obsessed.
With so many colors — from pinks, blues, and greens to creams and black — and applications to choose from, the dramatic veining and translucent quality of this luxurious and versatile stone make it a perfect choice for creating an impact in any space.
But what is onyx stone? And how is it used? I spoke to designers and stone experts to find out why this marble alternative should be on your list for your next design project.
What is Onyx Stone?
"Onyx is a rare and luxurious natural stone formed by the deposition of limestone through cold, mineral-rich water in caves," explains David Mahyari, CEO of SolidNature, a boutique natural stone and design brand.
"It’s known for its translucency, dramatic veining, and rich layering of colors, which can range from soft creams to deep ambers, greens, and pinks. Onyx is appreciated for its visual depth and layered structure, often cut into large slabs for high-end interior applications," David continues.
Onyx stone, often, but incorrectly, considered a type of marble, has a similarly showstopping quality, but its added 'extra' is its translucency. This quality, allowing a beautiful interplay of light, makes it perfect for being backlit.
How Is Onyx Stone Used in Interiors?
Onyx stone can be used in a variety of ways and in many different spaces within the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, and modern living rooms, as feature walls, countertops, sinks, and more, but it is primarily used as a statement feature.
“In kitchens, onyx tends to be used in display cabinetry or on decorative surfaces, often as a statement showpiece," says Hugo Leader-Williams, creative lead at Blakes London.
"I love to treat onyx like a statement piece, it’s never background. You’ll see it in my work as a sculptural sink, a bold bar countertop, custom furniture, or even as a floating shelving that’s lit from behind so it glows at night," says Cara Woodhouse, founder and creative director of Cara Woodhouse Interiors.
Backlit Onyx
The beauty of onyx stone is that it's striking whether it's backlit or not. The fact that it can be backlit creates further design possibilities that take this natural stone up a notch compared to other natural stones, giving it longevity, too, rather than simply being the latest interior design trend.
“Designers are drawn to onyx for its striking visual appeal, variation in vivid colors and natural translucency, which allows it to be backlit, creating a warm, glowing effect that enhances its layered patterns," says David Mahyari.
Cara agrees: "Lighting can be key with onyx because it's translucent, and when it’s backlit, it transforms into this ambient, moody moment that stops people in their tracks. I’m always looking for unexpected ways to bring it into a space, especially where light and shadow can play with it."
Onyx Stone Furniture
A statement piece of furniture can create just as much visual impact as a statement wall, and designers use onyx stone for standout pieces within the home to highlight its unique qualities and elevate a space.
"We've used onyx for coffee tables, the surfaces of bedside consoles, and in pampering nooks adjoining primary ensuites, given its exquisite jewel-like banding," says Yasmine Ghoniem, director of YSG Studio.
"Jade green onyx is a favourite given the luminous, milky quality of the banding and shades of green. That said, it’s worth exploring all the other onyx varieties — from opaque Chalcedony blues with rusty veins to gentle golden honey varieties and bands of glowing sunset shades," continues Yasmine.
Why Do Designers Love Using Onyx?
The design possibilities of onyx stone are endless, so it's no surprise that designers are incorporating this natural stone into their interior design schemes more and more.
"Onyx is pure magic. Designers love it because it’s not just a material, it’s an experience. Every slab is like a piece of art from nature, with those dramatic veining patterns and layers of translucency. It instantly elevates a space and adds that wow moment I’m always chasing in my designs. It has this sensual, glowing quality that feels luxurious but also soulful. For me, onyx is what I call the ultimate eye candy!" says Cara Woodhouse.
David Mahyari explains that the specific cutting technique used has a particularly significant impact on the visual effect of onyx stone: vein-cut (when the stone is sliced vertically) "showcases the natural linear layering of the stone", while cross-cut (when the stone is sliced horizontally) "creates more cloud-like, flowing patterns," says David.
This allows designers to have more control over how the stone will look and feel in the space. "Furthermore, onyx is well-suited for bookmatching, thanks to its striking veining and contrast. When mirrored, these patterns can create dramatic, symmetrical visual compositions that elevate any space,” continues David.
What Does Onyx Stone Symbolize?
Onyx stone is not just a beautiful stone for making a statement within your home. Long considered a stone associated with protection and strength, it is also said to have additional Feng Shui benefits.
"Black onyx is a grounding, balancing, and protective stone with several benefits," says Anjie Cho, an architect and Feng Shui educator at the Mindful Design Feng Shui School. However, she explains that all color variants of onyx have positive qualities.
"In Feng Shui, earthy tones and neutrals are grounding, soothing, and create a calm atmosphere. These tones are also less stimulating. So, placing onyx in your interiors offers much support for one's home and life.”
What Are The Disadvantages of Onyx Stone?
Onyx stone is not typically recommended for high-use areas, such as worktops, as it is more delicate and porous than other kitchen countertop materials.
"While it can be used as a worktop, we wouldn't recommend it for this application as it's a highly porous, fragile stone that is prone to cracking or staining and doesn't withstand heat all that well," says Hugo Leader-Williams.
However, as Rhiannon Phenis, head of design at Sola Kitchens, explains, "While it's softer and more porous than granite or quartz, when sealed properly and used in low-traffic or decorative applications, it can be a show-stopping addition."
Shop Onyx Decor
Love onyx stone but don't have plans to bring it into your home in a big way right now? Why not add a slice of onyx to your space with one (or all!) of these decor items?
Art in their own right, these Matlock bookends would be a stunning addition to any display. Crafted from pale green onyx and polished to highlight the natural stone's veining, they are both practical and uniquely beautiful.
The best candles don't just smell glorious, they look glorious, too. The translucent layers of blue onyx will cast a special glow when lit that highlights the intrinsic veining of this natural stone. Hand-poured using a coconut and soy blend wax with pure cotton wicks, the fragrance comprises patchouli, pepper, sandalwood, and cedar, which aims to create "an elegant and luxurious atmosphere similar to Milan's prestigious hotels and boutiques," the city to which they dedicated the fragrance.
Talk about a stylish chess set. Jia Jia's creations intend to connect their owners to the power of the earth, as each ethically sourced gemstone slab is said to impart a specific energy. The green onyx of this particular chess set is said to bring "intelligence, brain power, and enhanced memory to your next move," making it much more than just a chic game.
Also available in honey onyx, this cube can be used for whatever function you desire. Measuring 4x4x4 inches, it could be used as a paper weight, a bookend, a pedestal to display a special something, or indeed a piece of beauty by itself. Sustainably sourced and crafted by skilled artisans, it would make a special addition to any space.
Handcrafted from sustainable materials, this onyx and brass wall sconce gives sophisticated charm. With the option to mount the light either vertically or horizontally, the dimensions can also be modified to suit your needs with the customisable order option, making the item even more unique for your home.
Another of Jia Jia's symbolic creations, the use of blue onyx for these coasters symbolizes protection, and with no two coasters the same, these natural beauties will not only be unique to your space but will be sure to add a touch of elegance, too.
There is so much to love about onyx. The beauty of natural stone is unparalleled, and the luxurious and versatile nature of this particular stone makes it a great choice to elevate any space. You may be interested in exploring Rosso Levanto marble for more natural stone inspiration.
