Onyx tiles are quite enchanting for anyone who wants to add a touch of luxury and an eye-catching element in either a home or a commercial space. With unique patterns and rich, vibrant colours, onyx tiles give the area elegance with natural beauty. Here’s everything you should know about onyx tiles: benefits, types, applications, and some care tips that will keep them looking pristine.
What is Onyx Tile?
Onyx is a semi-precious stone formed over millions of years from quartz and calcite. This natural material boasts an array of colours that range between soft whites to warm yellows, deep greens, and fiery reds; each colour is unique with delicate veining that makes it exclusively different. Light can pass through due to its translucency, allowing Onyx to be used in visually appealing backlight applications.
Benefits of Onyx Tiles
Unique Aesthetic Appeal: No two onyx tiles are ever the same. Every piece is exclusive in its own right, with natural patterns and colorings that make the stone truly unique, added to the luxurious ambiance that one wants inside a room.
Translucency for Backlighting
Some of the most striking features of onyx tiles are their translucency and, hence, the allowance of backlight. Illuminating the back side of an onyx tile gives it a glowing effect to accentuate the pattern and natural colours of the stone for a dazzling appearance, particularly in darkened areas.
Adds Value and Style
They give a home or property an added flair in interior design and increase the value of a property. They infuse a class and sophistication that many other tile materials cannot provide which appeals to those who enjoy high-end, classy decor.
Common Uses of Onyx Tiles
There are a lot of various uses for onyx tiles throughout the home or commercial property, with their versatility being one of the major parts of their appeal. Their most popular uses include:
Bathroom Walls and Countertops
Onyx tiles will give bathrooms a facelift to impressive and spa-like settings. Ideal for wall cladding or countertops, they can also be backlighted for added ambiance.
Accent Walls and Fireplaces
In the living room or lobby, onyx tiles make great accent walls or fireplace surrounds. Unique color patterns of the stone serve as the focal point, adding warmth and depth to any room.
Kitchen Backsplashes
Though not as common in kitchens since onyx is a delicate stone, backsplashes made from onyx tiles can be very striking. When properly sealed, onyx tiles-even in the kitchen-add an unparalleled touch of elegance without necessarily compromising durability.
Onyx Furniture Inlays and Tabletops
The use of onyx tiles can also be done in a more creative way when it comes to furniture design in creating extremely luxurious impressions on table tops, bar counters, and even as inlays in cabinetry.
Types of Onyx Tiles
Polished Onyx
This type of onyx tile has a smooth, glossy finish, bringing out the natural colours and patterns of the stone. Polished onyx works great in areas where it won’t be subjected to heavy wear, such as accent walls or bathroom surfaces.
Honed Onyx
Honed onyx tiles bear a matte finish, which allows for a subtler and softer look. They are less reflective as compared to the polished ones and are kept by people who want low sheen.
Textured Onyx
For a rustic or natural look, onyx tiles can be bought in a textured finish. This finish makes the stone more tactile and is best suited for decorative uses such as wall cladding or accent installations.
How to Care for Onyx Tiles
Onyx tiles, while beautiful, are not as hard as some other natural stones, such as granite or marble, nor are they as dense. For this reason, onyx requires more careful maintenance to sustain its beauty:
Sealing Regularly
Being of a porous nature, onyx is highly prone to stains. A good-quality stone sealant applied on a regular basis would avoid damage and keep the surface fresh.
Clean Using pH-Neutral Cleaners
Onyx can get damaged or discoloured due to acid or strong cleaners that can cause etching. For everyday cleaning, use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth.
Avoid Heavy Impact
As they are soft, onyx tiles scratch and chip quite easily. They may not be so good in high-traffic areas, and also, one must avoid placing heavy articles on an onyx surface.
Professional Installation and Maintenance Should Be Considered
Being a delicate stone, the installation of onyx tiles may get quite tricky. One can call in a professional who will be able to handle, cut, and install the tile without breaking it.
Why Onyx Tiles?
Onyx tiles make for the perfect statement in interior decor. Their natural elegance and versatility suit a wide range of spaces-from sophisticated bathrooms to cozy living rooms. With the right choice of type, application, and proper care, onyx tiles may well turn your space into a haven of luxury with timeless appeal.
