Onyx fireplaces can add a luxurious and elegant focal point to any home. The striking colors and patterns of onyx make it a beautiful natural stone for fireplace surrounds and mantels. While most onyx has beige and brown banding, creative designs can incorporate white, gold, and other colors for a unique look. This article will explore stunning onyx fireplace ideas to inspire your next home decor project!
Elegant White Onyx Fireplace Surrounds
White onyx contains streaks of white, cream, gray, and brown that result in a light and airy look. White onyx fireplace surrounds and mantels create a soft, elegant aesthetic that works well with a variety of home decor styles.
Here are some ideas for incorporating white onyx into your fireplace design:
- A simple white onyx fireplace surround allows the variations in the stone to take center stage. Keep the lines clean and let the white onyx be the focus.
- Pair white onyx with cream, gray or white marble for contrast. Use slabs of marble on the hearth and white onyx on the surround.
- Add visual interest by orienting the white onyx bricks in a herringbone, basketweave or other unique pattern.
- Incorporate white onyx columns or pillars on each side of the firebox opening. This frames the fireplace and adds architectural detail.
- Use white onyx cladding on the chimney breast surrounding the entire fireplace. This creates a cohesive look.
- Add white onyx shelving and trim around the fireplace opening to complement the surround.
White onyx fireplaces have an airy luminosity while still providing the striated visual texture onyx is known for. It’s a gorgeous natural stone for light and bright interiors.
Warm Gold Onyx Fireplaces
Gold onyx contains warm golden brown and beige bands that create a rich, luxurious look. Gold onyx fireplaces immediately grab attention and become stunning focal points.
Here are creative ways to highlight gold onyx in your fireplace:
- A full gold onyx fireplace surround and hearth establish it as the crown jewel of the room. Use large format slabs and minimal lines for dramatic impact.
- Incorporate gold onyx in an accent wall around and above the fireplace. This framed look provides beautiful visual symmetry.
- Use rectangular panels of gold onyx in vertical or horizontal rows. The repeating lines of color have a stylish, contemporary vibe.
- Add gold onyx only on the bottom portion of the fireplace surround paired with a neutral stone or white onyx on top. This allows the gold to stand out.
- Inlay gold onyx medallions into the center of the fireplace surround or vertical panels on each side. The touches of glistening gold add luxe detail.
- Craft shelves or mantels from gold onyx to complement the surround. This ties the whole area together.
With its radiant warm tones, gold onyx gives fireplaces a glowing focal point that feels glamorous yet welcoming. It’s ideal for making a statement!
Elegant Brown Banded Onyx Fireplaces
While white and gold onyx fireplaces shine, the classic brown and beige banding of natural onyx also imparts refined elegance. Rich earthen hues and striking striations make brown onyx an excellent fireplace material.
Some great ways to use the splendor of brown banded onyx include:
- A full brown onyx surround and hearth make a bold statement, allowing the variations in tone to take the spotlight.
- Pair brown onyx with cream or beige marble to create contrast between the striations and solid blocks of color.
- Add brown onyx columns on each side of the firebox opening to provide architectural symmetry and detail.
- Use various sizes of brown onyx bricks to build a textural, stacked ledgestone-style fireplace surround.
- Incorporate horizontal panels of brown onyx brick for a more streamlined contemporary look.
- Use brown onyx slab counter tops or shelving near the fireplace to complement the surround.
The mesmerizing patterns of unadulterated brown banded onyx create a sophisticated yet comfortable fireplace that blends seamlessly into classic and contemporary spaces alike.
Modern White and Black Onyx Fireplaces
For a striking and contemporary fireplace, combine slabs of white and black onyx. The contrast makes a bold artistic statement and lends visual drama.
Creative ways to integrate white and black onyx include:
- Framing the firebox with contrasting vertical panels of white and black onyx at each corner.
- Creating a geometric checkerboard or alternating stripe pattern with the two stones.
- Using black onyx on the bottom half of the surround and white on top for stacked contrast.
- Inlaying a black onyx medallion into a primarily white onyx surround.
- Adding white shelving and black hearth stones, or vice versa, for interest.
- Crafting a mosaic pattern using small pieces of white and black onyx.
The distinct light and dark slabs create an eye-catching contemporary look. It’s an artistic statement that expresses modern minimalism and elegance.
Rustic Multicolored Onyx Fireplaces
While uniform onyx fireplaces are stunning, multicolored onyx contains a diversity of natural hues that provide unique rustic charm. Combining various shades of brown, beige, gray, gold and cream onyx bricks or tiles results in an organic, one-of-a-kind look.
Some ideas for multicolored onyx fireplace designs include:
- Mix multicolored onyx bricks for a random stacked ledgestone appearance that pops with variety.
- Lay onyx tile in mosaic patterns, using the diversity of colors to create visual interest.
- Alternate vertical panels of different onyx slabs in an asymmetrical way for eclectic contrast.
- Combine small multicolored onyx tiles with larger cream or beige onyx surround slabs.
- Use a mixture of onyx bricks and carved rocks for an artfulTrompe-l’œil style feature wall around the fireplace.
Multicolored onyx fireplaces reflect the natural beauty of the earthy stone in all its varied hues. The result is wonderfully distinctive, charming and full of texture.
Luxurious White Marble and Onyx Fireplaces
For an ultra luxurious fireplace, pair elegant white marble with eye-catching onyx. This combination of stones creates a light and airy look with subtle contrast.
Here are beautiful ways to combine white marble and onyx:
- Use white marble on the hearth and lower portion of the surround, and white onyx on the upper portion surrounding the firebox opening.
- Inlay white marble medallions into vertical onyx panels or slab surrounds for delicate detail.
- Craft minimalist shelving from white marble and the surround from onyx for integrated contrast.
- Lay white marble brick as tiles on the floor in front of an onyx surround for a seamless elegant look.
- Add white marble columns on either side of the firebox and an onyx slab spanning the opening.
- Alternate marble and onyx horizontally along a fireplace surround wall.
Paired together, the white marble and onyx offer a light and luxurious duo. The overall look is refined, bright and timelessly elegant. It’s the ultimate indulgence!
Modern Onyx Fireplace Ideas
While onyx imparts luxurious elegance, it can also achieve modern contemporary flair. Clean lines, creative shapes and artistic asymmetric patterns allow onyx fireplaces to feel crisp and cutting-edge.
Some modern onyx fireplace ideas include:
- A surround made up of asymmetrically stacked horizontal onyx panels in varying heights.
- Angular protruding shelves or chimney breasts clad in onyx slab.
- Irregularly shaped onyx tile mosaic creating an artistic abstract pattern around the firebox.
- Large vertically oriented onyx bricks spaced slightly apart for a sleek industrial look.
- Sunburst or starburst pattern using thin strips of onyx emanating from the center.
- Horizontal onyx fireplace with long thin gas burner instead of traditional wood firebox.
- Illuminated onyx slab surround that glows with LED lighting.
With creative contemporary designs, onyx transitions from classic elegance into breezy modernity. Geometric patterns, artistic license and backlighting open up inventive new possibilities for onyx fireplaces.
Unique Onyx Fireplace Surround Ideas
Instead of a basic slab or brick surround, get creative with unique shaped onyx designs. Fireplaces don’t have to be staid traditional rectangles. Onyx lends itself to being crafted into diverse organic shapes and lines for ultimate customization.
Some unique onyx fireplace surround ideas include:
- A surround moulded into soft rolling waves or rippling water shapes.
- Organic hand-carved natural edge onyx slabs for an artistic look.
- Circular onyx surround framing a round firebox for cozy symmetry.
- Flowing asymmetrical onyx shapes protruding from the wall around the fire.
- Geometric hexagon or triangle shaped onyx tiles creating a honeycomb pattern.
- Irregular hand cut onyx bricks in eclectic sizes reminiscent of cobblestones.
- Custom laser cut onyx carved with personal symbols, names or botanical shapes.
With onyx’s stunning colors and striated patterns, any unique fireplace shape will become a true work of art. Let your creative juices flow!
Double-Sided See-Through Onyx Fireplaces
For a spectacular centerpiece design, consider a double-sided see-through onyx fireplace. Visible from two adjoining rooms, see-through fireplaces create an open layout and Interactive fire viewing.
Here are some ideas for stylish see-through onyx fireplaces:
- A massive onyx slab carved out to allow flickering fire views from either side.
- Angular protruding imperfect pyramid shapes of stacked onyx extending from each wall.
- A circular onyx surround in an arched opening between rooms with fire visible from both sides.
- Overlapping asymmetrical onyx panels joining in the center over the firebox.
- Backlit onyx water wall fireplace illuminating each room with cozy firelight.
- Double-sided gas firebox with long onyx slab spanning the entire opening.
See-through onyx fireplaces make a striking focal point. They allow the beauty and warmth of the fire to be enjoyed from multiple rooms while creating an open and connected feeling.
Onyx Fire Pits for Outdoors
Take the luxury outside by incorporating onyx into outdoor fire pits! Natural onyx adds elegance to alfresco living spaces with eye-catching striations that complement nature.
Some ideas for utilizing onyx in outdoor fire pits include:
- An onyx slab tabletop fire pit with gas burner center to gather around.
- Stacked brown onyx bricks or stones forming the surrounding enclosure.
- A sunken in-ground fire pit lined with onyx bricks, tiles or panels.
- Onyx columns at the corners of a square or rectangular fire pit.
- An organic freeform onyx surround in a round, oval or kidney shaped configuration.
- Onyx mosaic tiles lining the bottom surface of the fire pit.
- Onyx benches, steps or walls surrounding an open fire pit area.
- Custom laser cut onyx mantel, trim or decorative front details.
The natural patterns of onyx reflect flickering flames beautifully outdoors. Onyx fire pits become stunning focal points for gardens, patios or poolside areas after dark.
Mix Onyx with Other Natural Stones
While onyx stands beautifully on its own, incorporating other stones can provide alluring contrast. Mix various natural stone materials with onyx for fireplaces that pop.
Some options for mixing stones with onyx include:
- Combine with cream or white marble for an elegant duo. Use marble on the hearth and lower portion of surround coupled with onyx on top.
- Mix tan, brown or rustic multicolored travertine tiles with onyx slab vertical panels for earthy harmony.
- Pair black granite or black marble with white or gold onyx for bold modern contrast.
- Use blue lapis lazuli details as medallions or trim against brown onyx for a pop of color.
- Add malachite inlay designs into onyx surrounds for vibrant green accents.
- Set the onyx surround next to walls clad in natural stone like sandstone or stacked slate.
- Choose a mosaic made up of various stones and onyx pieces for eclectic blending.
Mixing complementary stones with onyx allows you to create one-of-a-kind fireplaces with diverse colors, patterns and textures. The combinations are endless!
Incorporate Onyx Fireplace Accessories
Don’t stop at just the fireplace surround! Incorporate onyx into fireplace accessories for perfect coordination. Matching accessories pull the whole area together into a luxe space.
Some ways to accessorize with onyx include:
- Onyx candleholders, vases or bowls atop the mantel provide symmetry.
- Use onyx boxes, paperweights or decor items on surrounding shelves or tables
- Select an onyx mosaic tile for the chimney flue cover plate.
- Custom onyx andirons and fireplace tools like shovels and pokers add flair.
- Use onyx lamp bases or table legs to complement the fireplace stone.
- Include an onyx drink table or side table next to fireplace seating.
- Add an onyx tile hearth pad, rug or entry mat for pulled together design.
Matching beautifully with your custom fireplace, onyx accessories make the whole area feel luxe, elegant and specially designed.
FAQ About Onyx Fireplaces
What colors and patterns can onyx have?
Onyx is a banded chalcedony stone that occurs in a range of natural color variations. The most common onyx has beige and brown banding. However, onyx can also exhibit bands of white, black, gold, cream, grey, rust, and multicolored mixtures. The patterns can be straight, angled, waving or concentric.
Is onyx expensive?
Natural onyx is considered a premium sculptural stone, so it is more expensive than man-made materials. However, it is competitively priced with other natural stones like marble. The cost depends on the color, pattern, cut (slab vs tile), thickness, finish (polished vs honed) and amount needed. Expect to pay $50 – $100 per square foot installed.
Is onyx hard to maintain?
Onyx requires some routine maintenance. It should be sealed periodically to prevent staining. Dusting and cleaning with a gentle stone soap periodically is also advised. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Onyx can be damaged by sudden temperature changes, so take care around fireplaces. Overall it is moderately durable for residential use.
Does onyx get very hot by the fire?
Onyx remains relatively cool next to a fireplace. However, some heat transfer is expected, especially with direct contact to flames. Proper installation off the firebox surface is important. Using a fireplace screen can also help reduce heating of the onyx.
How is onyx attached around fireplaces?
Onyx is installed onto the fireplace surround using thinset mortar adhesive. The onyx surround is built off the surface of the firebox so the stone remains cool. The pieces are cut precisely to size and set in place in the thinset bed. The joints are grouted to complete the installation.
Elevate Your Home with Onyx
Onyx fireplaces instantly become mesmerizing focal points that elevate the elegance of any space. With distinctive colors, luxe patterns and natural beauty, onyx offers limitless options for creating your dream fireplace design. From sleek modern white onyx to rustic multicolored stacked stone, any customized onyx fireplace will infuse your home with artful warmth and refined luxury. Let your creative inspiration guide you to the perfect onyx fireplace that reflects your personal style!