If you’re designing a space that needs that special “something” to stand out, you’ve probably already considered natural materials with character. But have you thought about backlit alabaster? It can be the perfect solution—bringing beauty, elegance, and, best of all, transforming how light interacts with the environment.

At Arastone, we’ve been offering this type of solution for decades, sourced directly from our own alabaster quarries in Aragón. That’s why we know exactly how to maximize its potential in high-end interior design and architectural projects.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to incorporate backlit alabaster panels into your designs—from ideal lighting to structural integration and maintenance.

What are the best ways to illuminate alabaster?

The key to successful backlit alabaster lies, as the name suggests, in its lighting. Due to its translucency, alabaster allows light to pass through subtly and diffusely, creating a visual effect that few other materials can replicate.

LED lighting

Today, the best option for backlighting alabaster panels is LED systems. Why? Because of their low energy consumption, durability, and—most importantly—their ability to emit uniform light without generating excessive heat. This last point is crucial: alabaster is sensitive to heat, and excessive temperatures can cause long-term damage.

In addition, LED modules allow you to adjust both the light’s intensity and color tone, letting you create different effects depending on the ambiance. From a warm and cozy atmosphere in a restaurant to a cooler, more sophisticated look in a design hotel, the possibilities are wide-ranging.

Light distribution

One of the most technical and crucial aspects of a project is the distribution of light. To avoid shadows, hot spots, or poorly lit areas, it’s essential to properly calculate the distance between the light source and the stone.

As a general rule, we recommend a minimum distance of 5 to 10 cm, depending on the type of LED and the thickness of the slab. If the light source is too close, hot spots may appear—these not only ruin the visual effect but can also damage the stone.

If you want flawless and safe results, Arastone can guide you through all these details.

Color temperature

The color temperature you choose will directly impact the final tone in which the alabaster is perceived. If you want to highlight the stone’s natural veining and nuances, warm temperatures between 2700K and 3500K are ideal. This creates a feeling of warmth, intimacy, and visual depth.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more modern or minimalist effect, a neutral color temperature (around 4000K) can also work, as long as the light is well distributed. In any case, be sure to test with actual samples—every alabaster panel is unique.

Structural and installation considerations

Incorporating backlit alabaster into a project requires careful attention to its installation. After all, it’s a natural, fragile material of exceptional beauty that deserves a fitting setup.

Alabaster panels can be used as backlit cladding for walls, ceilings, or even custom furniture. However, to ensure their stability and durability, you should use specially designed supports such as lightweight metal frames or aluminum structures.

Always rely on specialized installers, and don’t underestimate the importance of thorough planning.

Managing the weight of backlit alabaster

While alabaster is lighter than materials like marble, its weight is still a significant factor—especially when using large-format panels or installing them at height.

Proper weight management is essential to ensure safety without interfering with the backlighting or compromising the design. This involves:

• Choosing the appropriate thickness for the application
• Reinforcing structures when needed
• Precisely planning anchor points

At Arastone, we support you throughout the entire process and offer custom cuts and thicknesses to optimize both the weight and visual impact of each piece. For example, if your project requires both strength and lightness, we’ll suggest thinner panels combined with translucent diffusers.

Plan for lighting maintenance

One of the main advantages of backlit alabaster is that, with good design, it can remain in excellent condition for years. However, like any system with electrical components, it requires a certain level of maintenance planning.

Ensure that your design allows easy access to LED modules for replacement if needed. It’s also important to provide minimal ventilation to prevent overheating—even when using LED lights.

At Arastone, we offer modular solutions that allow for easy disassembly in case of repairs or lighting system upgrades. Thanks to our high-quality alabaster, the material retains its color and texture over time.

If you’re considering incorporating backlit alabaster panels into your next project, don’t hesitate to contact us. Because when it comes to bringing light to your ideas, alabaster is a sure bet. And if it’s alabaster, make it Arastone.