Losing a loved one is a profoundly personal journey that often leaves an emotional void, but finding ways to keep their memory alive can offer a sense of closeness and peace. One tangible way to honour them is by creating a comforting space for their cremated remains.
Choosing where and how to display an urn at home can be deeply meaningful and, when done thoughtfully, can blend harmoniously into the home’s ambiance. Here, we explore ideas and guiding principles on selecting and arranging a place for an urn in a way that reflects both respect and love.
Choosing a Meaningful Display for an Urn
When considering how to display an urn, it’s essential to think about its placement in a way that aligns with the essence of your loved one’s life. Many find comfort in displaying the urn in a room where the deceased spent a significant amount of time, like their study or favourite sitting area. Doing so creates a personal link, bringing warmth and continuity into the home.
For those who feel drawn to keeping a part of the ashes closer to their own person, small portions can be encased in cremation jewellery, such as pendants or rings. This can allow family members to feel the presence of their loved one wherever they go while keeping the larger urn as a central memorial piece within the home.
Selecting a Location for the Urn: Commonly Chosen Spots
Some families choose to keep urns prominently displayed as a respectful tribute, while others prefer a more private location. Common locations include:
- The Mantelpiece: A focal point in many homes, the mantel is often a suitable place for an urn. Positioned with other treasured family photos or memorabilia, it becomes part of a family legacy display.
- Corner Shelves: A quiet corner can be transformed into a simple yet dignified shrine where the urn rests surrounded by other significant keepsakes. This setup often exudes a sense of calm and reflection.
- Glass Cabinets or Niche Compartments: Some people prefer displaying urns within a glass cabinet, either alone or alongside mementoes that were important to the deceased. This can also protect the urn from dust while allowing it to be visible.
- Personalised Memorial Space: For families who want a designated area for reflection, a dedicated space in the home might be ideal. By combining the urn with photographs, awards, or personal items, you create a tribute that represents their passions, achievements, and unique qualities.
Using Feng Shui Principles in Urn Placement
In certain cultures, the practice of Feng Shui offers guidance on creating a peaceful energy flow within the home, and this extends to the placement of urns. Feng Shui suggests that placing the urn in a location that aligns with positive energy directions can harmonise the household’s energy. For example, if your home faces North or South, you may want to position the urn in the Northern or Southern areas of your home.
Conversely, if your home faces Northeast or Southeast, placing the urn in an Eastern room could be beneficial. This careful placement can be a way of ensuring a balanced and comforting atmosphere while keeping the memory of your loved one in a place of honour.
Considering the Size and Style of the Urn
The size and design of the urn can greatly influence its placement. Smaller keepsake urns or pet urns can fit comfortably on a bedside table or bookshelf. These smaller urns are subtle, offering a gentle reminder of your loved one’s presence without being overpowering.
Larger urns, on the other hand, can become a central feature of a room, and families might choose to place them in a living room, entryway, or another common area where they are visible to family and friends. Matching the style of the urn to the room’s decor also allows the urn to feel like a seamless part of the space. For example:
- Wooden or Bamboo Urns: Perfect for rooms with natural or Eastern aesthetics, adding a warm, earthy presence.
- Classic Ceramic or Marble Urns: These work beautifully in more traditional or contemporary settings, giving an elegant touch that speaks to timelessness and permanence.
- Customised Urns: If your loved one had a particular hobby, passion, or favourite colour, many urns can be custom-designed to reflect these aspects, creating a more personal tribute that resonates with their individuality.
Creating a Memorial Space for Reflection
For those who wish to honour their loved one with a dedicated memorial area, creating a special corner or room can be deeply fulfilling. This space can be adorned with meaningful objects, such as framed photos, awards, favourite books, or small personal items, creating a small sanctuary within your home that preserves their essence and spirit.
This can serve as a comforting place where family members can visit, reflect, and feel close to their loved one’s memory, especially on anniversaries or special occasions.
Practical Considerations for Displaying an Urn
In choosing a spot for an urn, it’s essential to consider both the practicality and the durability of the chosen location. For instance, placing an urn where it could easily be bumped or knocked over may lead to unintentional distress. A stable surface, away from direct sunlight and high-traffic areas, can be ideal, preserving the urn’s condition over time. If you have young children or pets, placing the urn out of reach can provide peace of mind.
Balancing Elegance and Simplicity in Display
When designing a space around the urn, the goal is often to strike a balance between honouring the deceased’s presence and integrating the urn in a way that feels naturally part of the home.
Many find that choosing understated elements—like soft lighting, natural flowers, or simple decorative items—enhances the tranquillity of the area without drawing attention away from the urn itself. For families who prefer a more subtle approach, urns that resemble decorative vases or sculptures may be a thoughtful choice.
Embracing Personal Traditions and Beliefs
Each family’s approach to displaying an urn will vary based on personal beliefs, traditions, and cultural practices. Some may find solace in placing the urn in a room where they spent cherished moments together, while others might opt for a prominent place to reflect respect and memory openly.
Taking the time to understand what feels right for you and your family can make the placement more meaningful, transforming it into a gesture that honours the life and spirit of your loved one.
Conclusion: Honouring the Journey Together
When it comes to displaying an urn at home, the objective is ultimately to create a space that embodies love, respect, and the cherished memories shared with the departed.
Whether through a dedicated memorial area, a discreet display on a shelf, or a personal piece of jewellery, these choices offer family members a tangible way to hold onto memories while gently reminding them of the beauty of the life that was lived.
Selecting and arranging a resting place for the urn not only honours the life of your loved one but also becomes a comforting focal point for you to reconnect with them in moments of remembrance, providing solace in the quiet, sacred moments shared in your own home.
