How to Display an Urn in Your Home

Often, people choose not to display the urn that holds their loved one’s ashes because they feel it’s too somber or might be disrespectful to the deceased.

However, there are ways to display a loved one’s ashes. If you choose the path of displaying an urn at home, there are various options and a decent amount of flexibility regarding where and how you create a respectful and appropriate resting place for the urn. In this article, we have outlined everything you need to know about deciding on the ideal location for an urn.

Factors That Determine the Best Placement for Cremation Urns

Style

Cremation urns are available in various styles, colors, and materials. Picking the right urn isn't always an easy task, but it is doable. Many people want the urn to form a part of a room’s décor, so choosing where to display it can influence the style of urn you decide on. If you choose to match the urn with your loved one’s hobbies, personality, or lifestyle, the selection process can help you decide the best location for the urn.

Location and Material

Urns are typically made from breakable and non-breakable materials like brass—so, while ensuring the urn is visible, you also want to choose a location where it won’t be disturbed or knocked over. The surface on which you place the urn should be well supported to avoid it toppling over.

Feng Shui

Feng shui is a style of decorating that creates harmony within the home through the precise placement of furniture and objects. If feng shui is something you practice, you want to place the urn in a location that has high positive energy. With feng shui, it is important to display the urn instead of hiding it.

Memorial Space

Creating an entire memorial space will help you determine where you place your urn. A memorial space incorporates special keepsakes, photos, awards, jewelry, candles, or any other memorabilia that tell a story about your loved one’s life.

Interesting Ways to Display an Urn in Your Home

Displaying an urn at home can be a tricky task, but here are a few great places.

Shelf or Bookshelf

If your urn is made from very fragile material, a shelf or bookshelf is a good location to keep it up and out of the way. You can use an existing shelf or put one up just for the urn. If you place the urn on a display shelf, this could be a good place to display items to create a memorial space as well.

Fireplace Mantel

A fireplace mantel has always been a great spot to display urns and other memorial items. It is up and out of the way, and most fireplaces are central within the house, making it a prime location. However, be cautious of how hot the mantel gets if you use the fireplace regularly. Stone, glass, and ceramic urns will remain unaffected (provided it doesn’t get too hot), but wood may warp with temperature fluctuations.

Bedside Table

Placing the urn in a bedroom on a dresser, vanity, shelf, or bedside table to keep your loved one close is far more intimate and personal than other options.

Cabinet or Trophy Case

Placing the urn inside a cabinet or trophy case with glass doors is a good way to display it while also keeping it safe. A display cabinet is a great idea for urns that are very fragile, like those made of glass.

On the Wall

If you have no space on the shelf or mantel, you can display the urn on a wall. Wall-mounted memorial plaque urns can be mounted to any wall, adding a unique touch to your home. There are many designs and themes to choose from to match the shelf with your décor. When choosing a shelf, think about the urn size and pick a shelf with an appropriate depth and width.

How Long Can You Keep an Urn at Home?

Keeping an urn at home is something that is growing in popularity. The good news is that cremains last for a very long time, especially if the urn has a strong seal. You could essentially keep the urn in your home forever.

Where Should an Urn Not Be Placed in Your Home?

Over time, exposure to heat, temperature changes, sunlight, moisture, or humidity could damage your cremation urn. It is best to avoid placing your urn in these locations:

• Windowsill
• Regularly-used fireplace mantel
• Attic
• Bathroom
• Kitchen
• Garage
• Sunroom
• Porch or patio

While there are some general guidelines and ideas regarding keeping ashes at home, the final choice is a very personal one and should make you feel comforted to remind you of the wonderful memory of your loved one.