Grief is a deeply personal journey, and the decision to keep ashes at home is an act of love and remembrance. Although for many years cremation urns were objects that felt out of place in the home, today preserving the memory of our loved ones in an urn that blends seamlessly into a modern home and respects the aesthetics of your space or matches your furniture is an authentic tribute to life.
That is why in this article we will take a look at decorative cremation urns and how to choose the best wooden urns.
How to choose the right urn style: Classic, Modern and Contemporary designs.
When faced with choosing an urn for the ashes of a loved one, factors such as something that honors their essence, but also something that does not feel out of place in our home, are taken into account. There are different styles of contemporary cremation urns on the market, as well as others with a modern aesthetic. It is important to ask yourself, which one best suits my home?
- Urns with Classic designs are characterized by details, traditional shapes like an amphora, elegant and/or sober finishes, and great formality. These are handcrafted pieces with a strong visual presence, ideal for a home decorated with period furniture.
- Urns with Modern designs are characterized by a minimalist style,clean lines and simple shapes, made from friendly materials such as wood. They have an artistic touch that makes them look like modern sculptures. This type is ideal for homes with a cleaner style and uncluttered spaces.
- On the other hand, Contemporary designs are more flexible. They can blend materials and artistic concepts, have expression and originality, follow organic and soft lines, much like our River Stones Urns Collections.
How and where to display modern urns.
Once you have defined that first point, it is important to think about the location, as remember that the intention is to display the urn in a sanctuary of respect and remembrance. It is a piece with so much emotional significance that there are certain areas to consider, such as a shelf, an entryway console, or a bookcase.
Take a tour of your home, look carefully at the interior and exterior areas, note the symbols within each space, evaluate the furniture, and from there, draw your own conclusions. Remember that it is not about altering, but rather transforming that space into an authentic sanctuary of remembrance.
How to display cremation urns for ashes at home
Now that you know what the ideal space is, we will help you build this sanctuary. To do this, consider placing the urn on a shelf among your favorite books, a candle, or next to a plant that symbolizes life.
Consider the height; for example, you can place it on a high shelf, or if you have low furniture, you can use pedestals or books to raise the urn. We also recommend considering the lighting, preferably installing a direct overhead light or a nearby lamp.
Remember that the tone influences the atmosphere; warm light softens cold materials such as metal or stone and creates a peaceful atmosphere.
The best styles of cremation urns
For a modern home, we recommend two styles of urns that are best suited:
- River Stones Collection: The urns are oval-shaped, similar to a river stone, and their design is rooted in nature. These pieces are designed to honor the memory with the same resilience as flowing fresh water.
- Pure Love Collection: The urns are small, and their round shape allows them to blend naturally into any space and offers a comforting way to keep them close.
How to choose the right cremation urn material
Here are some examples of urn materials that work well with modern furniture styles:
- Japandi Minimalist Furniture: matte ceramic and natural stones provide an earthy feel and a sense of absolute peace.
- Mid-Century Modern Furniture: dark woods and brass complement organic lines and warm tones.
- Industrial Contemporary Furniture: blown glass and brushed steel reflect light and suit open spaces.
Factors to consider when purchasing a cremation urn
Before getting carried away by aesthetics alone, it is very important to take technical aspects into account, such as:
Size: Choosing the right size starts with a simple question: Do you want to store all the ashes or just a small memento?
As a guide, each pound of body weight requires approximately one cubic inch of space. A standard adult urn, with a typical capacity of 180 to 220 cubic inches, is designed to hold the complete ashes of an average adult and is usually a reliable and thoughtful choice.
Not sure about the size? Read our guide for details.
A standard adult urn, with a typical capacity of 180 to 220 cubic inches, is designed to hold the complete ashes of an average adult and is usually a reliable and thoughtful choice. If someone weighed 160 pounds before cremation, an urn with at least 160 cubic inches of space would be needed.
Wood: Each type of wood has its own texture, color, and natural beauty.
Final location: Will the urn remain at home permanently or be buried in the future? Biodegradable materials are beautiful but do not last for decades indoors.
How to integrate the urn into your home décor
For seamless integration, use color as your guide. If your living room has navy blue accents, look for a ceramic urn in that shade. If your furniture has gold hardware, look for a wooden piece with brass details. The goal is for the urn to “belong” to the decorative ensemble, being the most special piece in the room, but not an odd one out.
Religion and culture
Before closing, we want to respectfully point out that even in the most modern homes, cultural roots and religious beliefs play a fundamental role. If you live with other family members, it is important that you support each other during this difficult time and that everyone can be part of the process of decorating the memorial space where the urn will be placed. Talk openly and respectfully with your family members to ensure that this choice brings them comfort.