Discover the meaning and beauty of keepsake urns—small memorials designed to hold a portion of ashes. Learn how to choose the right style, size, and design to honor your loved one while bringing comfort and elegance into your home.
Losing someone you love is one of life’s hardest experiences. Alongside the grief comes a series of decisions — some immediate, some that take time. One of those decisions is choosing a memorial urn. While it may feel overwhelming at first, selecting the right urn can become a meaningful part of honoring your loved one. The right piece isn’t just a vessel — it’s a lasting tribute that belongs beautifully in the spaces you love.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things to consider when choosing an urn: size, style, materials, and placement.
The very first step is choosing the right size. Urns are not one-size-fits-all, and the dimensions you need depend on how the urn will be used.
Standard Adult Urns – Designed to hold the ashes of one adult, typically around 200 cubic inches of space.
Keepsake Urns – Smaller urns meant for sharing ashes among family members or keeping a portion in a special place at home.
Companion Urns – Larger urns built to hold the ashes of two people, often chosen by couples who wish to remain together.
Pet Urns – Available in a wide range of sizes depending on the animal, from small keepsake designs to larger vessels.
💡 Tip: As a general rule, one pound of body weight translates to one cubic inch of ash. For example, a 180 lb adult would require an urn that holds at least 180 cubic inches.
Urns are not only about function; they are also about form. Many families today want a memorial piece that feels like it belongs in their home — something that blends seamlessly with their décor while still carrying deep meaning.
Modern Urns – Clean lines, minimalist finishes, neutral tones. These often look like high-end décor pieces rather than traditional urns.
Classic Urns – Timeless shapes with subtle detailing, often in bronze, ceramic, or stone-inspired finishes.
Keepsake Designs – Small, decorative pieces that resemble art objects, candles, or vases, making them versatile in any room.
Personalized Urns – Can be engraved or customized with a meaningful inscription or design element.
Think about the room where you’ll place the urn: living room, bedroom, office, or a dedicated memorial space. The right style should feel natural, like it belongs.
Urns come in a wide variety of materials, each offering a unique look and feel.
Ceramic or Porcelain – Elegant, timeless, often with a glossy finish. Works beautifully in traditional and modern homes alike.
Metal (Bronze, Brass, or Stainless Steel) – Durable and sophisticated, often with subtle engravings or matte finishes.
Wood – Warm and natural, perfect for families who want something that feels organic and grounding.
Marble or Stone – Striking and enduring, these urns carry a sense of permanence and gravitas.
When choosing, think both about aesthetics and practicality. Do you want something durable for frequent handling, or something more decorative for a display space?
Where the urn will be placed is another key factor.
Indoor Memorials – Any material works well. Consider style, finish, and how it complements your home’s décor.
Outdoor Memorials – Stone, metal, or certain treated woods are more durable for outdoor elements.
If you’re planning to scatter ashes but still want a keepsake, a smaller urn or keepsake box is a thoughtful option.
For many families, the urn becomes part of their healing process. Look for design details that carry personal meaning:
Colors that remind you of your loved one.
Engravings with names, dates, or meaningful words.
Shapes or finishes that reflect their personality (soft curves, sleek edges, natural textures).
At Eterna Tribute, our philosophy is that remembrance can be beautiful — every urn we carry is designed to look at home in your most meaningful spaces.
If you feel overwhelmed, come back to one question: “What would honor my loved one best?” Whether that’s a minimalist ceramic urn that feels calm and modern, a warm wooden urn that feels natural, or a timeless metal urn with engraving, the choice should feel personal and right for you.
Choosing an urn is not simply a purchase — it’s part of your healing journey. The right urn brings together size, style, material, and meaning, helping you feel a lasting connection to your loved one.
At Eterna Tribute, we believe that memorials should be as timeless and beautiful as the lives they honor. Our urns are crafted with care, designed to blend seamlessly into your home while carrying the weight of memory and love.
✨ Explore our collection of modern memorial urns and find the piece that feels right for you.