After a service at a funeral home in Chicago, IL, you’re also left with photos, clothing, trinkets, letters and more. What can you do with all these tangible memories? Is there a way to marry them to your intangible feelings of loss to create a space in which you can remember your lost loved one? 

Yes! You can create a memorial space in your home. Here are some tips for creating a lovely and respectful memorial space in your home to honor your lost loved one: 

1. Cremation Urns – If your lost loved one was cremated and you want to keep their remains in your home, you have a unique opportunity to display and honor the cremation urn. Create a special memorial space for your loved one centered around the urn containing the cremated remains. You can accomplish this by simply decorating the urn in some way, such as an engraved photo, inscription, or an urn with a photo frame. You can also use the urn as the centerpiece for the memorial and fill the space around the urn with photos, keepsakes, candles, and other items. 
   
2. The Space – The number of keepsakes and decorations you want to use in your memorial should help determine what kind of space you need to use. If you want to use a lot of special items and decorations, consider using an entire room or some kind of walk-in closet at the memorial space, such as an unused room, grown child’s room, old office area, or an empty pantry. You can also choose a smaller area like a shelf, bookshelf, fireplace mantle, or other unobtrusive yet visible location in your home like an end table or coffee table, corner shelf, wall in a bedroom, or entire bookshelf. 
   
3. Photos – Pictures are some of the best ways to honor and remember your lost loved one. And photos are a great place to start when creating your memorial area as a good picture can serve as the space’s central focus. Try restoring an old photograph, getting a new frame for an old picture, or using an antique frame for a new picture. You can also make a collage or use a double frame to display lots of different photos. 
   
4. Memorabilia and Awards – Your lost loved one accomplished a lot in their life, so honor those accomplishments by displaying memorabilia or awards in the memorial space. Include items from military service, university degrees or doctoral certificates, awards such as plaques and trophies, and more. You can also add items that represent religious beliefs, church activity, volunteer service, club memberships, their favorite books, or other hobbies. 
   
5. Decorations – Don’t forget that your memorial space should be beautiful. Decorate it with lovely items like candles, pictures, artwork, flowers, greenery, or other items that both add ambiance to the space and reflect your lost loved one’s personality and style. 

Remember, it’s important to honor your lost loved one in whatever way feels best to you. Take these tips or leave them, but whatever you do, we are here to help. Call or visit us today if you want more tips on creating a memorial space or more information on Chicago, IL funeral homes.