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  • Writer's pictureKatie Lindsay

Headstone Inspiration - Beautiful & Unique Designs

A headstone is a lasting tribute to a loved one's life. It can be a simple marker or a work of art, reflecting the person's personality and interests. Here are some beautiful and unique headstone designs to inspire you.


Traditional Headstones

Traditional headstones, made of durable materials such as granite or marble, have been used for centuries to mark the final resting place of loved ones. Depicted above is a serp top tablet set in light grey granite. Granite vases flank either side of the tablet completing the set. A simple LDS temple design with roses make this a simple and classic design. These timeless monuments serve as a physical reminder of the life and legacy of the person buried beneath.

Traditional headstones have been used for centuries to mark graves and honor the memory of loved ones. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials and can be customized to reflect the personality and interests of the person they commemorate. Some people choose to include a photograph or other image on their headstone, while others prefer a simpler, understated design.

While traditional headstones remain a popular choice for many families, alternative options are also available. Ultimately, the choice of how to honor a loved one's memory is a personal one. The classic elegance of a traditional headstone continues to hold a special place in many people's hearts.


Personalized Headstones

Personalized headstones are a way to honor the memory of a loved one who has passed away. This boulder shaped headstone in light grey granite is a great example. They often include the name of the deceased, their date of birth and death, and a meaningful message or quote. Personalized headstones can be made from various materials such as granite, marble, or bronze and can be customized to reflect the individual's personality and interests.

In addition to the basic information, personalized headstones can also include images, symbols, or designs that hold special meaning to the deceased or their family. For example, if the individual was a veteran, the headstone may include a military emblem or insignia. If the individual was an artist, the headstone may include a sculpted image of their favorite work of art.

Overall, personalized headstones can provide comfort and solace to those who are grieving and serve as a lasting tribute to the memory of a loved one.


Custom Shaped Headstone

A custom shaped headstone is a memorial marker that is not a standard or stock shape with a typical serp top. Pictured above is a half-serp bench combo headstone in blue pearl granite. This stone also features a carved granite motocross helmet. A custom monument is anything that deviates from the normal headstone in shape, size, or color. They sky is the limit when designing a custom headstone, our skilled designers can help you design a stone in literally any shape. From carved granite helmets, custom bench headstones, or carved angels. Flat top tablets or french wave tablets are also considered a custom monument. Keep in mind it is always a good idea to check cemetery regulations before ordering your custom monument.


Headstones have been used for centuries to commemorate the lives of loved ones who have passed away. The art of carving headstones has evolved over time, from simple inscriptions to intricate sculptures.

Carved headstones can be made from various types of stone, including granite, marble, and limestone. Each stone has unique properties, making it ideal for different designs and engravings. The process of carving a headstone involves using specialized tools to etch the desired design or text into the stone. The final product is a lasting tribute to the person being remembered.

When choosing a headstone, carefully considering the design and inscription is essential. Many headstones feature religious symbols or quotes, while others may include images or personal messages. The stone's size, shape, and color can also be customized based on personal preferences. Ultimately, a carved headstone serves as a meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one and provide a place for family and friends to pay their respects.


Colored Headstones

Colored headstones have recently become a popular way to commemorate loved ones. Pictured above is a half-serp headstone with a shelf for a vase in morning rose granite. Traditionally, headstones were made of gray or white stone, with little emphasis placed on their appearance. However, as people have become more interested in personalizing their loved one's final resting places, colored headstones have emerged as a popular option.

There are many reasons why people choose colored headstones. Some people simply prefer the look of a colored headstone over a traditional gray or white one. Others choose a color that has a special meaning to them or their loved ones. For example, a blue headstone might represent a love of the ocean, while a red headstone might represent a passion for sports.

Not all cemeteries allow colored headstones, so it's important to check with your cemetery before making a decision. Additionally, some people feel that colored headstones are too flashy or nontraditional and prefer to stick with a more traditional option. Ultimately, the decision to choose a colored headstone is personal and should be made based on what feels right for you and your loved one.


Teardrop Headstone

This teardrop shaped stone is made with light grey granite. Granite is an ideal medium for stones, as it is resistant to frost, rain, and other natural elements. One advantage of light grey granite headstones is that they require little maintenance, does a good job of hiding hard water stains due to its light coloring. and can last for many decades with proper care.

Grey granite headstones are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be customized with inscriptions, designs, and other decorative elements. The inscriptions on grey headstones are usually engraved using sandblasting with black paint as an accent on light color granite stones.

Overall, grey granite headstones are a beautiful and durable option for memorializing a loved one's final resting place.


Custom Carved Angel Headstone

A custom carved angel headstone is a unique way to honor your loved one's memory. The process involves choosing your color of granite and then waiting for the custom stone to be manufactured. Custom angel stones can be personalized to reflect the person being memorialized personality, interests, and hobbies.

One advantage of custom carved angel headstone in light grey granite is that it is highly durable and can withstand the elements. The granite is strong and resistant to weathering, and the design is sealed to ensure it lasts for many years. Additionally, the monument can be cleaned allowing the headstone to be restored to its original beauty.

Another benefit of a custom carved angel headstone is that it is a beautiful and unique way to express your love and admiration for the person who has passed away. The design can be customized to include favorite colors, symbols, or images, making it a truly personal tribute. Additionally, the design can tell a story or convey a message, providing comfort and inspiration to those who visit the gravesite. Overall, a custom angel headstone is a creative and lasting way to honor the memory of a loved one. Whether you choose a simple or more complex design, it will surely be a beautiful and meaningful tribute that will be cherished for years to come.


Bench Headstones

Bench headstones are a unique and beautiful way to memorialize a loved one. See above the example of a black granite boulder bench combo headstone. These headstones are designed to look like a bench, with plenty of space for visitors to sit and reflect on the memories of the person they're honoring. Bench headstones are typically made of granite and can be customized to include engravings, photos, and other personal touches.

One of the benefits of bench headstones is that they provide a place for visitors to rest and reflect. This can be especially important for elderly or disabled visitors who may have difficulty standing for long periods of time. The bench can also serve as a gathering spot for family and friends who want to spend time together in remembrance of their loved ones.

Another advantage of bench headstones is that they offer more space for customization than traditional upright headstones. With the added surface area, there is more room for engravings, photos, and other decorations. This allows families to create a truly unique and personalized tribute to their loved ones.

Overall, bench headstones are a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the memory of a loved one. They provide a comfortable space for visitors to reflect and remember and offer ample opportunities for customization to create a one-of-a-kind tribute.


Heart Bench Headstone

A combo heart bench headstone is a type of gravestone that combines a heart shape and a bench seat to make a grave marker. These sculptures are usually made out of granite and can be customized to depict almost anything. Some common themes for sculpture headstones include religious or spiritual symbols, animals, and portraits of the deceased.

Custom bench combo headstones are popular for people who want to create a lasting tribute to their loved ones. They can be a beautiful and unique way to honor someone's memory and provide a lasting reminder of their life. Heart bench headstones can also be a way to express the personality or interests of the deceased, making them a truly personalized memorial.

If you are considering a heart bench headstone for your loved one, working with a reputable and experienced monument company is important. They can help you choose the right materials, design the shape, and install the headstone properly. With the right care and maintenance, a heart bench headstone can last for generations, providing a lasting tribute to your loved one's life.


Final Thoughts on Picking a Headstone Design

Choosing a headstone design for a loved one can be an emotional and difficult process, but it can also be a beautiful way to honor their memory. When choosing a headstone, take some time to think about what would best reflect their personality and interests. With so many beautiful and unique options, you will surely find the perfect way to honor their memory. Here are some additional tips for choosing a headstone:

  • Consider the size and shape of the gravesite.

  • Think about the material and color that you would like the headstone to be made of.

  • Decide on the type of inscription that you would like.

  • Talk to a headstone company to get estimates and advice.

Whether it is a simple inscription or a more elaborate design, the headstone should serve as a reminder of the love, memories, and legacy that the person has left behind; above all, choose a headstone that you are happy with, and that will last for many years to come.

No matter what your budget or style, there is a headstone design that is perfect for your loved one. A headstone is a lasting symbol of your love and respect for them, so choose a design that feels right for you and your family.

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