What type of remains are specifically placed in niches?

Niches are designed specifically to hold cremated remains, which are often stored in urns or similar containers. This practice allows for a respectful and dignified placement of the ashes, typically within a columbarium—a structure built to house these niches. The process of cremation results in the remains being reduced to ashes, making them suitable for placement in these types of memorial spaces.

Cremated remains are often chosen for niches because they take up significantly less space than casketed or buried remains. Furthermore, niches provide a location that can be easily visited by loved ones, allowing for memorialization and remembrance in a designated area. This makes it a common practice in many cemeteries and memorial gardens to offer niches for those choosing cremation as a means of final disposition.