A guide to 14 popular headstone shapes

Simply walk past a cemetery or browse large collections of headstones online and you’ll notice the huge variety of headstone shapes available. With such a wide range of memorial headstones on offer, it can make an already difficult decision even more challenging. Read on to find out more about the perfect headstone shape to honour your loved one.

Why are there different headstone shapes?

There are a variety of different headstone shapes to choose from because everyone is different. Finding a headstone that truly speaks to and represents a loved one is so important to many people. After all, it marks their final resting place and is a permanent memory of their life. This is why there are so many different shapes and sizes of headstones. Whether you opt for a traditional or more unique shape, it’s all about showing love for special people in your life.

What type of headstone is best?

There isn’t a ‘best’ headstone as each memorial is designed to honour someone’s loved one. However, commonly popular materials are granite and marble headstones. These are hardy materials that can withstand the test of time and will look just as beautiful in many years to come. In regards to the shape of the headstone, it’s entirely up to personal preference and what best represents an individual.

Traditional headstone shapes

Traditional headstone shapes still come in a variety of different sizes and designs, meaning you can keep it traditional whilst adding a personal element for your loved one. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular traditional headstone shapes.

• Square top headstone

One of the most popular modern headstone shapes. The square top features a flat top, creating a sleek and clean square shape. The simple design is elegant and adds a wonderful, simplistic finish to a grave. There are multiple variations of the square top including rounded shoulders, scotia shoulders, splayed shoulders or gothic shoulders. These slightly different finishes give a unique look to the headstone. 

Featured square top headstone 

• Ogee top headstone

Ogee headstones appear very elegant thanks to the curved finish at the top. A slightly more unique take on the traditional square top, the ogee top headstone offers a softer visual finish. Again, you can personalise ogee headstones with several variations including checked shoulders that add some dimension to the otherwise smooth curve.

Featured ogee headstone

• Oval or arc top headstone 

Another very traditional headstone, the oval or arc design features a subtly rounded top. Many people will be familiar with and recognise this headstone which has a vintage, timeless look. There are also variations to oval top headstones including scotia and checked shoulders.

Featured arc top headstone

• Half-round top headstone

The half-round top headstone is another popular variation of the arc top but with a more stark and dramatic shape. The continuous curve extends across the entire top of the headstone and doesn’t straighten out until it reaches the sides. This design is often associated with appearing whimsical and remains a popular choice.

Featured half-round top headstone

• Serpentine top headstone

The serpentine top headstone features a raised curve that drops diagonally across one side. This elegant design brings a flowing finish that will create a beautiful final resting place.

Featured serpentine top headstone

• Peon top headstone

For a strong and striking design, many may opt for the peon top headstone. This features a sloped point at the top of the headstone that is common in modern and old cemeteries alike. There are also a few variations of the peon top headstone including offset peon top and checked shoulders.

Featured offset peon top headstone

• Checked top headstone

Similar to the sharp, flat angles of the square top, the checked top headstone features an upper portion raised in a square shape. The angular, dramatic shape of the checked top brings a unique element whilst keeping things sleek and simple. The checked top headstone can appear in curved, ogee and peon variations.

• Raised shoulder headstone

The raised shoulder headstone offers a modern take on the traditional square top, featuring a raised portion on the left or right side. The small shoulder can be engraved with a unique design.

Featured engraved dove of peace

Unique headstone shapes

Whilst unique bespoke headstone shapes wouldn’t be seen in the past, they are quickly becoming popular due to the advances in memorial stonemasonry. These stand-out shapes are a great way to acknowledge a loved one’s unique personality. 

• Heart headstone

The shape of a heart is an instantly recognisable symbol of love, which is why it’s no surprise that it’s such a popular headstone shape. A heart headstone might be chosen to honour someone close to you or a triple heart headstone might be chosen for a family. 

Featured heart headstone

• Book headstone

A book headstone is a beautiful way to share an inscription that’s meaningful to your departed loved one. Religious beliefs can often be represented on a book headstone and it has plenty of space for a meaningful detailed tribute.

Featured book headstone

•  Cross headstone

A cross-shaped headstone is a more traditional shape used to represent one’s religious beliefs. They can be a wonderful final honour to a religious loved one and come in a wide variety of different designs. 

Featured cross-shaped headstone

• Carved statue headstone

A carved statue headstone is a beautiful way to mark a loved one’s final resting shape. Often used to represent religious beliefs, guardian angels are a common design that’s crafted by talented stonemasons. The exquisite carving is often believed to protect the grave.

Featured carved statue headstone

• Themed headstone

If a friend or family member had a unique interest that meant a lot to them, a themed headstone could be a wonderful tribute. Anything from motorcycles to a love for animals can be beautifully represented on a gravestone. A huge range of bespoke designs can be created using talented stonemasons. 

Featured motorcycle headstone

• Glass-shaped headstone

Glass-shaped headstones are growing in popularity amongst those who had a passion for beer in their life. A stout glass is a wonderful idea for those with Celtic roots. Often seen as a fun, whimsical way to honour a loved one.

Featured stout glass headstone

How to choose the right headstone shape

With such a wide range of headstones to choose from, it can be difficult to make a final decision. It’s important to consider the following:

• Cemetery rules – each cemetery will have it’s own rules about the size, shape and material of memorials which are permitted. A good Memorial Mason should be able to advise you on this before proceeding with an order.
• Budget – it’s important to consider budget when choosing the right headstone as the more bespoke designs can cost more.
• Engravings – most people have a person’s name, date of birth and date of death on a headstone. Many will add a prayer, inscription or short sentence about the individual. However, beautiful engraved designs are also popular. Always consider the size of a headstone depending on how much space you need.
• Meaning – you want to choose a headstone that represents your loved one and stands as a meaningful tribute. 

At Memorials of Distinction, we understand how difficult it is to choose a headstone during challenging times. For helpful advice on our range of memorials, please contact our friendly expert team today.