Single, double, or family niche: how to choose

The niche types, explained

Single niche

Built to hold one urn, a single niche is typically chosen by individuals planning for themselves, or as one part of a family's wider plan across several adjoining niches.

Double niche

Sized for two urns, a double niche is the common choice for couples who wish to rest together in one space, rather than in two separate single niches.

Family niche and family suite

Built for larger, multi-generational planning, family niches and family suites hold considerably more urns, and premium family suite designs can include additional touches such as Buddha statues within the space. These are usually the highest-capacity, highest-cost option, and the one that most benefits from deciding well in advance.

Beyond niche type: premium positions

Within any of the above niche types, position carries its own tier. At Nirvana Memorial Garden, positions beside or directly beneath the Buddha statue, and tower positions, are priced at a premium over standard rows in the same hall. Neither is objectively "better": it comes down to what feels right for a place your family may be visiting for decades, and how much weight you give traditional positioning.

How many urns fit in a family niche?

This varies more than most families expect. Some family niches are built to hold roughly 4 to 12 urns, and select family suites are described as accommodating up to 24 urns in certain configurations, depending on the block and layout. If you're planning for several generations, confirm the exact capacity of the specific niche you're considering rather than assuming a standard number.

What do the levels in a columbarium represent?

Beyond niche type, level matters. At Nirvana Memorial Garden the halls number their levels 1 to 9, with 3A in place of 4 in keeping with Chinese custom, a convention reflecting feng shui sensibilities that matter to many Chinese-Singaporean families. As a general pattern, the lowest and topmost levels tend to be priced more affordably, while eye-level positions in the middle of a hall are considered prime and priced at a premium.

If feng shui positioning matters to your family, it's worth discussing specific level and block options directly, since the "best" level is also a matter of personal and family tradition, not a fixed rule.

Choosing based on your family's situation

• Planning mainly for yourself: a single niche is usually the simplest fit.
• Planning as a couple: a double niche keeps you together in one space.
• Planning across generations: a family niche or suite avoids having to expand piecemeal later, though it costs more upfront.
• Budget-conscious, but want family nearby: several single or double niches in the same block can achieve a similar effect to one family niche.
• Feng shui and level positioning matter to you: discuss specific level options directly rather than choosing by price alone.

A side-by-side view

Questions to ask before you decide

Confirm the exact urn capacity of the specific niche, its block and level (and what those mean for price and positioning), the lease term, whether it can be transferred to another family member later, and what payment plans are available. Our columbarium niches hub lists the full range, and our 2026 price list breaks pricing down by exactly these factors.