Pillow headstones: designs, sizes and cemetery requirements
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By the Abby Rose Inc. Team
Pillow headstones, also called pillow grave markers, are low memorials with a gently angled inscription face. They rise above ground level, offering an alternative to a flat marker without the height of a traditional slant or upright headstone.
When choosing a pillow marker, compare its overall dimensions, inscription space and installation requirements. The cemetery must confirm whether a raised memorial is permitted in your section before you finalize the design.
This guide explains the main design options, how pillow markers differ from flat and slant memorials, and what to check before ordering.
What is a pillow headstone?
A pillow headstone, sometimes called a pillow marker, is a solid stone memorial with a raised back and a lower front. This creates an angled inscription surface without requiring a separate upright tablet.
The profile can vary by design. Some pillow markers have a subtle slope, while others have a more pronounced incline. They may be installed directly on a foundation or paired with a separate granite base when the cemetery permits it.
Pillow markers are often selected by families who want:
Greater visibility than a flush marker
A lower profile than an upright monument
A clean, substantial granite design
Space for personalized lettering and symbols
A memorial suitable for one person or a companion plot
Pillow headstones vs. flat and slant markers
Pillow, flat and slant markers differ mainly in their height and the angle of the inscription face. Product names can vary between suppliers, so compare the actual dimensions and profile drawing before choosing.
Feature | Pillow marker | Flat grave marker | Slant marker |
|---|---|---|---|
Profile | Low and raised, with a gently angled face | Usually installed flush with the ground | Generally taller, with a steeper angled face |
Inscription surface | Low, sloping surface | Horizontal surface | More upright, sloping surface |
Appearance | A raised alternative to a flat marker | A discreet, ground-level memorial | A more prominent memorial |
What to confirm | Permitted height, slope, base and foundation | Required dimensions and installation level | Permitted height, base and foundation |
A flat grave marker may be appropriate where the cemetery requires flush memorials. A pillow marker offers a raised profile where permitted, while a slant headstone generally provides a taller presentation.
Do not assume that approval for one style also covers the others. Check the rules for the specific cemetery section.
Pillow headstone sizes: what to measure
There is no single size that fits every burial plot or cemetery section. Before choosing a pillow headstone, ask for a dimensioned drawing showing the stone’s width, depth, front height and back height.
Measurement | What to confirm |
|---|---|
Width | Available space for the inscription and the cemetery’s maximum permitted width |
Depth | The distance from the front to the back of the marker |
Front and back height | The marker’s profile, slope and maximum height above ground |
Base dimensions | Whether a separate base is included and permitted |
Foundation dimensions | The support required by the cemetery and installer |
For a companion design, confirm the permitted width and placement across the intended burial spaces. Allow room for both inscriptions and any future dates.
Ask for the stone, base and foundation dimensions separately so the complete installation can be checked against cemetery requirements.
Granite colors and design options
Granite is a practical material for pillow grave markers because it withstands outdoor exposure and provides a suitable surface for inscriptions and decorative work.
Families may select from traditional gray granite, dark polished stone and a range of red, brown, blue or green tones. Abby Rose’s collection of granite colors and memorial materials includes options suitable for different lettering styles and design preferences.
A pillow headstone may include:
Names and dates
A short epitaph
Religious or cultural symbols
Floral designs
Wedding rings or companion imagery
Military emblems
Etched portraits
Custom artwork
Decorative borders
The amount of detail should remain proportionate to the available surface. A well-spaced design is usually easier to read and gives each element greater visual importance.
Single and companion pillow markers
A single pillow headstone is designed for one burial space and normally includes one person’s name and dates. A companion pillow marker spans two adjoining plots and can include two names, shared wording and coordinated artwork.
When planning a companion memorial, sufficient space should be reserved for any future date or inscription. This allows later cemetery lettering to be added without disrupting the visual balance.
How much does a pillow headstone cost?
Pricing varies according to:
Overall dimensions
Granite color and availability
Thickness and weight
Single or companion configuration
Polished surfaces
Lettering and artwork
Portrait etching
Foundation requirements
Delivery and cemetery installation
Because cemetery requirements and designs differ, an individual quote is more reliable than a general price estimate.
Abby Rose helps families compare memorial formats, review granite samples and coordinate compliant installation throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Request a memorial consultation to discuss whether a pillow marker is appropriate for your cemetery and plot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pillow headstone?
A pillow headstone is a low-profile granite memorial with a raised back and sloped inscription face. It sits above ground but remains shorter than a standard slant or upright monument.
Are pillow headstones the same as slant markers?
No. Both have angled faces, but pillow markers are generally lower and more elongated. Slant markers typically stand higher and provide a more vertical inscription area.
Are pillow headstones allowed in every cemetery?
No. Some cemetery sections allow raised markers, while others require flat memorials. The cemetery’s current rules must be confirmed before ordering.
Can a pillow headstone be designed for two people?
Yes. Companion pillow markers can span two burial plots and include two names, shared inscriptions and personalized artwork.
What material is best for a pillow grave marker?
Granite is commonly chosen because of its outdoor durability, range of colors and suitability for lettering and detailed memorial designs.
How much does a pillow headstone cost?
The price depends on size, granite, design, engraving, foundation and installation. A quote based on the cemetery and proposed design provides the most accurate figure.
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