Chapel of rest

Chapel of rest

After someone dies and they are taken to a funeral home, you can still come and see them. The place for this is often called the chapel of rest. So, what happens in a chapel of rest, and what do you need to know before your visit?

What is a chapel of rest?

A chapel of rest is a room or a building where you can come and sit with someone who has died. It’s usually part of a funeral home. To arrange a visit, you need to speak with the funeral director organising the funeral.

What to expect at the chapel of rest

Not all chapels of rest are alike. But most have a few shared features. There will be a table or stand of some kind where the coffin will be placed. This is called a catafalque. There will also be seats, so that you can sit with the person who has died for a while.

Some chapels of rest have windows; others don’t. But curtains are always closed to give you privacy.