Dear Maria,

For home devotional purposes you may have a shrine, but not an altar.  An altar denotes sacrifice which can only be performed by an ordained priest.  

Some wealthy families in history have had chapels as part of their residence, which include an altar, as Mass would be offered there, but I imagine what you are talking about does not relate to that.  

What you mean is a devoted place to pray and meditate honoring our Lord and His Saints.  

That is a shrine.

Peace,

Bob Kirby