Natural and acrylic nails come in many fun shapes these days. Playing around with them is a simple way to change the entire look of your hands.
One shape that’s become especially popular in the last few years is the coffin nail, popping up all over Instagram and Pinterest. The unusual shape and slightly morbid name are often associated with edgier aesthetics. But it’s also versatile, looking just as good on a dancer as on a goth.
If you’ve never had this nail shape before, you might be unsure what designs are popular. To help you out, we’ve rounded up eighteen coffin nail inspiration ideas to try at home or the salon.
What Are Coffin Nails?
Coffin nails are long nails with a tapered rectangle shape, like a coffin. It tends to be long, sometimes up to several inches, but it also works on short to medium-length nails.
Coffin Nails Inspiration
1. French tips
French tips are always a stylish choice, no matter the nail shape. They look especially stunning on coffin nails, highlighting their unique shape.
2. Bold Black
Coffin nails and black nail polish are a match made in heaven. Stick to solid black polish, or use black glitter for more of a night sky look.
3. 3-D Designs
People love coffin nails for 3-D designs. Their longer shape leaves plenty of space for any design you could want.
4. Negative Space French Tips
An interesting variation on regular French tips is outlining the tip of your nail without filling it in. This highlights the shape and makes the design more subtle.
5. Swirls
Go crazy with the colors and create psychedelic swirls across your nails. It’s a great way to add more color and fun to your look.
6. Chrome
Chrome nails pair perfectly with the uniqueness of a coffin shape. If you’re a confident at-home nail artist, you can even try DIYing it.
7. Simple Florals
While coffin nails tend to go with edgy designs, they don’t have to. Go against the stereotype with a feminine design, like small, simple florals.
8. Flames
If you prefer to lean into the edginess, try flame designs. Don’t just stick with red and orange, either. Blue, green, and purple are also great choices.
9. Nail Gems
Gems are a great way to elevate your coffin nails. They can be the focal point or an accent to another design.
10. Bows
Another feminine design you can try is bows. Paint them on or make them 3-D to really stand out.
11. Nude and Glitter
This look is perfect for a more subtle coffin nail design. Paint most of your nails nude, then add one or two glittery accent nails on each hand.
12. Gold Accents
A flash of gold makes any design look classy. Try adding gold leaf, gold glitter, or even gold nail charms.
13. Animal Print
Animal prints are another great edgy design. Or you can choose an unusual color combination to make it more campy.
14. Cherries
Cherry nail art is perfect for summer but just as fun all year round. This is another design that works well for both flat and 3-D art.
15. Half and Half
Paint on a diagonal with half-nude, half-fun colored nail polish. To make it even more interesting, try dividing the colors with a line of glitter.
16. Flame Red
Solid, bright red looks gorgeous on coffin nails. Or consider making it more interesting by adding designs or gems.
17. Solid Matte
You can tone down coffin nails by painting them a solid shade and topping them with matte powder. It’ll look classy even without an eye-catching design.
18. Snakes
Snakes and coffin nails are another perfect match. If Reputation is your favorite Taylor Swift album, this design is perfect for you.
Coffin nails are a fun shape to play around with. Use these ideas to inspire your next manicure, trying something new or unusual.
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