Choosing a cool nail color is only half the decision—there’s also the question of shape. Coffin nails, for example, instantly change the look of a manicure with their tapered sides and flat tip. “The coffin shape creates an edgier vibe than an almond nail but tends to be more feminine than square nails,” says celebrity nail artist Chaun Legend. Ahead, we’re diving deeper into what coffin nails are, who the nail shape is best for and, as promised, plenty of inspiration ahead of your next appointment

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What Are Coffin Nails?

Like an actual coffin, the nail shape is tapered with sharp corners. “A coffin nail can be easily identified due to its square tip that is narrower than the base,” says Legend. “It’s very similar to a style called the ballerina, only it differs on the outer edges as a ballerina nail is rounded with a squared off tip, unlike the straight lines on all edges of a coffin nail.” The coffin shape is also distinct from square nails, which share sharp corners but aren’t tapered.

The coffin nail shape is best suited to those who desire length, adds celebrity nail artist Natalie Minerva. “I would say the coffin shape is best suited for medium to longer lengths,” she says. “It can be a little odd looking to taper a shorter nail, making the coffin shape less impactful.”

Provided you’ve got the length for it, you can achieve the coffin nail shape at home. “File your nails into a square tip before starting to file the edges in on both sides of the nail at a slight angle to narrow the tip,” says Legend. “This softens the square to create an elongated, feminine nail.” From there, you can dress up your nails with anything from solid neutrals to intricate patterns.

To get inspired, scroll on for over 30 coffin nail ideas.

Coffin Nails Ideas

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Glass French Manicure

A good nail trend plays well with others. This look combines a classic French manicure with a chrome finish for a high-shine, mirrored effect.

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Abstract Design

Why settle for one color when you can have two? This split style pairs sage and white for an artsy, abstract take on coffin nails.

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Burgundy Nails

You can never go wrong with burgundy nails, but pairing the shade with a coffin shape takes it to the next level.

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Pink Glass Nails

Glass nails shine best with a bold color. Here, soft pink balances the sharp coffin shape for a stunning manicure.

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Metallic Magenta

While the pink set above leans demure, this look is edgier. The metallic finish and coffin shape give magenta a cool, fierce feel.

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Neon Nail Art

Neon nail colors can be tricky to pull off. Instead of committing to a full set, try a few pops of color paired with a playful abstract design.

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Soft Peach

A matte finish gives peach a soft, understated feel. Paired with a coffin shape, the result is a seamless, tonal manicure.

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Latte Nails

Caffeinated hues and mixed finishes give this manicure an alluring edge. The French design is easy to recreate, too—you don’t even need two polish colors.

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Mixed Manicure

There’s something undeniably cool about a mixed manicure. This look blends leopard print with a bold accent nail and deep burgundy shades for a statement-making result.

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Flower Fields

Long, clear coffin extensions let nail art take center stage. Case in point: this floral design that feels especially right for spring.

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Starry Night

Nothing says “I’m in my villain era” like long, black coffin nails. Tiny flecks of glitter give the look a starry-night effect, adding to its allure.

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Pink Marshmallow

Pink manicures are a category all their own. This soft shade feels timeless yet modern, with the coffin shape adding an unexpected edge.

 

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Purple Aura

If you haven’t tried aura nails yet, consider this your cue. This version skips bold hues in favor of a soft violet with diffused edges for a universally cool finish.

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Gradient Colors

Think of this as ombré’s older cousin. The colors fade across the hand, creating a gradient effect that feels polished and grown-up.

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Lipstick Red

Before lipstick nails took off, coffin-shaped extensions were the go-to for seductive red manicures. This set proves the pairing still commands attention. For extra impact, add an accent nail with lipstick-print nail art.

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Dark Chocolate

One of the easiest ways to emphasize the coffin nail’s edgy appeal is with a deep, glossy brown manicure. Even better, the shade works year-round and across seasons.

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Orange Julius

Remember Selena Gomez’s “Orange Julius” manicure? This solid set takes the citrusy shade even further. With layered orange tones and long coffin extensions, the result feels bold and playful.

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Fairy Fantasy

Otherworldly beauty is trending in a big way for 2026. From translucent tips to fantasy hues and 3D details, this set shows how to bring the trend to life.

 

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Invisible French Manicure

There are plenty of ways to modernize a French manicure, but the invisible version is one of the coolest. Instead of a classic tip, negative space creates a minimal, avant-garde effect.

 

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Leopard Print Tips

Coffin nails and French manicures are a natural pairing. This version updates the look with leopard print tips and a playful cherry accent nail.

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3D Elements

Sculpting gel is the key to this cool, abstract manicure. Add a coffin nail shape and aura designs, and the result feels like a true work of art.

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Classic French Manicure

The coffin nail shape may be the perfect backdrop for a classic French manicure. The simple design and soft color palette always deliver a crisp, polished finish.

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Evil Eye Nail Art

Evil eye-inspired nail art really pops against the nude base of this manicure. It makes a cool accent nail in a set of natural-looking French manicure.

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Rainbow Swirls

If the “dopamine dressing” movement were translated into nail art, it might look something like this: bright, playful and impossible to ignore.

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Dark Jade

When it comes to jade nails, instinct may point toward lighter, neutral tones, but layering deeper shades of green can be just as striking.

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Crocodile Print

This manicure plays with crocodile print in two distinct shades, creating contrast that stands out on its own. Solid nails and French tips add an extra layer of interest.

 

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Iced Vanilla

If you gravitate toward neutrals, a creamy vanilla shade is a chic option. This mid-length coffin manicure feels clean and polished.

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Neon Negative Space

Neon shades always make a bold statement. If a full neon set feels too bright, opt for neon details layered over an ombré base.

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Ombré French Manicure

Pairing an ombré effect with a French manicure creates a soft gradient finish. The look feels natural and seamless, without harsh lines.

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Mermaid

If you’ve already embraced the mermaidcore trend, carry it through to your nails. Scalloped purple tips add an iridescent touch that pairs perfectly with mermaid waves or a shimmery outfit.

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Glazed Donut

Hailey Bieber’s viral manicure has practically become a classic. Pair nude nail polish with chrome powder for a glossy finish that always draws compliments.

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Tortoiseshell Tips

Long coffin nails offer plenty of space for a tortoiseshell design, even when it’s limited to the tips. Gold foil accents add a polished finishing touch

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Glass Cat Eye

Those glittery, reflective manicures all over Instagram are thanks to magnetic “cat eye” polish. Here, the effect shines in a rich, coppery hue.

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Flower Gems

Channel a botanical garden on your nails by pairing green tips with multicolored floral details. The result feels charming and playful.

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Nude Coffin Nails

Choosing a nail color close to your skin tone is one way to play into the coffin shape’s elongating effect.

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Cheetah Print

If cheetah print tips alone aren’t bold enough, add a metallic detail at the base of each nail for extra impact.

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Butterfly Garden

Glitter, gems, airbrushed butterflies and an ombré finish—this manicure truly has it all. Bookmark it now for spring.

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Pink Invisible French

For a fresh take on the classic French manicure, try a negative space design with soft pink tones, as seen here.

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Cobalt Blue

This gorgeously bold cobalt blue shade pairs perfectly with the bold lines of a coffin nail shape.