Step into the world of glamour and edge where fashion meets artistry in the most unexpected way! Coffin nail designs might just be one of the ways to achieve that desired glamorous result. From Beyoncé's bold and daring coffin nails to Ariana Grande's elegant and understated designs, these celebrities have taken the coffin shaped nails to a whole new level. So, other than spotting your favorite celebs rocking these eye-catching talons, you can have classy ballerina nails. Read further and discover how you can bring a touch of celebrity style to your next manicure.

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Coffin nails, also known as ballerina nails, are a popular nail shape characterized by their long, tapered square tips. These nails resemble the shape of a coffin or a ballerina's pointe shoes, with a flat top and straight sides.

Why Are Coffin Nails So Attractive? We can give you some reasons to love coffin shaped nails:

  • They offer a modern aesthetic and add a contemporary touch to one's overall appearance.
  • Coffin nails are flattering on any shape of hand.
  • Their elongated shape provides ample space for intricate nail designs, allowing for creativity and personalization.
  • The length of coffin nails can elongate the fingers and provide a flattering appearance.

“Anyone can wear a coffin nail shape," Truong says. "It's edgy and fun, and I've seen all types of people rock this shape, from teenagers to CEOs." And the good thing is there aren't many rules when it comes to styling this nail shape, either. You can sport a bold or neutral solid lacquer, or you can sport tips full of graphics and nail art.

French Ombre-Styled Acrylic Nails

French Ombre-Styled Acrylic Nails
by @woman.nails1

Because of their handy flattened-out tip and slim appearance similar to stiletto nails, coffin nails are a great alternative to long nails. They look like a ballet slipper or an antique wooden coffin.

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Red Coffins With Royal Decor

Red Coffins With Royal Decor
by @tatjana_ost

This design is for those who love “everything at once”. Or, sometimes they say “expensive and rich”. This passionate dark red color combo will make your coffin nails look seductive and attractive. Feel free to play with red rhinestones of different sizes, glitter, nude base and other luxury nail art techniques.

3D Floral Coffin Nails

3D Floral Coffin Nails
by @woman.nails1

As you see, you can always look cute with long nails! If you're looking for adorable long coffin nails, you have a ton of alternatives. Opt for nude pink and bold purple hues and embellish them with feminine 3D nail art, such as butterflies and flowers. Also, note that a nice nail design will help you lessen the intensity of your long coffin nails.

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People Also Ask

How Long Should Coffin Nails Be?

How Long Do Coffin Nails Last?

 White Coffin Acrylic Nails

Coffin Long White Acrylic Nails
by @woman.nails1

You can also look stylishly cool with long, flawless white nails made with a touch of golden glitter. The strikingly adaptable white color of these coffin-shaped acrylic nails will complement any of your looks.

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Crimson Glitter Coffins

Crimson Glitter Coffins
by @woman.nails1

Nail enhancements like rhinestones, jewelry and 3D nail art are often used to shape and style long coffin nails. And, when it comes to acrylic nails, glittered tips offer the most glamourous surface. Coffin acrylic nails are typically advised by nail technicians to get the most out of your nail investment!

Long Coffin Nails For Valentine

Long Coffin Nails For Valentine
by @vanityprojectsmia

Getting long coffin nails isn't difficult. In order to balance off their striking shape and length, coffin nails should look lovely or feminine. So, opt for feminine matte hues like pastel pink and decorate your nails tastefully with some 3D heart-shaped patterns to make them look more eye-catching.

Sunset Ombre Coffin Nails

Sunset Ombre Coffin Nails
by @vanityprojectsmia

Do you also adore the captivating view of the setting sun? This gradient or ombre manicure design with burgundy, red, orange and yellow hues is known as sunset-styled coffin nails. It will surely bring out the summer vibes in you!

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Matte Coffin Nails

Matte Coffin Nails
by @mariapro.nails

When it comes to class, edge and style, matte coffin always tops our list of recommendations. Just like how Kylie Jenner elevated her style rocking matte coffin nail shape, our nail experts also strongly suggest this design if you want a cold vibe added to your style. Regardless of whatever design you decide to opt for, you can choose OPI's "Matte Top Coat" for a smooth, matte finish. Or directly choose matte polish CND or China Glaze and create the design of your choice.

Swirls Coffin Nails

Swirls Coffin Nails
by @mariapro.nails

It’s okay to let loose with your manicure and you can start with swirl designs for white coffin nails. Swirls on coffin nail shape easily add a playful twist and cute charm to your nails. Swirls can be created using different nail polish colors, making it a fun and creative choice. However for this pair, Glaminati recommends nude pink with white swirls.

Styling Tip: Coffin nails are applied the same as any other acrylics. Your technician will glue on the acrylics, ask your preferred length and then cut them down. Then, they can be shaped. They will be filed into a similar shape as the stiletto nail, but with a square tip. Once both you and the technician are satisfied with the acrylic shape, they will move onto color.

Marble Effect for Winter

Marble Coffin Nail Designs for Winter
by @mariapro.nails

Kesha, Justin Skye and even Katy Perry are known to love marble designs when it comes to their manicure and you too can rock this design! For awesome winter nails this season, introduce a marble effect into your manicure and you definitely won’t regret it. Achieving the marbling effect requires skill and patience, but the result is worth it.

Styling Tips: Opt for winter colors like white, grey, and dark green to achieve that touch of winter season. From Zoya’a ‘Aston’ to ‘August’ and also lovely gray shades from Essie, achieving this design is a piece of cake. Nail experts also suggest using a gold accent to create this simple marble effect.

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Witch Art

Witch Art Coffin Nails
by @haha_nails_

This Halloween, you can consider the coffin shape for any of your spooky themed designs. Hailey Ann Hall - Idaho-based nail expert, recommends this nail art among other coffin nail ideas for those who want something peculiar. Ariana Grande’s most recent Halloween costume was a witch themed style and her manicure played a brig role in it. It’s a fun way to opt for black coffin nails with a touch of other dark colors.

Styling Tips:

  • Opt for dark and mysterious designs with elements like pentagrams, witches' hats, cauldrons, black cats, broomsticks, or crystal balls.
  • Using deep, rich colors like black, white, brown, purple, or deep green from Deborah Lippmann or Channel can add to the witchy vibe of the coffin fall nail designs.

Barbie Pink Coffin Nails

Barbie Pink Coffin Nails
by @haha_nails_

White pearls can be made to work with almost any color and Barbie pink is no exception. Even Alex Vong, a nail artist based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, commented that there was absolutely nothing wrong with this pairing. Rather than going for the usual pink nails spotted on Margot Robbie and Hailey Bieber, the addition of pearl shade on one finger definitely elevates your style. This manicure was done using acrylic, dip, and ombré nail foundation. With the right glossy pink shade from OPI or China Glaze and a glitter and pearl polish from Essie, you can customize your own Barbie pink short coffin nails.

Gothic Black

Gothic Black Coffin Nails
by @haha_nails_

If you’re in for a dark and mysterious manicure, a gothic black should definitely make it top to your list. Celebrities like Rihanna have demonstrated how black coffin nails can be both fierce and fashionable, perfect for those who want to embrace their dark side. "The coffin nail shape is for those who prefer a more square shape but don't want the nail to be boxy and wide," celebrity manicurist Diem Truon says. It's basically a happy medium between the square and almond nail.

Styling Tips:

  • Use a matte black polish from Deborah Lippmann.
  • For a little sparkle, you can add silver glitters from Zoya on a few selected fingers.
  • To maintain the depth and richness of black, you can also use a high-quality black polish like Sally Hansen's "Black Out."

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Galaxy Coffin Nails

Galaxy Coffin Nails
by @haha_nails_

Galaxy nails provide a mesmerizing and cosmic look, often featuring space-inspired designs. Demi Lovato and Ella Herderson have been featured with nails having galaxy print and the results were eye catching. Combine bright and lovely shades like blue, yellow, pink and light green to produce an ethereal result. If you want a little touch of the shimmer, you can use gold polish from Starilly or IINP to draw the celestial elements. An ombré technique would be needed to seamlessly blend the various shades for this breathtaking cloud look.

Royal Blue Nails

Royal Blue Coffin Nails
by @nailsup_

Whether it’s shoes, clothes or nails, royal blue does give off a royal vibe. Celebrities like Meghan Markle have been seen flaunting their style with these nails, making them a timeless and classy choice for various occasions. This perfect royal blue shade introdiced by Paris-based nail connoisseur and educator Eva, can be achieved with a polish like OPI's "Dating a Royal." Add gold 3D designs to elevate and complete your manicure.

Note: It is important to have Cuticle oil at home or in your purse," Truong says. This oil has a way of freshening up your manicure, and also strengthening your nail bed. Chief educator of Paintbox Evelyn Lim once mentioned that you can use cuticle oil up to three times daily if you have dry tips. "Apply cuticle oil at breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

Silver Foil Effect

Silver Foil Coffin Nails
by @nailsup_

Even Ellie Goulding and Nicki Minaj couldn’t escape the charm of Silver foil nails so give in to this silvery charming manicure. These nails are bold and glamorous, featuring shiny, metallic elements. Our nail experts suggest a silver foil nail polish like CND's "Vinylux Silver Chrome” if you don’t have silver foil papers.

Editors’ Advice: Don't forget to moisturize your hands. You likely know this, but proper skin care isn't limited to our faces. Healthy and hydrated hands can help your nails look and feel even better

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Military Coffin Mani

Military Coffin Manicure
by @nailsup_

Acrylic nails coffin are chic and bold, but simple designs can be easily accomplished at home. For a more complicated design military patterns aren’t that common compared to other designs. You’ll need matte dark colors like dark green or even black. Remember, the shape can be worn by absolutely anyone, and the key is getting the right shape of a ballerina slipper or coffin. Also, remember your basic nail care and grooming as you'll be getting compliments on your manicure nonstop. Think Beetles for the chic matte black and Gaoy for subtle nude polish to go with it.

Red Glitter

Red Glitter Coffin Nails
by @nailsup_

Red glitter coffin nails are perfect for adding a touch of glamour and sparkle to your Christmas nails. From music stars like Bebe Rehxa, Taylor Swift to Kendall Jenner, red glitters have been a timeless representation of beauty and confidence. ILNP and KBShimmer have lovely red shades you don’t want to miss out on. Also, a useful tip from Glaminati nail experts suggests that

Note: If you paint on glitter nail polish as you would any other color in your collection, you're doing it wrong. At least according to nail vlogger Kelli Marissa. But the good news is, if you want it to look as good and intensely glittery as it does in the bottle, she's got an epic tip for you.

Styling Tips:

  • Apply your glitter polish onto the edge of a soft makeup sponge.
  • Dab the sponge onto your nail. (FYI, this is where the real trick lies. The sponge soaks up most of the actual nail polish and leaves just the glitter behind, so it can easily stick to your nails.
  • Don’t forget to apply a top coat to protect the glitters from chipping off.

Double French

Double French Coffin Nails
by @nailsup_

Double coffin French tip nails offer a unique twist on the classic French manicure. These nails feature two distinct lines along the tips of the nails, creating a modern and stylish appearance. You can use a neutral base coat like OPI's "Bubble Bath" for the base, and choose a contrasting color for the tip. Celebrities like Zendaya have elevated this design with their flair for innovation and fashion-forward choices.

Styling Tips: When tackling a manicure at home, errors are inevitable (unless you're a nail art pro). "I love having a small brush to help me with cleaning up any polish painted outside the cuticle line or on the skin," Truong says. All you need to do is dip the brush into nail polish remover and gently use it to clean polish errors. This tip will save you a whole lot of time when it comes to painting your manicure at home.

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Pink Ombre

Pink Ombre Coffin Nail Designs
by @nailsup_

Pink ombré coffin nails transition from light to dark, creating a gradient effect that adds a touch of romance and charm to your nails. Achieving the ombré requires blending different shades of pink, such as Sally Hansen's "Tickled Pink" and "Strawberry Shields. Celebrities like Kim Kardashian have showcased the beauty of these coffin cute nails, making them a popular choice for those who want to embrace a romantic and trendy style.

Love the coffin shape, but want to keep it clean, simple, and matte? No prob. Gather your inspiration from Los Angeles-based nail expert, Zola Ganzorigt. Having a client list that includes Kendall Jenner and even Vanessa Hudgens, Ganzorigt knows how to craft a wide variety of spotlight stealing nails. She shows off her coffin skills with a natural ombré finish.

Black Coffin Nails

It may be hard to imagine, but fancy nails are not always all about intricate designs and a variety of shades. At times a mere black cat-eye accent nail is all that matters. Besides matte black mani with a glossy French tip will add that exquisite taste to that fantastic outfit of yours.

What is your favorite coffin nails design?

Anonymous quiz

  • Classic French
  • Colorful ombre
  • Something sparkly with rhinestones
  • Floral patterns
  • Other

Vote to see results

What is your favorite coffin nails design?

Classic French
20.00
Colorful ombre
33.33
Something sparkly with rhinestones
20.00
Floral patterns
13.33
Other
13.33
Voted : 15

Nude Coffin Nails Designs

Who could have thought that edgy ballerina nails can look so gorgeous covered by nude nail polish? Nevertheless, the sleek vibe this manicure sends can’t be anything but admired. Pastel nails in dusty pink color are a perfect option that will ideally suit both the formal and casual ambiance while still making your manicure look wonderful. If you think that a solid color would come out rather plain, we assure you that on long coffin pastel nude nails design is unnecessary, as the shape does the job.

Are coffin nails popular?

What are coffin nails good for?

What are acrylic coffin nails?

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Burgundy Coffin Nails Designs

Some may consider coffin burgundy nails a little too much. However, if you have a relish for a bold and dramatic style, this is a perfect choice to show off your inclination into the extravagant side. You may also play around with finishes pairing a glossy appearance with a matte one. For a dose of regal air, highlight your ring finger nails with a pink glitter accent.

Marble Nails Designs

We cannot overstate enough how outstanding white coffin nails appear. This color of pure innocence gains a daring and saucy flair when sported on such a bold shape. The white color can also be a perfect canvas for various nail designs. Add a flowing pattern to a couple of nails, and you'll get an amazing marble effect. For a glamorous touch, embellish the marble nails with two parallel lines of gold striping tape. Marbleous!

So that you or your nail tech would have enough space to create beautiful coffin nail designs, you shouldn't necessarily go with an extended length. Short coffin nails also allow such adornments as gold glitter, rhinestones and raised nail designs, so why not to try combining all of them in one manicure?

French Coffin Nails Designs

French manicure is timeless. It comes in different shapes, lengths and even colors. Thanks to such sheer versatility, basically every beauty can find a style to match her tastes and needs. Here's a modern take on a classic French mani. It starts off with a nude pink shade at the bottom of the nails and melts smoothly into milky white tips, which makes it a gold standard of ombre nails. Optionally, you can adorn your French manicure with gold rhinestones and jewelry to match.

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Coffin Nails Designs With Stones

Rhinestones are always a great embellishment for coffin nail designs. Thanks to an extreme versatility, they offer you countless design options, which range in color, shape and size. Rhines can be used to create a striking contrast with the base nail color as well as to echo it. Being sparkly nails gain a glamorous and luxurious feel, which balances out a bit rough and fierce coffin nails look.

Glitter Coffin Nails

You may think that glitter coffin shaped nails are less snazzy than those with rhinestones. Yet, it often depends on the amount and density of the sparkles, not their type. Unlike studs, going with glitter allows you to cover the whole nail with it without looking kitschy. What's more, glitter offers you more control, as you can vary its intensity. At the end of the day, a prominent shape is what really makes your manicure stand out whereas all the coffin nail designs only work as an enhancement.

Matte Coffin Nails Ideas

Matte nails came into vogue quite a long time ago. However, they're definitely very much here to stay. Painting your coffin-shaped nails with matte nail polish is a fashion statement that can't be overlooked. Thus, you may want to skip on additional decoration or at least, keep it simple.

Editors’ Note: If you really want your manicure to stand out from the crowd, try these ideas. What can be more creative than a geometric design combined with a transparent base and matte finish? Go for a white or pink floral design on a nude base for a kind of more elegant look. Colorful foil designs are also a great match to your coffin shape nails.

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FAQ: Coffin Nail Designs

Can coffin nails be short?

The typical shape of coffin nails is long, but it also looks amazing on short nails. You get the best of both worlds — fashionable nails that are also simple to wear.

How long does coffin nails last?

Your acrylics should last between 5-7 weeks if you take care of them and visit your manicurist every 2-3 weeks for fill-ins.

What is the prettiest nail shape?

The most popular nail shapes for this year are almond and coffin/ballerina. They allow you a great deal of creativity while also making a strong statement. Furthermore, celebrities such as Kylie Jenner and Khloe Kardashian favor these nail forms.

REFERENCES:
  • Nail art is a creative way to paint, decorate, enhance, and embellish the nails. It is a type of artwork that can be done on fingernails and toenails, usually after manicures or pedicures. Source
  • Artificial nails, also known as fake nails, false nails, fashion nails, nail enhancements, acrylic nails, nail wraps, or nail extensions, are extensions placed over fingernails as fashion accessories. Source

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