What exactly are coffin nails? It’s understandable if the term spooked you but it means the nails are shaped like coffin. These popular yet mysterious nails are long, tapered and end with sharp square tip. This is something you see everywhere but don’t recognise by name but now you do! So, it’s time to take a glance at all the chic ways to wear coffin nails right now! We’ve included an interesting mix of both minimal and bold coffin nail inspiration.

Also, remember, Coffin nails have the same width at the nail bed and tip so its middle part is wider. Now that you know that, you’re ready to pick your coffin nail design!

Serpent Pattern

ways to wear coffin nails
Sheer Serpent Nails – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

Get a bold set of coffin nails with a wild pattern. And keep it minimal by opting for sheer black tone.

Mish Mash

ways to wear coffin nails
Multi-coloured tips – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

Want to make statement while keeping it a bit simple? Anything is possible! Mix and match metallic tones, marble patterns, electric blue for your coffin nail tips. Make sure to ask for a cohesive set so you’d still look polished. And start with familiar patterns and colours before experimenting further.

Golden Details

Intricate coffin nail inspo
Intricate Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

This may take a while to get done but this will be one of the most iconic ways to wear coffin nails. Therefore, choose a shade of gold or even rose gold that suits your skin tone. And ask for a pattern that resonates with you. And if you are in a hurry, pop on similar-looking coffin nail press-ons.

Pastels and Florals

Soft coffin nails
Pastel Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

Coffin Nails (AKA Ballerina Nails) might look too good for a bold, dark design but even soft and sweet design come out very well. Therefore, play around with tiny flower motifs made with gemstones and irregular pastel dots.

Velvet Galaxy

ways to wear coffin nails
Velvet Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

The glitzy velvet nail art will look stunning on youe coffin nails with a variety of dark, deep hues. In terms of the colours, think indigo, magenta, tuquoise, tangerine and purple. If you look closer, the tips are darker than the rest of the nails and that adds an effortless edge.

Negative Space Play

soft and minimal coffin nails
Negative Space on Nails – Credit: Instagram/allnailss.

Pick a shape that you’re in love with. For example: hearts, spades, stars, you name it. Then. create negative space on your ballerina nails around these motifs. It’s a bit playful and very elegant, especially if you pick a neutral colour like here.

Electric Elegance

Coffin nails for medium length
Electric Blue on Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/allnailss.

This daring shade of blue will instantly make you look polished. No matter, what the size of your nail is, this will work just fine! Just like here, leave out a nail or two to fill it with just a shape of your choice.

Emerald Marble

ways to wear coffin nails
Emerald on Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/allnailss.

Got either an emerald or marble obsession? You will love this! An impressive mixing green and white can do miracle. Doesn’t it? Again, this is one of easiest ways to wear coffin nails on shorter nails.

All Things Pink and Glitter

Soft and feminine coffin nail designs
French tips on Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/allnailss.

Not only this is a cute coffin nail design, it’s also very subtle, soft and versatile. Combine Dusky pink French tips and halfsies with a hint of silver glitter. For a dewy effect, use a milky base with pink/purple undertones.

Random Motifs

Edgy coffin nails
Edgy and Simple art on Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/allnailss.

Spice up the coffin nail game with cobwebs or any edgy design around the widest space on the nails. The dark French tips definitely add a bit of drama. So it’s a great fit for Halloween but a must-have for any fun night of the year.

Pop of Gradient

Clean aesthetic and coffin nails
Gradient Nail Art on Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/allnailss.

This is for all the effortless style enthusiasts. Pick any lively shade like lavendar or this sage green and have it painted with random gradient effects across a few nails. Now, choosing a brighter yet subdued hue not only shows off the statement shape of the nails but it also gives out a clean, minimal energy.

Neutral Direction

Neutral coffin nails
Neutral Nail Art on Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/allnailss.

Staying indoors due to the rain and can’t think of anything calming enough? Coffin nails with a neutral coating and swirls will keep you warm and cosy throughout the breeze.

Candy Swirls

Fun coffin nail designs
Candy Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/allnailss.

Coffin nails but make it cute and exciting? Pick a neutral base coat and dress up your nails with candy-coloured swirls. For a sleek look, let the hues and neat lines take the centrestage and keep the rest of your look simple.

3D Neons

3D Coffin Nails
3D Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

Choose multiple neons shades and have each of your nail painted in one. And elevate the nail art with droopy 3D lines and metallic dots.

Poster Print

Cool girl coffin nails
Funky Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

Redefine extra coffin nails with these funky metro maps and posters on your nails. You could either get them painted or rely on fun press-ons.

Abstract Sensation

Pop art trendy
Pop Art Nails – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

Try the viral comic-inspired pop art nail design on your ballerina nails. It’s trendy and quite versatile as you could wear it with anything and go anywhere. In addition to that, this 3D abstract drawing is quite an artsy coffin nail inspiration.

Flames and Diamonds

Stylish Flames Nails
Flames Nails – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

Sky is the limit when adorning your coffin nails. Get creative with flames, gems and multiple colours. You won’t regret this slay! It’s one of the iconic ways to wear coffin nails.

Zebra Chic

zebra print nails
Zebra Print Nails – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

Don’t want to get too extra with coffin nails but don’t mind something bold? Add a splash of zebra print to your tips. Voila! That’s hella stylish!

Glitzy Checkers

Glittering preppy nails
Preppy Nails – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

Combine a preppy print like checkers on a boldly shimmery base. If you are not a fan of the checkers, you could always switch up to something like plaids or stripes.

Chrome Hearts

20 Ways to Wear Coffin Nails in 2023 — photo 20
Chrome Coffin Nails – Credit: Instagram/naomiyasuda

Ge fun and flirty with this pink chrome look studded with gemstones and hearts. If you are looking to flaunt the hottest coffin nail designs, don’t skip this one!

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