12 coffin nail designs to inspire your next mani

Coffin (or ballerina) shaped nails are quickly gaining momentum thanks to ardent support from celeb fans like Cardi B, Dua Lipa, Kylie Jenner and Rihanna. The benefits? They can make fingers look long and graceful and they provide plenty of space for getting crafty with intricate designs or razzle dazzle embellishments.

Wondering WTF a coffin or ballerina shaped nail actually is? Allow Juanita Huber-Millet, founder of top London nail bar, TOWNHOUSE, to explain...

What are coffin nails?

“Coffin-shaped nails (also known as ballerina nails) tend to be of a longer length,” explains Juanita. “The shape is pointed [like a stiletto shaped nail] but with a squared-off blunt end,” she says. This makes it look like the shape of a coffin, or the pointe slippers that ballet dancers wear, which is where this nail shape got its name from.

Why might people choose this nail shape over others?

“This shape elongates the fingers making them look delicate,” says Juanita. “The shape is very popular with nail extension methods as it can be difficult to maintain the length and shape with a natural nail.” For short natural nails, the squoval shape is a must-try.

What tools will you need?

You'll need some nail clippers and a nail file. Keep your file to 240 grit so that it's gentle on natural nails. Or, if you don’t have the length, you can recreate the shape with the help of acrylic nail extensions. For extensions, use a slightly coarser file (around 180 grit), as nail extensions tend to be thicker than natural nails.

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Does it make a difference if your nails are long or short?

You can create a softer, less graduated version of this shape on shorter nails (see below) but it tends to be a style that’s kept for longer nails.

How would you file your nails into a coffin shape?

“File the sides of the nail into a pointed shape, but don’t go too narrow,” says Juanita. “Once happy with the length shape, file the tip into a straight, blunt edge.” Or use your clippers to get an ultra straight shape and soften with your file if needed. You won’t need to take too much off the length.

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How to wear coffin or ballerina shape nails…

Use the longer length as an opportunity to doodle your favourite shapes and swirls.

Keep things pared back and natural, but with a delicate accent to give it an interesting twist.

You can take it long like above, or short like below or somewhere in between depending on the length you like.

This is a subtle way to nod to the trend without fully committing and is perfect if you have shorter nails but still want to give the ballerina shape a spin.

If you're going for this bold nail shape, you might as well go full force with a stand-out fluro shade.

The longer length makes a perfect canvas for anyone looking to get a bit artistic.

Easy to do DIY, elevate a rainbow manicure with cute dotty details.

Velvet nails are everywhere RN and what better way to tap into this trend than with velvet French tips.

Metallic silver nails are the perfect party season choice, especially with long coffin-shaped nails.

For a healthy long nail look, paint on two coats of a sheer pale pink polish.

This colour is quickly picking up momentum as a cult shade this autumn/winter.

For a modern take on a classic French mani, opt for faded white tips instead. So chic.