Coffin nails: 5 on-trend nail art designs to inspire your spring look

Coffin, or ballerina, nails are long, tapered and filed flat at the tip. The shape resembles both a coffin and a ballerina’s slipper, which inspired the interchangeable names.

A popular shape choice, the coffin nail offers an optimal canvas for experimenting with nail art, seasonal colours and 3D designs. Here are five ways to wear this ever-popular nail shape for spring:

1. Alternative French

Coffin shapes are perfect for unleashing creativity with alternative French nail art. Florida nail stylist, Hannah Andrews, created this 3D cherry blossom design, sculpting the flower and painting its branches atop a vibrant green painted tip.

LA nail artist, Stephany Torres, also took inspiration from the classic design for this iridescent purple-blue look, sculpting textured lines for an impressive finish.

For a slightly more subtle style, Subie of @sm.subie, created this ombré look, blending pastel hues across nail tips.

2. Encapsulated details

Opt for encapsulated nails, where decorative elements sit between layers of translucent or clear gel to make them appear to float within the nail.

California nail artist, Sang Phan, created this pastel purple ombré manicure, encapsulating iridescent butterfly decals within feature nails for a magical finish.

Nail artist, @paintedbypuree, created a long coffin nail design encapsulating splats of paint down the nail.

3. Mix ‘n’ match

Why choose one nail art design, when you can choose 10? Coffin shapes are perfect for showcasing a range of nail looks, such as this love-themed design by nail artist, Amy of @amys.clients.

Press-on nail artist, @nailmailbykhlo, created these mix ‘n’ match nails with a mocha mousse colour scheme. From smiley faces and checkerboard patterns to flowers, this client wanted a design that was truly bespoke to them.

4. Colour focus

Let the nail shape shine by opting for a full cover mani. Choose a versatile and timeless hue like this white manicure for nail tech, @nailsbya.7‘s client.

Or opt for a spring-friendly shade, such as in this pretty pink look, created by nail artist & educator, Tania Fontaine of @mad_moiselle_t.

5. 3D decals

Enhance ballerina nails by adding 3D embellishments. Texas nail tech, Daniela Moreno, incorporated pearls into this client’s isolated chrome manicure, adding a touch of luxe.

Sculpted flowers were added to the middle fingernails of this style by nail tech, Yesenia of @setsbysenia, bringing the tropical design to life.

Jewel embellishments are distributed down feature nails in this understated glam coffin style by nail artist, Veronica Vargas.