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13 Simple Coffin Nail Ideas That Are Timeless and Chic -by Kaitlin Clapinski
Minimalist-approved manicures, right this way.
@chaunlegend/Instagram
Contrary to popular belief, the best coffin nail designs are uncomplicated. Why, you may ask? Quick refresher: Coffin nails are typically long, and have a square shape with flat edges that are ideal for playful, bold designs. The length creates room for adding intricate details and gemstones, and the unique shape adds extra intrigue. Yet, when paired with a low-key French manicure or a neutral color, simple coffin nails make for a manicure with a little extra oomph that still matches everything (a.k.a the perfect nail look). Ahead, we’ve rounded up 15 simple coffin nail ideas—from moody auras to gradient pastels—that any manicure minimalist will appreciate.
Timeless French
@chaunlegend/Instagram
There’s no nail design more simple and refined than a French manicure. The tapered edge on the coffin nail shape makes the classic design feel modern and cool.
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Two-Toned%20French%0A
The two-toned French manicure is just what it sounds like: Instead of a milky base, you layer on a colorful polish and use a lighter or darker shade of the color for the tips to create contrast. This nail design combines a pinky jelly shade for the base with light pink tips.
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Moody%20Aura%0A
Dua Lipa’s aura manicure put the glowy nail design on the map, and we’ve been obsessed ever since. This one has a black base coat which allows the deep purple hue to pop on the coffin shape.
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Rainbow%20Swirls%0A
A swirl design can make a simple French design feel fun and unique. This manicurist created a swirled asymmetrical swoosh with a two-toned border featuring a deep bold color paired with its lighter shade.
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Vampy%20Black%20French%0A
Yes, the classic white French manicure can feel, well, too classic at times. To make the design feel more youthful, opt for a different shade like black to add some edge—the perfect compliment to the coffin shape.
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Red%20Pepper%0A
Minimalist manicures are in, but that doesn’t mean they have to feel boring. Spice things up with a vibrant red pepper shade on a coffin shape. Add a glossy top coat to the nails for some extra shine.
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Pastel%20Shine%0A
Pastel colors aren’t just for spring, in fact, they work year-round. Create a color gradient by painting a different light shade on each nail and top with sparkly silver gemstones for a cute but cool mani.
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Chocolate%20Gloss%0A
This Swiss Miss-inspired manicure pairs a neutral chocolate beige shade with an ultra-glossy top coat, perfect for fall. To achieve the look at home opt for OPI’s Endless Sun-ner or Chanel’s 105 Particuliére.
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Chrome%20French%0A
Add some reflective shine to your typical French manicure with a chrome finish on the tips. The trendy shimmer combined with the timeless design makes for an elegant nail design that’s easy to infuse with personal flair.
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Tortoiseshell%20Tips%0A
For a simple, yet effective coffin nail design try a tortoiseshell French look. Start by painting on a milky-pink base and swirl a brown shade with black blobs on the whites of the nail to create the pattern. Top with a glossy coat and some miniature gold beads, and voilà.
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Frosty%20Stars%0A
This frosty star nail design isn’t as hard to re-create at home as you might think. Place star stickers on your nails and paint over the designs with a frosty pearl polish. To complete the look, lift the stars, clean up the edges with a small brush, and top with a top coat.
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Gradient%20French%0A
A gradient French manicure paints different variations of the same color on each nail to create a cohesive yet colorful manicure. This one tries on different shades of pink on each coffin tip.
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Metallic%20Chrome%0A
The silver chrome paired with the coffin shape makes for an edgy, party-ready manicure. To accentuate the chrome shine, you can add faux water drops using a top coat, as though the nails are dripping in shine.
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