21 Colorful Coffin Nail Ideas For Your Next Maximalist Mani

While there are plenty of different ways to experiment with art on shorter nail shapes, sometimes, you need a bit more room to play—and that's where coffin nails come in. These maximalist manis are typically long and characterized by a square, tapered tip with flat edges. Not only does the shape make a statement on its own, but its XL length (often created using extensions) provides a whole lot of surface area for art. So prep your coffin canvas and get ready to experiment with one of these 21 colorful coffin nail ideas.

21 PHOTOS

01 of  21
Mixed Prints

This eclectic mani is a perfect example of just how much you can do with a set of coffin nails. It's got it all: Floral motifs, graphic designs, animal prints, glitter polish, 3D accents, and a rainbow's worth of bright and pastel polishes. Stealing even a single element of this look for your next nail art is guaranteed to garner compliments.

02 of  21
Wild Jellies

Animal print manis of all kinds have been buzzing lately, and this look combines trendy tiger stripes with similarly popular jelly polish. Combined with a burnt orange base shade, the result roars but still feels refined.

03 of  21
3D Bubblegum Shimmer

A pretty pink polish takes on a totally different vibe when you add some 3D elements and a little sparkle. This iridescent mani plays with texture in a cool way, and the shimmery base makes the art on top look like it's lit from within.

04 of  21
Orange and Gold Art

Burnt orange is a fall-favorite shade that adds a slight pop of color while still reading as neutral. This intricate mani shows just how well the color pairs with white and gold—and also makes a serious case for an accent nail covered in pearls.

05 of  21
Pretty Pink Ombré

This Barbie-inspired gradient provides a great example of how to play with colorful coffin nails without going too over the top. The art looks just as pretty in pink as it does in any other shade of the rainbow.

06 of  21
Groovy Florals

You can create gorgeous floral designs on any nail shape, but on coffin nails, you can create floral designs like these. The oversized flowers hug the natural contours of the nail, making full use of the tapered tip, and the 3D metallic accents are just plain cool.

07 of  21
Psychedelic Shapes

This kaleidoscope of colors and shapes feels straight out of a psychedelic dream. We love the way the colors and designs shift from nail to nail. The mismatched manicure proves you can opt for anything from a groovy French tip or pink dew drop art.

08 of  21
Futuristic Neon

Anyone who grew up obsessing over galactic TV shows and movies will vibe with this spacey look. The silver stars and neon accents take it from simply celestial to out of this world.

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Studded Tips

Coffin nails have a certain edginess on their own, and adorning them with red polish and rock studs will have you channeling '90s-era Courtney Love.

10 of  21
Sparkling Skies

A sapphire blue shade makes a great, high-contrast canvas for accenting with white art. Steal this sprayed-on effect by using a sponge to apply polish that's been slightly thinned out with alcohol.

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Tattoo Art

These nail tattoos may look like they'd require a professional artist and a few hours of your time, but actually, they're shockingly quick and easy to DIY. Snag a sheet of tattoos, then apply the ones you want with water and a cotton pad the same way you would to your skin. Top them off with a sheer polish, and you've got yourself a seriously punk rock set.

12 of  21
Vibrant Watercolors

Watercolor nails are often associated with pastels, but that doesn't have to be the case. This vivid rainbow of bright hues looks stunning blended—just be sure to start with a white base coat underneath to make the colors stand out.

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Lucite Extensions

Coffin nails aren't exactly practical, so you may as well go as over-the-top as possible. This clear-tipped mani (which gives off a cool clear-and-pink color-blocked effect) may not be the best for typing, but it sure as hell makes a statement.

14 of  21
Crocodile Coffin Nails

Crocodile artworks particularly well on coffin-shaped nails. The diffused shapes create an interesting contrast against the tips' angular lines—especially when they're painted on in a bold color, like this magenta pink.

15 of  21
Lavender Haze Nails

As Taylor Swift tells it, the phrase "lavender haze" was used in the 50s to describe the feeling of being in love. With this mani, you'll be able to carry a little bit of that love glow with you on the tips of your fingers.

16 of  21
Pop Star Pink

Channel the early pop star era with this pink-tastic set, complete with rhinestone accents (which are very early Britney-era coded). It looks like it would have been right at home on the MTV VMAs red carpet in 2002. But now that all things Y2K are cool again, it is very much on trend today.

17 of  21
Dippin Dots

Polka dot nails are trending and we love this colorful interpretation of the design. A smattering of slightly three-dimensional spots adds some playful texture to a set of colorful coffin nails.

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Electric French

Nothing says modern French mani quite like coffin-shaped nails and a neon tip. Pro tip? An oversized French tip, like this one, will help elongate your nails.

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Jelly Brights

Not only is this mani eye-catching, but it also provides endless inspiration for ways to try the jelly nails trend. As it turns out, a jelly base coat looks very cool underneath art in the same shade. Try it with bright hues and squiggle designs, a la this look.

20 of  21
Gold Piped Pink and Purple

It's not often that you see gold foil paired with fuchsia and lavender, but this look proves that it is a show-stopping combo. Outlining these poppy shades with some abstract metallic piping makes them stand out.

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Brown and Baby Blue

Brown doesn't get nearly enough credit for just how well it pairs with other colors. These chocolate tips create the perfect base for the baby blue, tie-dye-esque design on top of them. Plus, the subtle diamond accents are a flawless finishing touch.