Let’s be honest: nobody grows up daydreaming about coffins. But when the time comes, that simple wooden box suddenly becomes one of the most powerful symbols of a person’s life — and death.
At Coffin Club, we’ve seen how a coffin can become a real comfort. It’s not just a container; it’s the centrepiece of the funeral and often the first thing people see. And yet, we’ve also seen people physically recoil at the sight of a coffin because it feels cold, stark, and final.
We’d love to change that.
Because a coffin can be warm, personal, beautiful — and even healing.
A coffin isn’t “just a box.” It’s:
When people feel connected to the coffin — whether through choosing it, decorating it, or simply knowing it’s right for the person — it becomes less frightening. It becomes a meaningful part of saying goodbye.
We’ve been at funerals where, as soon as the coffin is lifted out of the hearse, people instinctively step back. Their whole demeanour changes.
Sometimes it’s the shock of reality. Sometimes it’s the look of the coffin itself: cold, clinical, nothing to do with the person inside.
That’s why we talk about coffins so much at Coffin Club. We want people to feel prepared — and even comfortable — around them. Because when you realise a coffin can be painted, draped in favourite colours, covered in flowers or photos… it stops feeling scary. It starts feeling like it belongs to someone’s story.
One of the most moving things we see is people:
These small touches transform the coffin from “a box” into a deeply personal tribute. It becomes something mourners want to approach, touch, or even carry.
Coffins aren’t the only option. Shrouds — simple fabric wrappings — are beautiful for natural burials. They feel gentle and close to nature.
However, it’s worth knowing:
Another fascinating eco alternative is Bellacouche — structured shrouds for natural burials, offering shape and dignity without a coffin. Or the beautiful printed shrouds from Shrouds and Ashes — Kate T’s got her eye on one of those.
There’s also been a rise in coffins made from repurposed materials, like reclaimed wood from old pallets or sustainably harvested timber. These can be surprisingly beautiful, rustic, and kind to the environment. John Plum of Ecological Coffins makes coffins out of reclaimed pallets — Kate T’s mum had one of these.
Funerals can be expensive, and coffins are a big part of that cost.
Traditional veneered coffins from funeral directors can range from around £300 to well over £1,500, depending on the materials, finishes, and trimmings. Solid wood coffins can cost even more.
Eco coffins — wicker, cardboard, or repurposed timber — can sometimes be less expensive, but not always. Handmade and artisan designs often come at a premium.
That’s why it’s so important to:
A surprisingly big detail: weight-bearing handles.
Many cheaper coffins have decorative handles that aren’t actually designed for lifting. But we love coffins with strong, functional handles because it means family and friends can carry the person themselves.
It’s one of the most powerful gestures of love and respect — a chance to physically accompany someone on their final journey. Kate T’s husband was so honoured to be a bearer for her mum.
Often the simplest, most beautiful ritual is leaving something on the coffin as you say goodbye:
These small gestures give people something active to do, rather than just sitting in silence. They help mourners feel connected, not helpless.
We know it feels weird to think about coffins while you’re alive. But it’s one of the kindest things you can do for your loved ones.
So… what would you choose?
Your coffin (or shroud) should tell your story. It should feel like yours.
If you’d like to start figuring it all out and help Coffin Club keep deathing into the future, become a paid subscriber to the Coffin Club Newsletter, learn all you need to know through our Plan Your Own Funeral course, or if you think running a Coffin Club might be something you’d like to do… get in touch and we’ll give you the low-down on the death ed!
Kate & Kate
Coffin Club UK
