When you picture a coffin, what comes to mind? Probably something heavy, wooden, and very Victorian-looking. But the truth is, you’ve got far more choice than you might think. From cardboard coffins to beautiful handwoven willow, to simple shrouds — you can pick something that actually reflects you, your values, and your style.
Not just a box
Traditional veneered coffins may still be the funeral director’s go-to. But let’s be honest: they’re not very nice.
And we don’t just mean aesthetically. They’re not made of solid wood — they’re a composite (think chipboard) with a plastic “wood effect” veneer on top. Even the handles are plastic.
If you do want solid wood, you’ll pay a premium price — which, considering this is something you’re going to bury or burn, may not be ideal.
No wonder more and more people are choosing coffins and shrouds that are lighter on the planet, easier on the budget, or simply more “them.”
Eco-friendly coffins
- Ecological Coffins in Wales create simple, sustainable options — no fuss, no frills, just good for the planet.
- Ecoffins, based in Sittingbourne, are known for their willow, bamboo, and seagrass coffins, all handmade and biodegradable.
- Woven Farewell makes stunning willow coffins, often with soft curves and natural finishes that feel far less industrial than traditional ones.
These aren’t gloomy factory products; they’re made with care, and they look beautiful.
Shrouds and simple send-offs
And it’s not just about coffins. Shrouds — simple cloth wraps — are an ancient and increasingly popular choice. They’re less about boxes, more about returning to the earth naturally.
- Bellacouche Shrouds in Devon make gorgeous felted wool shrouds, often decorated with natural dyes and patterns.
- Shrouds and Ashes Shrouds offer simple, elegant options that are both personal and environmentally friendly. (Kate T is already planning to have one of these and knows exactly what she wants printed on it!)
They’re practical, gentle, and surprisingly comforting.
Why this matters
The point is, you don’t have to settle for whatever gets wheeled out of a funeral director’s catalogue. You have choices. Choices that reflect your personality, your beliefs, your budget, and even your environmental values.
And yes — you can go bold if you want. There are picture coffins with everything from sunflowers to football teams printed on them, glitter coffins if sparkle and bling is your thing, and artists who will help you paint or decorate your coffin yourself.
(It’s not as weird as it sounds — people who’ve done it often say it was actually a joyful, creative thing.)
Plan it your way
Your final resting place doesn’t have to be a grim, glossy box if you don’t want it to be. Whether it’s willow, wool, or even cardboard, the choice is yours.
That’s why we cover coffins and shrouds in our Plan Your Own Funeral course. Because this stuff matters.
