33+ French Tip Coffin Nails: Timeless Classic Ideas

Among the many runway trends that have caught our eyes, French tips nail reign supreme.

This classy design is very versatile. You can slap glitter on it, use a sponge to create a gradient, or even fill it with rhinestones.

However you decide to decorate your nails, French tips are classic and timeless, especially when combined with the boxy look of coffin nails.

The sleek and modern shape of coffin nails has stood the test of time and pairs well with every outfit, from casual to formal and everything in between.

French Tip Coffin Nails: Design Ideas and Inspirations

From minimalist designs to super chic, glitzy, glamorous, and more, this easy-to-wear style has a variation for everyone.

Ready to be inspired? Browse through these ideas for French tip coffin nails to find your holy grail. While you’re at it, get this AzureBeauty Kit to create anti-chip, non-yellowing nails that last for a long time.

1. Simple French Tip Coffin Nails

2. Neon V French Tip Coffin Nails

3. Glitter French Tip Coffin Nails

4. Cute Pink French Tip Coffin Nails

5. Short Coffin French Tip Nails

6. Shiny Pink French Tip Coffin Nails

7. Chrome Design Coffin French Tip Nails

8. Marble Coffin French Tip Nails with Stones

9. Classic French Tip with Rhinestones Coffin Nails

10. Geometric French Tip Coffin Nails

11. Red French Tip Coffin Nails with Pearls

12. Side French Tip Coffin Nails

13. Christmas Inspired Coffin French Tip Nails

14. Short Coffin Nails with Rainbow French Tips

15. Blue and Orange French Tip Nails

16. Abstract Blue and White French Tip Coffin Nails

17. Short Pastel Colours French Tip Nails

18. Long Brown French Tip and Swirls Coffin Nails

19. Checkerboard French Tip Coffin Nails with Smiley Faces

20. Coffin Colourful French Tip Nails

21. Extra Long Pink French Tip Coffin Nails

22. Yellow French Tip Coffin Nails

23. Green Marble French Tip Coffin Nails

24. Cute and Funky Coffin French Tip Nail Design

25. Pink and Purple Combo French Tip Coffin Nails

26. Blue Lagoon French Tip Coffin Nails

27. Glamorous French Tip Coffin Nails

28. Leopard Print French Tip Coffin Nails

29. Pink French Tip with Details Coffin Nails

30. Mix and Match French Tip Coffin Nails

31. Black and White Heart French Tip Coffin Nails

32. Pink and White Swirled Heart French Tip Coffin Nails

33. Black Snake Design French Tip Coffin Nails

Origin of French Tip Nails

Don’t let the name mislead you, French tip nails didn’t originate in France.

That’s not to say there’s no connection though.

The technique — a neutral nail with a white tip — can be traced back to the 1930s when it was invented by the beauty legend Max Factor for French fashionistas.

However, the iconic style gained more exposure and popularity when Jeff Pink — founder of the iconic International brand Orly — created a “natural look nail kit” for directors who “complained about how long it would take to change the nail colors on the actresses to match their wardrobes for different scenes” in the 1970s.

The French link to the technique came when Jeff Pink took the kit to Paris where it was used on the fingertips of runway models. After it became a fashion success, he started calling it — drum roll, please — French manicure.

Maintaining and Caring for French Tip Coffin Nails

Want to keep your French tip coffin nails for longer than 7 to 10 days?

Here are some top tips to aid you. We also threw in some tried-and-true hacks to keep your nail health at its prime.

Always, always clean, buff, and file your nails before you paint them. This gives you a smooth surface to work with and decreases the risk of infection.
Disinfect your tools regularly with soap and water. Wipe them down with rubbing alcohol to keep bacteria at bay.
Apply thin coats of polish to ensure the even distribution of color and prevent streaking. It also keeps the paint from smudging so that’s another plus.
Dip a fine brush for detailing in acetone and use it to clear any mess on your nails. As they say, “give it a little shaping.”
Apply a top coat every 2 to 3 days to add shine.
Use a glass nail file to keep your nails free of snags.
Be gentle with your nails. Don’t use them to open soda cans or use metal tools to get to the dirt under your nail beds.
Use cuticle oil to increase circulation around your nails.
Do not cut your cuticles. It can make you susceptible to infections.
Guard your nails against chemicals by wearing protective gloves when doing chores like washing dishes, gardening, etc.

And yes, always use quality products from the base coat to the top coat. Also, read the ingredient list. Some products — including strengtheners — could have toxic ingredients that can damage or dry out your nails.