Your Go-To Guide For Picking Coffins And Caskets

Global August 24, 2021

However tragic an event like a funeral might be, family and friends always want to in the best for their loved ones, even in times of grief. It’s the last time they’ll get to see someone, and they usually want to pick the most suitable gear.

Many people turn to the internet for tips about buying a coffin or a casket for the funeral, and though it’s believed that a coffin and a casket are the same, their similarities are only functional. In case you wonder what their differences may be, we’re here to help you! From their size to their style, caskets and coffins differ, and the guide below will help you choose what suits you best.

Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels | However tragic an event like a funeral might be, family and friends always want to in the best for their loved ones

Let’s Talk Coffins

Coffins are all about simplicity. They’re smaller than caskets with little to no linen or velvet on the inside. Another big difference between those two is their size and shape. Coffins are usually smaller with a shape imitating that of a human body: narrow towards the head and legs, and wider towards the shoulders.

Coffins and caskets are also different when it comes to the material they are made of. Most coffins are made of lumber, solid wood, or composite board. Unlike caskets, which are usually rectangular, coffins have six corners. They’ve been used in human civilization for about four centuries now, by people from different social backgrounds which is why they’re so simple.

Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels | Most coffins are made of lumber, solid wood, or composite board

What About Caskets?

You’ll mostly see caskets being used in America, unlike Europe or other continents. Though they serve the same purpose as coffins, they have some key differences. Caskets are rectangular, and thus, have two corners less. Moreover, their base has a different size than their opening. Unlike coffins, they are decorated both on the outside and the inside, with the interior lined with velvet.

They are usually more expensive and can be left fully or half-open during the funeral, depending on the family’s desire and the type of the proceeding. A military funeral is often done with a fully closed casket, especially when it comes to that of a high-ranking soldier. You’ll find more designs and stylish patterns if you decide to buy a casket instead of a coffin.

carolynabooth / Pixabay | A military funeral is often done with a fully closed casket, especially when it comes to that of a high-ranking soldier

To Conclude

Your choice will eventually depend on various factors and, eventually, your budget. If you don’t mind paying for something more extravagant, then a casket is your best choice, as it’s definitely more opulent. It’s usually decorated with velvet and numerous flowers.

On the other hand, if you like vintage and simple designs, then you should go for the coffin. They both have their advantages and disadvantages so you’ll need to consider the type of funeral you are arranging, to determine which design will be more suitable.

What’s important to remember is that this is probably the last time you’ll see one of your loved ones, so, be careful not to choose something that you may later regret. In any case, do your research and choose wisely!