Coffins and Caskets

Once you have made your choice, you will then have to consider the material it is made from, the style, colour, size, whether you are looking for an environmentally friendly funeral and whether you want to personalise the coffin or casket to reflect the personality and uniqueness of your loved one.

This guide is designed to give you all the information helping you to choose what is best for your loved one’s funeral. We highlight the differences between a casket and coffin, how to choose, eco-friendly considerations, the different materials and types and how CPJ Field has coffins and caskets to suit every type of funeral, whether it be a cremation or a burial.

Differences between coffins and caskets

The main difference between a coffin and a casket is the shape. A coffin is broader at the shoulders and tapers down so that it is narrower at the feet. A casket is rectangular in shape and is generally heavier and bulkier than a coffin. The word ‘coffin’ is derived from the Latin, ‘Cophinus’ meaning ‘basket’. Before the eighteenth century, a casket was known as ‘a box of treasure’ and today is described in the Cambridge Dictionary as a ‘small decorative box to keep jewellery in’. However, since that time in history, casket has become synonymous with a coffin although with several notable differences.

‘A coffin or casket is the box or case in which the body of a dead person is placed for burial or cremation’ - Dictionary.com

Caskets

• Constructed with six sides
• Usually made of metal or wood
• Generally, more expensive
• Linings are more opulent – quilted or padded
• A bar handle along the long sides for carrying

Coffins

• Rectangular shape with four sides
• Made from a variety of materials
• Usually less expensive
• Linings are more subtle and made of silk or satin
• Decorative individual handles for attaching cords

How to choose a coffin or casket

With many different styles and materials available, it inevitably comes down to personal choice. However, we feel that there are seven things you should consider:

• A coffin or a casket?
• Budget – wide range of pricing from cardboard/flat pack to metal/solid wood
• Material – wood, metal, sustainable etc.
• Style – lid type and colour etc.
• Size – standard to bespoke
• Environmentally friendly
• Bespoke to reflect the personality of your loved one

Different materials and types of coffins and caskets

• Traditional wood – oak, mahogany and pine
• Cardboard and flat pack
• Veneered MDF style to look like wood
• Wool – pure wool on a recycled cardboard frame
• Sustainable – willow, bamboo and seagrass
• Choice of colours – white, pink, blue, red, grey, silver, gold etc.

Personalised and bespoke

Here, anything goes as coffins can be designed in the shape of anything from shoes to guitars. Other personalisation touches include painting the coffin in the person’s favourite colour or highlighting it with a memorable scene or glitter. Other options include:

• Painting the coffin lid in black and use as a blackboard for messages
• Decorating it with sentimental photographs, programmes, album or book covers or sheets of music
• Encrusting it with Swarovski crystals
• Wrapping it in a printed design of animals, sports, flowers and hobbies, football strips or famous people

Coffins and caskets for environmentally friendly funerals

Today, as we become increasingly concerned about our planet, you might want to consider an eco-friendly funeral, which is an environmentally friendly alternative to a more traditional funeral. Here the funeral remains dignified and peaceful and in complete harmony with the environment. Cremations and burials are both options for green funerals.

Choosing a coffin or casket for a green funeral

One of the main components of a green funeral is the coffin or casket choice. Wooden coffins and caskets are to be avoided by those seeking a greener farewell, due to the impact on tree life and hence eco-friendly versions are used; made from environmentally sustainable materials with most being totally biodegradable. Material choices are entirely natural and range from cardboard, wool, wicker bamboo, banana leaf and seagrass. The coffins do not have fittings, screws or nails and are as natural as possible.

CPJ Field coffins and caskets styled to suit every funeral

We have a wide range of coffins including Traditional, Sustainable, Religious, Picture, Oxford and American style coffins.

Traditional coffins can be constructed of oak (solid or veneer), mahogany or pine. Variations include plain sides and lid or raised lids as well as panelled sides. If you are looking for a Sustainable coffin, materials of construction include wool and cardboard (Swaledale), willow, bamboo and seagrass. Two of our Religious themed coffins feature the ‘Last Supper’ detail with the Vatican version being made of solid oak and the Winchester of veneered Oak. The Trinity Head of Mary coffin is carved with this detail on the sides and raised lid. Stock or custom imagery can be applied to our Picture coffin and with our Oxford design, you have a choice of colours. American style caskets are available in metal with a copper finish, polished mahogany with domed lid and solid English style mahogany with split lid.

How can we help you choose between coffins and caskets?

For help selecting a coffin or casket, or planning your funeral service, please contact your nearest CPJ Field funeral director. We have a lot of experience in helping our families select the perfect resting place for their loved one. We will compassionately discuss your options according to your style preferences and budget. If the coffin or casket of your choice is not available on our website, we have bespoke options that we can talk through with you.