White coffins are often chosen for their meaning as much as their appearance. For many families, they represent purity, peace, and a celebration of life rather than a focus on loss. Whether you are planning a cremation, burial, or a funeral at a natural burial ground a white coffin can feel like a more personal and thoughtful choice.

In this guide, you’ll discover the different types of white coffins available, typical UK costs, and how to decide if one is right for your situation.

White coffins and caskets are a popular choice for traditional funeral services and alternative burial options. White coffins can be made of various materials, including wood, metal, fibreglass, plastic, wicker, including white willow and white cardboard coffins.

 

Can Anyone Have a White Coffin?

Yes, absolutely.

Today, white coffins are chosen by people from many different backgrounds, religions, and belief systems. Some families choose them because of their spiritual meaning, while others simply prefer their softer and more elegant appearance.

White coffins are often selected by people who want their funeral to reflect individuality and personal values rather than following purely traditional expectations.

Many people now want funerals to feel more personal, contemporary, and connected to the life of the person being remembered.

For environmentally conscious families, this often includes choosing eco-friendly coffins made from natural or biodegradable materials such as willow or reinforced cardboard.

White coffins work particularly well in this context because they combine a natural appearance with a clean and peaceful visual style.

They can be both meaningful and beautifully crafted, creating a funeral that feels thoughtful, respectful, and unique.

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A white casket can be both elegant and timeless, fitting comfortably with both traditional funerals and more modern celebration of life ceremonies.

White caskets are also available in a wide range of finishes, from matte to glossy, allowing families to choose a style that feels appropriate for the funeral service they want to create.

The interior can vary significantly depending on the type of coffin or casket selected.

White caskets made from materials such as metal or fibreglass are often lined with luxurious fabrics in colours such as cream, white, or beige, helping to create an atmosphere of peace, softness, and serenity.

Environmentally friendly white coffins used for natural funerals or alternative burial options tend to take a different approach. Instead of synthetic luxury interiors, they often include simple biodegradable liners made from natural materials such as cotton or unbleached fabric.

This contrast reflects the wider shift taking place within the funeral industry, where some families prioritise luxury and tradition, while others focus more on simplicity, sustainability, and a connection to nature.

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Types of White Coffins

There are now many different types of white coffins and caskets available, depending on the style of funeral you are planning.

These include:

• White willow coffins
• White cardboard coffins
• Painted wooden coffins
• White wicker coffins
• White biodegradable burial shrouds
• Metal or fibreglass white caskets

Some are designed specifically for natural burial grounds and eco-friendly funerals, while others are intended for more traditional funeral services.

White willow coffins, in particular, have become increasingly popular because they combine traditional craftsmanship with environmentally friendly materials. Their natural appearance and handwoven finish make them feel both elegant and personal.

 

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Why White Coffins Are Becoming More Popular

White caskets and coffins are increasing in popularity. This is not only because they look elegant and there is a choice of finish and interior, but also because the funeral industry is changing.

People are becoming more open to using funerals as a celebration of life and not only a traditional religious ceremony. There is now a larger range of white coffins and caskets than ever before. As well as an expanding selection of materials and styles of white coffins and caskets.

Coffins can be made from new materials like sustainably grown white willow, recycled white cardboard coffins, or you can even choose not to have a white coffin and opt for a white biodegradable shroud instead.

In the past it was religion that determined the selection of a white casket. If you were a Roman Catholic then it was traditional to select a white coffin for a child’s funeral. The priest also opted for white clothes – a white cassock instead of a black or purple cassock used for adults- to distinguish the ceremony.

 

 

Different Types Of White Coffins

When considering what type of white coffin to buy it’s important to consider the type of funeral you are planning and more importantly, whether you are going to have a cremation or a burial.

White steel caskets are a premium product, but they are not suitable for cremation or natural burials.

If you are planning the natural burial then you need an environmentally friendly White Coffin. White wicker coffins are a very good option. White Cardboard coffins are also a very affordable, eco-friendly coffin. Compare both here

 

White Cardboard Coffins

Many cardboard coffins and caskets are either made from100% recycled cardboard or 70% recycled cardboard. Their specifications comply with all legal requirements for coffins and caskets.

They are one of the most affordable coffin options and you can easily buy them online.

The Cardboard Coffin company did some research and they found that some funeral directors added up to £170 on top of the price of a white cardboard coffin! This is a good site to check out as you can also see testimonials.

White coffins come in various shapes and sizes to suit the needs of different individuals. If you choose a white cardboard coffin, it is very easy to decorate or personalise it to make it unique. You can easily transform a cardboard coffin into a beautiful work of art and a touching memorial. To personalise your coffin further, you can add a personal touch such as a photo or plaque.

The price of a white cardboard coffin starts at £240. You can see more at Thinkwillow. 

 

If you are not sure whether a cardboard coffin is for you, check out our article: Should You Choose Cardboard Coffins For A Funeral

 

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Wicker Coffins made from White Willow

White willow coffins are an environmentally friendly option. They can be purchased online or from a funeral director. If you buy online you are likely to save yourself some money, especially if you shop around or buy direct from companies like ThinkWillow. They have a range of willow coffins and their white willow coffin starts from £955. It also comes with free delivery and liners.

Because they are handmade, they can also be custom sized. Families can choose different dimensions and interior finishes to create something more personal and suitable for their loved one.

White willow coffins are the perfect choice for those seeking a traditional and suitable coffin for their loved one.

These oval-shaped coffins are expertly woven with the highest quality white willow, meaning they have been certified to be appropriate for both cremation and burial services.

The craftsmanship of these white willow coffins is of the highest standard, ensuring that they last through every step of the process and provide a dignified resting place.

White willow coffins are suitable for both cremation and burial and are widely accepted by natural burial grounds.

Their natural white colouring gives them a softer, more peaceful appearance than many traditional wooden coffins, adding to their beauty and elegance, and adding a touch of class to any service.

They are truly a fitting tribute to those who have passed away, ensuring that they receive the respect and love they deserve.

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White wooden Coffins

White wooden coffins are not so easy to find. One option is to build your own white coffin. There are many plans available online to help you with this. it would also allow you to personalise the coffin or casket to reflect the life you are celebrating. You could also buy a wooden coffin made from the more affordable chipboard or timber such as pine and paint it white yourself.

Warning: Natural burial sites will not accept painted coffins due to the environmental damage caused by the paint.

If you are using a funeral director, they may be able to help or alternatively try looking for white wooden coffins on sites like Ebay, Amazon and Etsy.

White Steel Caskets

Titan Caskets provide the best steel white caskets for funerals or cremations. Every white casket or coffin is handcrafted and fully customisable with a white crepe or velvet interior. The Orion Panel Collection (White & Gold, Handcrafted Funeral Casket – provides a touching way to honour the departed. These metal funeral caskets are made of 20 gauge quality steel in glossy white finish and come with a rubber gasket seal to guard against water leakage and a locking mechanism for extra security. Plus, free delivery and returns are offered on all orders with Titan

White Coffins Summary

When it comes to choosing a white casket or coffin for a funeral, there are many aspects to consider.

Here’s a quick recap.

Things To Consider When Choosing A White Casket Or Coffin

• First, you will need to decide on a burial or cremation.
• Then decide on the material to used for the casket or coffin.
• Remember steel caskets cannot be cremated so you will need to buy a second coffin or rent one if you want a steel coffin for show.
• If you want the natural burial you will need to select an environmentally friendly coffin or casket. Next, you will want to look at the interior of the casket or coffin. Some come with soft velvet linings while others come with more basic interiors. Remember if you want a natural burial, linings must also be eco-friendly.
• Lastly, you will want to choose a style that is both elegant and high quality.

If you would like more guideance check out this article: How To Choose A Coffin or Casket For A Funeral: 4 Things To Consider

 

Comparison: White Coffin Options

Type	Best For	Cost	Natural Burial
White Wicker	Affordable natural funerals	Starting at £450+	Yes
White Willow	Premium eco funerals	Starting at £900+	Yes
White Wood Coffins	Traditional funerals	Starting at £295+	Usually No
White Steel Caskets	Luxury traditional funerals	Starting at £1,000+	No

 

There are many different white casket and coffin options available in various styles from traditional to contemporary designs. By carefully considering each of these aspects when selecting your white casket or coffin, you can ensure that it reflects the beauty and dignity of your loved one’s final farewell at their funeral service.

For those who wish to have a more spiritual meaning in their funeral service, a white casket is a solid choice especially if you choose natural wicker coffins. Not only do they represent purity and innocence, but they also allow for alternative burial options like cremation or green burials.

Ultimately, selecting the right white casket or coffin will depend on personal preference as well as the budget and desired outcome of the funeral service.