Casket vs. Coffin — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 28, 2024
Caskets, typically rectangular with a hinged lid, are used in North American funerals, while coffins, with their tapered shape and removable lids, are common in other parts of the world.
Difference Between Casket and Coffin
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Caskets are designed with a rectangular shape and are often constructed from various materials such as metal or wood, providing a modern appearance. Whereas coffins feature a distinctive hexagonal or octagonal shape that tapers towards the feet, offering a more traditional look.
In terms of lid design, caskets usually have a split-lid for viewing purposes, allowing the upper half to be opened separately. On the other hand, coffins generally come with a single-piece lid, which is completely removable for the same purpose.
The interior of a casket is typically plush and elaborately decorated, aimed at providing a luxurious final resting place. Coffins, while also lined, tend to have simpler interiors reflecting their more utilitarian approach.
Caskets often feature swing bar handles that facilitate easier handling during funeral services. Whereas, coffins are usually equipped with fixed handles, which can make them slightly more challenging to maneuver.
Pricing also differs significantly; caskets are usually more expensive due to their elaborate designs and materials. On the other hand, coffins are less costly, making them a more economical choice for many.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Shape
Rectangular with a flat lid
Tapered with a peaked lid
Lid Type
Split-lid for viewing
Single-piece lid
Interior
Plush and ornate
Simpler and less decorated
Handles
Swing bar handles
Fixed handles
Cost
Generally more expensive
Less expensive
Compare with Definitions
Casket
Features a hinged lid, often split for viewing.
The casket had a split lid to allow mourners to view their loved one.
Coffin
A funerary box with a tapered shape, wider at the shoulders and narrower towards the feet.
The wooden coffin was adorned with simple carvings.
Casket
A specially designed box used to display and bury a deceased person.
The family chose a polished oak casket for the ceremony.
Coffin
More common outside of North America.
Coffins are predominantly used in European funeral practices.
Casket
Used predominantly in North America.
In American funerals, caskets are more commonly used than coffins.
Coffin
Comes with a removable lid used during viewings.
The lid of the coffin was lifted for the final goodbye.
Casket
Often made from premium materials like hardwood or metal.
They opted for a stainless steel casket for its durability.
Coffin
Usually made of wood and less ornate than caskets.
The family selected a plain pine coffin for its natural simplicity.
Casket
Typically more spacious and luxurious inside.
The casket’s interior was lined with silk.
Coffin
Designed for practicality and cost-efficiency.
They chose a coffin to keep the funeral expenses low.
Casket
A casket or jewelry box is a container that is usually smaller than a chest, and in the past were typically decorated.
Coffin
A coffin is a funerary box used for viewing or keeping a corpse, either for burial or cremation. The word took two different paths.
Casket
A small ornamental box or chest for holding jewels, letters, or other valued objects
A small brass casket containing four black opals
Coffin
An oblong box in which a corpse is buried.
Casket
A coffin.
Coffin
The horny part of a horse's hoof.
Casket
A small case or chest, as for jewels and other valuables.
Coffin
To place in or as if in a coffin.
Casket
To enclose in a case, chest, or coffin.
Coffin
(cartomancy) The eighth Lenormand card.
Casket
A little box, e.g. for jewellery.
Coffin
(archaic) A casing or crust, or a mold, of pastry, as for a pie.
Casket
(Britain) An urn.
Coffin
(obsolete) A conical paper bag, used by grocers.
Casket
(North America) A coffin.
Coffin
The hollow crust or hoof of a horse's foot, below the coronet, in which is the coffin bone.
Casket
(nautical) A gasket.
Coffin
A storage container for nuclear waste.
Casket
To put into, or preserve in, a casket.
Coffin
(transitive) To place in a coffin.
Casket
A small chest or box, esp. of rich material or ornamental character, as for jewels, etc.
The little casket bring me hither.
Coffin
A basket.
Casket
A kind of burial case.
Coffin
A casing or crust, or a mold, of pastry, as for a pie.
Of the paste a coffin I will rear.
Casket
A gasket. See Gasket.
Coffin
A conical paper bag, used by grocers.
Casket
To put into, or preserve in, a casket.
Coffin
The hollow crust or hoof of a horse's foot, below the coronet, in which is the coffin bone.
Casket
Box in which a corpse is buried or cremated
Coffin
To inclose in, or as in, a coffin.
Would'st thou have laughed, had I come coffined home?
Devotion is not coffined in a cell.
Casket
Small and often ornate box for holding jewels or other valuables
Coffin
Box in which a corpse is buried or cremated
Casket
Enclose in a casket
Coffin
Place into a coffin;
Her body was coffined
Common Curiosities
How do the interiors of caskets and coffins differ?
Caskets typically have more luxurious, plush interiors, whereas coffins are simpler and less ornate.
Are caskets or coffins more popular globally?
Coffins are more popular globally, especially outside of North America.
Why do caskets tend to be more expensive than coffins?
Caskets are often made from higher-quality materials and have more elaborate designs.
What is the main shape difference between a casket and a coffin?
Caskets are rectangular, while coffins have a tapered shape, narrower at the feet.
What are the common materials used to make caskets?
Caskets are commonly made from metals like steel or luxurious woods.
Is there a religious or cultural preference for caskets or coffins?
Preferences can vary widely depending on cultural and religious practices.
Can both caskets and coffins be used for cremation?
Yes, both can be used, but material choice, like wood for coffins, might be preferred for cremation due to environmental concerns.
What are the common materials used to make coffins?
Coffins are typically made from simpler, less expensive woods.
Do the handles on caskets and coffins differ?
Yes, caskets often have swing bar handles, while coffins have fixed handles.
Why people choose coffin?
They opted for a coffin to keep the funeral costs down.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Imply vs. Infer
Next Comparison
Polemic vs. PolemicalAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
