Meet the Coffins That Break the Mould

For generations, coffins have looked much the same. Polished wood, traditional styling and very little opportunity to make them feel personal.

But funerals are changing.

At White Rose Modern Funerals, we’ve always believed that a funeral should reflect the person, not simply follow tradition. That’s why we’re delighted to introduce the new Outside the Box range of innovative cardboard coffins – available in both a beautifully simple plain design and a collection of striking printed finishes.

A coffin that tells a story

When families arrange a funeral, one of the questions we often ask is:

“What would they have liked?”

For some people, that answer is something understated and natural. For others, it’s colour, creativity and personality.

These new coffins offer both.

The Plain Coffin – a blank canvas

The plain kraft finish is deliberately simple. It has a warm, natural appearance, but what makes it special is that it can become part of the farewell itself.

Children can draw pictures.

Grandchildren can write messages.

Friends can add memories, poems or signatures.

Instead of being something that simply carries a loved one, it becomes something the family has helped to create together.

We’ve seen how therapeutic these personal touches can be. They often become one of the most memorable parts of saying goodbye.

Beautiful printed designs

Not everyone wants to personalise a coffin themselves.

The printed collection offers an elegant alternative, with contemporary designs inspired by nature and the outdoors, including woodland ferns, lavender fields, flowers, coastlines, tartan and poppies. Rather than trying to imitate wood, these designs celebrate something completely different – bringing colour and warmth to the funeral.

They’re modern without feeling gimmicky, distinctive without feeling over the top.

Just like every funeral, the right choice depends on the person being remembered.

More sustainable by design

As well as looking different, these coffins have impressive environmental credentials.

They’re made in the UK from high-performance corrugated board containing a high proportion of recycled fibre, with FSC-certified virgin fibres where needed. They contain no plastic, metal or MDF components, use natural jute handles and water-based printing, and are suitable for both cremation and burial.

For many families, choosing a coffin that has a lighter environmental footprint is becoming increasingly important.

Strong, practical and fully approved

One question people often ask is:

“Is cardboard really strong enough?”

Absolutely.

These aren’t ordinary cardboard boxes.

They’ve been engineered specifically for funeral use, with dual-wall construction, internal supports and independently tested load-bearing performance. They’re certified for use by crematoria and cemeteries and are designed to be carried just like a traditional coffin.

Why we love them

As modern funeral directors, we’re always looking for thoughtful innovations that give families more choice.

We don’t believe every funeral should look the same.

Some people love the timeless beauty of a traditional oak coffin. Others want something that feels simpler, more contemporary or more personal.

These new designs give families another meaningful option.

They’re beautifully designed, environmentally considered, surprisingly elegant and, above all, they help create a farewell that feels much more individual.

Because the most fitting tribute isn’t the one that’s most traditional.

It’s the one that feels most like them.

Thinking about something a little different?

If you’d like to see the Outside the Box range in person, we’d be delighted to show you the designs and talk through the options.

Whether you’re planning a funeral now or simply exploring what’s possible, we’re here to help you create a farewell that’s every bit as individual as the person you’re remembering.

You can see these coffins, including our whole range, on our website here.