My Boy Builds Coffins

Coffins should be made by someone who respects the process. They should not be anonymous nor mass produced.

I love Simple Pine Boxes, a blog by a "box maker" who promotes the concept of honestly, simplicity and connection.

Coffin Shelves

The concept of a coffin seems so removed from our everyday lives. But what about a coffin design that allows us to enjoy it while we are still alive? As profiled in Inhabitat, designer William Warren's Shelves for Life begins its use as a lovely set of shelves, holding the objects we adore. When the time comes, this system can be transformed into a coffin, ultimately holding us.



The beauty of this concept coffin is the reuse of wood from life through death - no need to spend money and resources on a casket. For me, I love the idea of bringing something personal from our home to be part of our eternal home. I also think these shelves act as a subtle momento mori. Just like the precious objects we choose to put on these shelves, life itself is precious and should never be taken for granted.

Enviromentally Friendly Caskets

I'm not much for coffins, they usually make me claustrophic just looking at them. But these beautiful wicker willow coffins have a romantic flair, fit for a swooning Pre-Raphaelite Ophelia. Carefully hand-woven by Somerset Willow Company in the UK, these caskets are created with eco-friendly willow, locally harvested from the Somerset Levels.


If you prefer cremation, Somerset Willow Company also hand-weaves ashes caskets. It's almost as if you are going to a picnic.

IKEA Coffin?

We live in an era when our taste in furniture is transitory and disposable, fun yet economical. Should death be any different?

This tongue-in-cheek yet earnest coffin, designed by artist Joe Scanlan, provides the perfect DIY delivery to the big Ikea in the Sky. And at only $27.50, it's quite a deal! And of course, some assembly required. Available at www.thingsthatfall.com.