diff --git a/code/__DEFINES/layers.dm b/code/__DEFINES/layers.dm
index 3cbd0d6dac44..74a390e2db47 100644
--- a/code/__DEFINES/layers.dm
+++ b/code/__DEFINES/layers.dm
@@ -83,10 +83,15 @@
 
 #define ABOVE_SPECIAL_RESIN_STRUCTURE_LAYER 3.01
 
+/// A layer above objects (like structures) but below items
+#define BETWEEN_OBJECT_ITEM_LAYER 3.01
+
+/// The layer on which items lay
+#define ITEM_LAYER 3.02
 /// for items that should be at the top of the pile of items
-#define UPPER_ITEM_LAYER 3.01
+#define UPPER_ITEM_LAYER 3.03
 /// just above all items
-#define ABOVE_OBJ_LAYER 3.02
+#define ABOVE_OBJ_LAYER 3.04
 
 #define BUSH_LAYER 3.05
 
diff --git a/code/game/objects/items.dm b/code/game/objects/items.dm
index a98a9c25d1aa..4d35b99e186f 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items.dm
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 	name = "item"
 	icon = 'icons/obj/items/items.dmi'
 	mouse_drag_pointer = MOUSE_ACTIVE_POINTER
+	layer = ITEM_LAYER
 	/// this saves our blood splatter overlay, which will be processed not to go over the edges of the sprite
 	var/image/blood_overlay = null
 	var/randpixel = 6
diff --git a/code/game/objects/structures/crates_lockers/closets/coffin.dm b/code/game/objects/structures/crates_lockers/closets/coffin.dm
index a0c1aade6d73..41c27ae47519 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/structures/crates_lockers/closets/coffin.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/structures/crates_lockers/closets/coffin.dm
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 	icon_opened = "coffin_open"
 	material = MATERIAL_WOOD
 	anchored = FALSE
+	layer = BETWEEN_OBJECT_ITEM_LAYER
 
 /obj/structure/closet/coffin/update_icon()
 	if(!opened)