25 Simple Nail Designs for Minimalist Mani Lovers
Simple? Yes. Boring? Never.
As much as we love maximalist nail looks decked out with accents like three-dimensional jewels and intricate patterns, there’s something undeniably stylish and equally statement-making about the best simple nail art designs. From teeny-tiny polka dots to timeless French tips, there are a number of ways to enter your nail art era and stay true to your streamlined tendencies.
These sleek and streamlined nail looks are not only more versatile than a more involved manicure but also tend to be slightly easier to DIY. Whether you plan on unleashing your inner nail artist with an at-home painting session or showcasing a few inspirational pictures at your local salon, we rounded up some of the best simple nail designs to try in 2024.
Butterfly Motif
The butterfly motif is one Y2K fashion and beauty trend that’s here to stay. Yes, even in 2024. Lean into the early aughts aesthetic even more with coordinating hair clips.
Bright Lines
Bored of the classic French mani? Try a reverse French using bold, alternating shades of polish.
Rainbow Hearts
Grab a thin brush and paint the rainbow in teeny-tiny hearts, dedicating each nail to different colors within the same shade range.
Blush Nails
Blush nails bring a pop of playful color to the dreamy aura design.
Little Hearts
Even on otherwise naked nails, the tiny design shines. For a more unexpected take, try using black polish, as seen here.
Smiley Faces
It’s hard not to grin when you catch a glance at this multicolored manicure, which can be easily achieved with both lacquer or nail stickers.
Baby Bugs
As nail artist Zola Ganzorigt demonstrated on Kylie Jenner’s manicure, nothing goes better with butter-hued French tips than baby bugs.
Negative Space Stars
The secret to these negative space stars? Stickers that you peel off post-painting.
Dainty Flowers
Florals can be as minimal or intricate as you want them to be. For something on the easy end of the spectrum, consider this design, created out of simple dots.
Negative-Space Neon
Swirls of highlighter-yellow polish are even more vibrant against a neutral background.
Glitter Tips
Don't call it a French: Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik deems this look on Jennifer Lopez "glitter liner."
Berry Cute
Who knew? Paint a few little dots and flicks, and suddenly you'll have a bushel of blueberries on your fingernails.
Pretty Petals
Go for an abstract take on florals with a trio of dainty petals near the inner and outer corners of your nails.
Minimalist Dots
One dot, two dots, three dots, four: This look proves that even the smallest effort can be highly effective.
Rainbow Half-Moons
The half-moons are easy, especially with a guide like hole-punch stickers. The hard part will be choosing your fave polish shades.
Evil Eyes
Eye motifs don't have to be super-intricate. As Betina Goldstein proves, you can keep the negative energy at bay with just strategically placed blue polish and sparkles.
Modern Art
If you can draw a straight line, you can do this look in minutes.
Subtle Aura
You may want to see a pro for results this consistent, but you can get a similar look using a makeup sponge.
Shiny Swoops
Once your base polish dries completely, use a contrasting nail shade to paint a curved line on top.
Loose Lines
Calling all doodlers: All you need is a couple of nail polish pens to draw on this fun design.
