Looking for an art deco tattoo with a little something extra? Think sharp sunbursts, bold fan shapes or a skyscraper drawn in black lines.
These images mix geometric designs with flowing florals and other ornamental ideas, so not every reference is strictly Art Deco.
You can keep things simple or go all out. There are finished tattoos plus drawings to discuss with your artist.
I especially love the fan details and long, pointed shapes.
Geometric and ornamental tattoo ideas to save
long sweeping curls
We’re starting off with these gorgeous curls stretching along the forearm. I love the little spirals tucked between the long, pointed lines.
This one leans more toward flowing Art Nouveau ornament than sharp Deco geometry. Save it if you prefer curves over repeated angular patterns.
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diamond fan
How pretty is this shoulder piece? Fine lines spread from the center inside a long diamond, with little dots continuing above and below.
Ask your artist about keeping those pointed ends if you want to follow this design. They’re my favorite part.
open-center sunburst
If you are looking for something without lots of extra ornament, this one is for you. The chest tattoo has an open circle surrounded by uneven black rays.
I love the extra-long line running through the middle.
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flower in a curling frame
This little floral piece is so pretty. The flower bends toward the center while curling lines form a loose rectangular border.
Like the first design, it has more of an Art Nouveau feel. Keep it as a reference for the softer, flowing side of ornamental tattoos.
portrait with a forehead curl
Love a vintage portrait? This drawing gives you plenty to work with, from the dark swept-up hair to the long looped necklace.
That single curl over the forehead is such a lovely detail.
Bring it as portrait inspiration rather than a finished tattoo example.
skyscraper crown
The architecture fans are going to love this! This Chrysler Building drawing has rows of little windows beneath its pointed, tiered crown.
If you want an architectural tattoo, ask your artist which window details to keep at your chosen size. I’d definitely want to keep those triangular shapes at the top.
wrist lines and a tiny star
Don’t want to go all out with a large pattern? This design takes a much simpler approach.
Fine lines curve around the wrist, with one continuing down the hand and onto a finger.
The tiny starburst on the hand is my favorite little detail.
colorful peacock curls
I am obsessed with the blue and pink accents in this peacock tattoo. The curled tail sits among flowers, little leaves and spiraling stems.
This is a more flowing ornamental option rather than a strictly geometric one. Choose it as color inspiration if the black-only designs aren’t quite your thing.
crescent and pointed star
How gorgeous is this moon drawing? The crescent has dotted shading that gets darker toward its tips, with an outlined star sitting above it.
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Keep the vertical trail of dots if you want that same long arrangement. There’s no need to add a whole sky around it.
fans along the spine
This back tattoo may just be one of my favorites here. I love the large fan at the top and the smaller matching shape near the bottom.
Looping lines run through the center alongside stepped outlines. Bring the whole image to your artist if you like that mix of curves and corners.
bold black bands and fans
If you are looking for something bolder, then this one is for you. Thick black shapes run along the forearm between open ovals and fine-lined fans.
I especially love the wide fan near the wrist. It’s a lovely detail to build a smaller design around too.
flowers inside a pointed arch
This paper design has so many pretty details. A pointed arch sits above two columns, with flowers and a curling stem filling the middle.
The leafy shapes at the bottom are worth keeping if you ask for an adaptation. This reference mixes architectural framing with flowing botanical ornament.
eye with radiating lines
Want the eye to be the main feature? This design does exactly that with a dark pupil, curved lines around the iris and tall rays above.
I love the tiny star beneath it. The black leaf-like flourishes give you plenty of decoration without needing a separate frame.
Read also: 20 Almond French Tip Nails With Pretty Colors and Little Details
flowers and dotted trails
This is another spine-centered design, but it’s quite different from the bold outline piece above. Little flowers, leaves and star shapes follow a fine dotted trail down the back.
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The branches sweeping outward near the waist are so pretty. Keep that wider lower section in mind when discussing placement.
gold-colored jeweled snake
How stunning is this snake tattoo? The body loops over itself, with golden-yellow scales and red jewel-like details around the head.
This is more jewelry-inspired than a classic Deco pattern. I’d save it for the color combination and those little white highlights.
angular butterfly wings
If you’re looking for a butterfly without lots of floral extras, go with a design like this. Straight lines divide the wings into angular sections, with gray shading across some of the lower shapes.
I love that the upper wings stay mostly open. You don’t need color to enjoy the pattern.
ornate oval frame
Don’t want to choose a central image just yet? This oval frame drawing gives you a starting point.
The curled decorations at the top and bottom are lovely all on their own.
It’s more ornate than typical Deco geometry. You might ask your artist to add a portrait or flower inside, or leave the center open.
star-patterned coupe
I love this coupe glass drawing with the starburst shapes across its bowl. The narrow stem and wide rim make such a pretty outline.
There’s also a separate curling motif underneath. Choose the glass alone if that’s the part you’re drawn to, rather than treating both drawings as one tattoo.
patterned bands down the leg
This one goes all out with black linework. Maze-like bands, circular openings and radiating half-circles run down the lower leg and onto the foot.
My favorite part is the mix of narrow stripes and larger open shapes. If you want a smaller adaptation, ask about using just one of those patterned bands.
layered flowers and an arched border
Last but definitely not least, we have this gorgeous floral drawing. I love the overlapping petals and pointed leaves spilling beyond the tall border.
Read also: 20 Pastel Blue Wedding Guest Nails With Flowers, French Tips and Sparkle
The little hanging circles at the bottom are such a pretty finishing touch. Bring this as a botanical reference if you want flowers to take up most of your design.
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And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Isabella