25 simple nail designs that are made for minimalists

Nail art has got increasingly extra over the past year, with maximalist designs, 3D details, multicolour chrome and mix-n-match manis taking off. But simple nail designs will never not look stunning. There's something about keeping it low-key and delicate that feels relaxed and sophisticated at the same time (like quiet luxury, but for nails).

A classic French tip can elevate a bare base in an instant, and it doesn't need to be white. There's plenty of room to personalise with the shade and shape (whether it's slim and dainty or chunky and '90s). A simple dot can add extra interest, as can a dash, stripe or dinky symbol like a heart, flower, evil eye or initial.

Of course, simple doesn't have to be boring. It can create a clear background for the details on top to pop or offer a backdrop to an eye-catching streak of neon or a sparkly accent. Another bonus of simple nail designs? Chances are, you can recreate some of them yourself.

If you need a little inspiration, we've searched the internet to bring you some of our all-time favourite simple nail designs….

Doubled-up Frenchies

Remix a classic Frenchie by doubling up the tip and add a twist with a pastel shade.

Dinky dots

A simple dot can add extra interest to a bare mani.

Dainty blooms

These dainty blooms are adorable and they're actually easier to achieve yourself than you'd think with a dotting tool and your coloured polish of choice.

Classic slim Frenchie

You can't beat a Frenchie and this one has been executed perfectly. The secret is spending just as much time on prep (cuticles and shaping) as on the art itself.

Scattered hearts

These white scattered heart are so simple but beautiful.

Black French tips

Swap out a white tip for a black. We love the elongated, pointed shape too for added elegance.

Rainbow chrome corners

Simple doesn't mean boring – as these fun rainbow chrome corner nails demonstrate.

Tips and lines

An elegant shape and simple designs (skinny Frenchies and a simple dash detail) pepped up in summer peach.

Wendy house florals

A big bold floral, but on a sheer pink base. It's the perfect balance of simple and cute.

Lemon Frenchie

A flash of neon has never looked so chic.

Ombre neutrals

Want a Frenchie vibe, but not a Frenchie? This takes the colour of a trad French manicure and ombres them out.

Frenchies and hearts

Combine two simple details, French tips and heart details into one gorgeous mani.

Reverse Frenchies

Flip the tip for a coloured cuticle.

Squiggles

These squiggles elevate a bare mani.

Pastel tips

Just a hint of colour on each tip is a lovely summery take on a classic French mani, simple but elegant.

Monochrome moment

These doubled-up Frenchie tips make an impact but feel sophisticated.

Evil eye detail

A little talisman of protection safely dotted on your fingernail.

Swoosh

Want a pop of neon? This aero green swoosh is the way to do it.

Delicate hearts

Simple but eye-catching, these sweet hearts are guaranteed to amp up your simple summer nails.

All That Glitters

You can never go wrong with a bit of sparkle, especially with this princess pink that manages to feel grown-up and not too Disney.

Rainbow French tips

Take a delicate Frenchie then make it fun with a different colour on each tip.

Tuxedo nails

These tuxedo nails are so simple to create but so show-stopping on nails.

Something blue

This powder blue tip is a gorgeous way to introduce the pastel shade into your mani.

Freshly-Picked

If only these cute blueberry painted nails counted towards your five-a-day.

Shimmer tips

The shimmery tips on these nails are a lovely way to add some maximum impact to a French mani.

Daisy Chain

Who needs fresh flowers when you have these adorable blooms adorned on your nails?

For more from GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor, Elle Turner, follow her on Instagram @elleturneruk

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