13 Doable Nail-Art Ideas Perfect for Short Nails

It's no secret that long, healthy nails are a feat that sits atop many beauty wishlists. We're always on the hunt for the best nail-growth products and expert practices for achieving extended talons, but that doesn't mean we don't love a good short-nail moment from time to time. After all, there are few things more liberating than the carefree attitude that comes along with freshly chopped nails. Opening tin cans and picking up coins are just a couple of simple pleasures that become infinitely easier.

Though keeping your claws cropped means having a little less real estate to use for nail art, there are still tons of short-nail designs that will satisfy even the most adventurous nail aficionados. Ahead, we've rounded up 13 decorative ideas to try on short nails, along with all the supplies you'll need to get the job done at home.

Abstract Art

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(Image credit: @heartzeena

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Incorporate all your favourite colours and designs into one easy composition. Add as many or as few elements as your nail length will allow.

Get the look:

Reverse French

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

No matter how short your nails are, there's always enough space to create a reverse French-manicure design. This spin on the classic nail-art style is modern and oh so chic.

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Fine Lines

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(Image credit: @hollyfalconenails

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Fine, curved lines are an easy nail look that brings in an ultra-cool design element without being too flashy. The best part? You can paint your lines in any colour you want.

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Clouds

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

Can you imagine a dreamier nail design than fluffy clusters of cumulus clouds? You can even make them work on super-short nails.

Get the look:

Simple Studs

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(Image credit: @buffcs)

Looking for a bit of hardware to add to your manicure? Simple metal studs are the way to go. 

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Colourful Accents

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(Image credit: @amy_lawrenson)

Sometimes all you need is a little accent here or there to create a full-out design moment. This nail-framing look is perfect for shorter lengths since the details are so small.

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Outlines

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(Image credit: @varnishlane)

This artful take on the classic French design looks beautiful on shorter nails. The negative-space effect is so cool.

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All Smiles

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(Image credit: @thehangedit)

Smiley faces provide the whimsical nail art we all need right now. (Just ask Harry Styles!) No matter how long or short your nails are, you've surely got enough nail space to accommodate this happy little design.

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Flower Power

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(Image credit: @bubblyaquarius)

Flowers are the nail-art staple that never goes out of style. Just adjust the sizing to fit your particular nail-length needs.

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Dots for Days

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(Image credit: @evemeetswest)

Polka dots, anyone? We love the look of the full nail covered in these tiny circles—the smaller the better.

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Colour Swatches

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(Image credit: @nails_of_la)

Make a big impact on short nails by swatching contrasting colours. We love simplicity.

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Polychromatic Schemes

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(Image credit: @betina_goldstein)

No matter the length of your nails, a coordinated multicoloured look is always a good idea.

Get the look:

Wavey Lines

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(Image credit: @evemeetswest)

We love this vibrating design. Grab your favourite muted colours and a solid nail-art brush, and you're good to go.

Get the look:

Associate Beauty Editor

Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with about six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previously Who What Wear's associate beauty editor after spending many years working on the West Coast edit team at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.