Thinking about getting some new ink? Then you absolutely need to see these small tattoo ideas. I’m a huge fan of the fact that not all tattoos have to be big and bold to be amazing.
You can totally get a beautiful piece of art that covers just a small area. I think smaller designs are such a great choice for a first tattoo, or if you’re just looking for something dainty and packed with meaning.
I know that picking a design can be a real challenge since there are endless stunning ideas out there. That’s why I’ve done the legwork and narrowed it down to 21 trendy tattoos that are guaranteed to get you inspired.
1. Karma Tattoo
Source: @rizeinktattoo
Are you a big believer in karma? Then this next pick is totally for you. I’m obsessed with how this tattoo features the famous saying within a really awesome infinity design.
I think using the infinity style is such a great choice, as it makes the quote feel so unique. It looks super trendy placed on the wrist, though you could have something like this tattooed on a different part of the body too.
2. Cute Cat
Source: @jakubnowicztattoo
For all the cat people out there, I’ve found the perfect tattoo for you. This cat is so simple and minimalistic, which makes it such a stylish choice.
The placement gives this piece a cute and feminine vibe. Something like this is a classic that won’t go out of style, and it could definitely be put elsewhere on the body.
3. Hand Tattoo
Source: @dave_amazink
Hand tattoos can often be big and bold, but here’s a way to get one with a small and subtle design. A quote in a beautiful font on the side of the hand is so stylish and will look great on any girl.
You could get any quote that has a special meaning to you.
4. Sunshine Tattoo
Source: @sophhierose
Next up, we have this little sunshine tattoo. A design like this one is so fun and definitely won’t go out of style.
This particular tattoo is placed on the back of the foot, which gives it a really unique look. It will be super cute with your summer sandals!
Since the sun is such a minimal design, you could have it tattooed on other parts of the body instead of the foot.
5. Dainty Rose
Source: @stickandpoketattoo
Roses are known for being so delicate and beautiful. This small tattoo captures those elements just perfectly. I think the dainty design looks absolutely stunning.
Something like this is a great option if you don’t want to show off your ink all the time. It’s such a pretty and timeless design.
6. Star Constellation
Source: @emmmma_yiyi
The star constellations in the night sky are just breathtaking. So, it’s really no surprise that artists have been inspired by them to create some stunning tattoos.
A tattoo like this one is so cool and stylish. You could make it totally unique to you by choosing your favorite constellation to get inked.
7. Small Thigh Tattoo
Source: @ilwolhongdam
Thigh tattoos are quite often very big pieces that cover the whole thigh area. If you’re into the thigh tattoo style but don’t want a design that’s quite so large, then check this out.
This gorgeous little seahorse looks amazing on the thigh and can be shown off when you wear shorts. It’s a small tattoo that makes a great starting point, and it could even be added to in the future.
8. Meaningful Quote
Source: @roxtattoo
Tattoos can be so meaningful. They can symbolize a good time, a bad time, or even offer words of wisdom.
A super popular way to express yourself with ink is through bible verses. These verses will mean different things to different people, which makes each one so unique.
The simple “be still” verse makes for a truly beautiful tattoo.
9. Delicate Flower
Source: @catandtatto
I’m here to tell you that floral tattoos don’t have to be big and complex. You could go for something that’s really pretty and delicate like this one.
It’s just a single, colorful flower that is small but still makes a statement. A little tattoo on the arm like this can be covered up too. It’s such beautiful ink, and you could create this look with any flower you love.
10. Small Wrist Tattoo
Source: @ann_pokes
Wrist tattoos are so popular, and with a beautiful piece of ink like this, it’s easy to see why. This tattoo is small but very detailed.
I love that the black lines keep it simple and chic. It has a definite boho vibe that never goes out of fashion. You could re-create this in so many amazing ways.
11. Stylish Skyline
Source: @inkweheart
Our next pick is a fantastic one for all the travelers out there. This small wrist tattoo is of the New York skyline.
It’s such a creative way to show off your favorite travel destination. You could have any skyline with its landmarks put on here. It’s a fun piece that will have a special meaning just for you.
12. Pretty Floral Ink
Source: @karinecruvinel
Here is another pretty floral design to consider. This time, the flowers have been inked on the back of the arm.
A tattoo placed on the back of the arm is seriously cool and trendy. It’s a beautiful tattoo that will look great when you’re wearing a t-shirt. You could have any flower or symbol you like placed here.
13. Small Neck Tattoo
Source: @dianadegato
Tattoos on the back of the neck are so trendy right now. I just love how it can be covered with your hair or a top and then be shown off whenever you choose.
This stag tattoo is absolutely beautiful. It can represent strength and being the leader of the pack. One thing is for certain, you’ll be leading the fashion pack with a design like this.
14. Best Friends Ink
Source: @mariink.tattoos_
Best friend ink has become so popular lately. It is such a fun way for you and your bestie to match.
We absolutely love this pinky promise design. It’s a symbol of promising to remain friends forever.
You could have this placed anywhere on the body. While there are many best friend tattoos out there, this one is especially cool and unique.
15. Floral Anklet
Source: @hktattoo_mini
A floral anklet is such a beautiful tattoo idea. Something like this is just great for summer since you can show it off with your pretty shoes.
The flowers in this design are so delicate and feminine. This is a much more subtle take on the bolder anklet styles and it definitely will not go out of style.
16. Ear Tattoo
If you are looking for something small and totally unique, then this is for you! This awesome ear tattoo is both simple and cool.
The small black lines almost look like jewelry. Trust me, there are so many creative ways you could style this ink, from using different line thicknesses to changing where the lines are placed.
17. Movie Quote
Source: @pequenostatuajes
Movie quotes and symbols make for some awesome tattoo ideas. It’s a way to honor your favorite film while also showing it off to other people.
Something like this is a great talking point. It doesn’t have to be super obvious either; you could have a simple quote just like this Harry Potter tattoo.
18. Pretty Heart Tattoo
Source: @rick_tattooscp
Hearts are always such a cute symbol. A heart tattoo like this is a great choice if you’re looking for a small ink idea. You could even go a little smaller or bigger with it, too.
With such a minimal design, there is plenty of room to get creative. It is a really pretty piece that will look beautiful on any girl.
19. Beautiful Butterfly
Butterflies are such beautiful creatures, which makes them popular design ideas. We love our next pick because it shows that you can have a small tattoo but not have to compromise on the detail.
You can still get stunning and intricate patterns on a smaller piece. This one is giving us some serious tattoo envy!
20. Small Tattoo on the Thumb
Source: @duydang0128
Tattoos on the fingers have become a definite favorite. There are so many designs, from hearts to different symbols.
So here is something a bit different for you to consider: a thumb tattoo. This cool and edgy tattoo features some minimalistic lines. It is simple and small but will absolutely make a statement.
21. Star Sign Tattoo
Source: @pedrogandara_
Star sign tattoos look so very trendy. This Leo design is small and has a really cool vibe. We also love where this tattoo is placed.
You could have any of the 12 zodiac signs tattooed just like this to make it completely unique to you.