If you’re a bookworm who also has a thing for tattoos, you’ve totally found your people. I’ve pulled together 23 of the most amazing literary tattoo ideas out there.
We’re talking everything from gorgeous book illustrations and author portraits to quotes that hit you right in the feels. Seriously, there’s a little something in here for every kind of book lover.
1. Unique Book Umbrella Tattoo
I feel like this tattoo just gets it. A good book can totally be a shield from the darker, rainier days in life, and this design captures that perfectly.
It’s a beautiful symbol for how, when things get tough, you can always escape and clear your mind with a great story.
2. Watercolor Book Tattoo
Source: @tattoojune
Okay, how gorgeous is this watercolor tattoo? This is such a unique idea for a book lover.
I love how artistic it feels, and you could get a design like this placed almost anywhere on your body. It’s a total showstopper.
3. Stephen King Quote
Source: @javiwolfink
This next tattoo is for all the horror fans out there, inspired by the one and only Stephen King. The design showcases some of a person’s favorite books alongside his quote:
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” You could totally recreate this with your own King favorites, or even pick another author and feature their works.
I love how this piece celebrates a single writer and their incredible impact.
4. Game of Thrones Tattoo Idea
Source: @inkedbyazja
This tattoo got its inspiration from Emilia Clarke’s own ink, which is a sweet homage to Khaleesi’s ‘children’.
If you’re a big GOT fan and love the Mother of Dragons, you might want to go for this lovely design. It’s a pretty small tattoo placed on the wrist, which is perfect for a subtle nod to the show.
Each dragon could even symbolize one of your kids, a sibling, or a friend. The possibilities are seriously endless!
5. Book and Flowers Tattoo
Source: @jherellejaytattoo
Next up, we have a super stylish book design. It’s a small and simple tattoo showing someone reading a book, framed by flowers.
I feel like something like this would look good on everyone, and you could easily recreate it with a pop of color. We’re obsessed with this tattoo!
6. Cute Rib Tattoo Idea
Source: @anaszmartins
Our next idea is absolutely perfect for all the bookworms. This tattoo shows an open book with little hearts floating out of it, which is such a creative and unique concept.
You could have a similar design made smaller and more delicate, or go bolder with some color. Plus, you could add a little “Read more” quote underneath the book!
7. George R. R. Martin Quote
Source: @m3leficent
So many readers are huge fans of the stories written by George R. R. Martin. For anyone who loves his work, here is a tattoo you might just adore.
It has his quote that says, “I have lived a thousand lives and I’ve loved a thousand loves”. It’s such a beautiful line that really captures how reading can open up entire worlds.
Honestly, even if you’re not a fan of the author, this quote is just amazing.
8. Lovely Back Tattoo
As you can probably tell, books and flowers just make for such pretty tattoos.
If you’re looking for a spot where your tattoo won’t always be on display, a back placement is a great choice.
9. Stack of Books Tattoo
Source: @isaarttattoo
This next tattoo idea is all about a stack of books. You could totally customize this design with the titles of your favorites on the spines.
The only hard part will be picking which stories to include, since there are probably so many you love!
10. Magical Harry Potter Tattoo Idea
Source: @mariskywalker.ink
The Harry Potter books are beloved by every generation all over the world. If you’re a fan of the books, then this tattoo is definitely for you.
It shows a hand holding a magic wand. For your own tattoo, you could pick out your favorite spells and images from the stories.
11. Roald Dahl’s Matilda Tattoo Idea
Source: @chrismorristattoos
Roald Dahl’s Matilda is a story that has been cherished by generations across the globe. It’s all about a magical girl who has a deep love for books.
This first tattoo idea showcases a sweet illustration of Matilda. It’s a really cute design that’s perfect for anyone who adores Roald Dahl and his tales.
12. My World Tattoo Idea
Source: @chiara_ecsalute
This next tattoo really speaks to a love of reading. It features a girl reading inside a snow globe with a plaque that says “my world.”
Reading really does transport you to another place, and this image is such a beautiful way to show that. We are obsessed with this unique design.
13. Simple Wrist Book Design
Source: @carlstroms2
If you’re not looking for a large tattoo, you could go with a smaller design like this one. A tiny open book is inked onto the wrist.
This is such a cute design and would be a great option for a first tattoo. You could have it placed on other parts of the body, too. The ankle would be another good choice.
14. Watercolor Tattoo
Source: @javiwolfink
Watercolor tattoos are so beautiful, and when you add books to the mix, you get the perfect ink for bookworms. This design is so artistic and creative.
You could recreate something similar with your own favorite colors, a meaningful quote, and beloved books.
15. The Little Prince Tattoo
Source: @cassyusilkiu
You can’t really call yourself a bibliophile if you haven’t read The Little Prince.
This novella is a favorite for both children and adults because it’s simple, colorful, and offers so many important life lessons. You could even add a quote from the story below the tattoo.
We’d suggest this one: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
16. Couple Tattoos
Source: @wypiszwymalujlubin
These unique tattoos are strong on their own, but they’re even better together.
You could also include the quote “I have lived a thousand lives” either above or below each tattoo.
17. Night Court Tattoo
Source: @literary.faerie
Sometimes, the things we read in books can help us through tough times, give us motivation, or help us grow.
That’s why they can inspire us to get a tattoo dedicated to a favorite book, quote, or character. These tattoos are a really unique and permanent way to keep our most cherished book memories alive.
18. Beautiful Jane Austen Tattoo
Source: @silvia_smart_tattoo
Jane Austen wrote some of the most beloved stories ever, including Pride and Prejudice and Emma.
Her books have inspired so many people and have become true classics of English literature. Our next idea features a stunning portrait of Jane Austen in a cameo style.
This is an absolute must-have for any Austen fan. You could recreate it with or without the frame.
19. Coffee and Books
Source: @jt_tattoo
This next tattoo is super tiny and just perfect for a first tattoo.
Book-themed tattoos don’t always have to be inspired by a specific story; you can always choose a more subtle design that shows your general love for literature.
20. Stack of Books Tattoo Design
Next up, we have another take on the stack of books design. This one shows four books with a steaming coffee cup on top.
I mean, what’s a good read without a hot cup of coffee? You could create a similar tattoo with your own favorite books and even add some color to the design.
21. Tiny Books Tattoo Idea
Source: @be.tattoo
You don’t have to get a tattoo that reflects a specific book or character; a tiny tattoo of a stack of books can hold a strong meaning too.
When you’re designing your book tattoo, you can have some fun and add more or fewer books, and maybe even a pop of color.
22. Pile of Books Tattoo Idea
Source: @nothingwildtattoo
Our next idea is a tattoo that shows a stack of books. Each book looks different, and there are some flowers inked in as well.
This is a gorgeous tattoo that would suit any book lover. You could have a design created with your favorite stories or add a little color.
23. Favourite Book Symbols
Source: @_fangirls_edit_
You don’t necessarily need a book design to show off your favorite stories. Maybe you could get symbols tattooed instead!
Here we have an arm tattoo with a bunch of different symbols from various books, some of which include Harry Potter and The Hunger Games.
You could have a similar tattoo made with symbols from your own favorite tales.
24. Pretty Arm Tattoo
Pay tribute to your favorite books with our next tattoo idea. The design features a pile of six books, with the top one open.
We love how simple the design is, but it’s still so eye-catching. The placement on the arm is also unique and pretty cool.
25. A Girl Flying on a Book
Source: @taltuagens
The next tattoo is just perfect for any book-lover. It shows a girl flying on a book, which can represent the power of reading and how it can transport you to different places.
The tattoo also includes smaller designs like a coffee cup, a camera, a map, coordinates, letters, and the Earth.