Searching for new nail art you’ve never tried? If you’ve been mostly looking to the future with chrome nails and modern dewdrop designs, the freshest choice may be to shift your gaze to the past. Art deco nails are rising in popularity on Instagram and TikTok, making them a standout choice for your next manicure. For those who don’t know, art deco refers to an architecture and arts movement that dominated Europe (especially Paris) in the 1920s, characterized by sweeping arches, precise points, decorative lines, and an all-around flapper/Roaring ’20s aesthetic. Think: The Great Gatsby. Now that you’re up to speed, keep reading to uncover 17 gorgeous art deco nail art ideas that will help you bring 1920s energy to the 2020s.
Vampy Art Deco
These two-toned art deco nails are giving all the vampy vibes. The colors here are from the Lights Lacquer Villain Era Collection, specifically Bite Me and Frenemies ($11 each).
Shell-Inspired
How stunning are these art deco mermaid nails? Nail artist Brittney Ellen created them using Lights Lacquer Nail Polish ($11) in the shades Are Mermaids Not Sweet and Message In A Bottle, topped off with the brand’s Beyond the Sea Charms ($8).
Color Block Chic
Color blocking is a major 2024 trend across fashion and beauty, and this tri-tone design is perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you want a sweet pop of color on your nails. While nail artist Aistė Haas didn’t reveal the polishes she used to accomplish the look, you can achieve a similar color palette with the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Color ($12) in the shades Rose and Shine, Once a Chiffon, and Wine Stock. For more nail color inspo, we rounded up a few of our favorites from OPI.
Art Deco Dots
Here, we have a detailed yet supremely easy art deco nail look. Simply start with black French tips, then use dotting tools to create a few dots in graduated sizes down the nail.
Retro-Futurist
Craving a little glitter? Consider this purple and black art deco mani. The trick to creating such crisp lines is to use an ultra-fine nail art brush, like the Beetles Gel Polish Nail Art Liner Brushes ($10).
Art Deco Square
While many art deco designs are painted on almond-shaped nails, here’s proof that they can look head-turning on square nails, too. The square shape also makes painting the designs a bit easier, as it takes curves out of the equation.
Tuxedo Art Deco Nails
Talk about a manicure fit for a black tie affair: This matte black mani is especially intriguing thanks to the high-contrast shimmering gemstones. The best part? The look is fairly simple to recreate using a striping brush.
Gemstone Art Deco Nails
As glamorous as this art deco mani looks, it’s actually pretty easy to recreate. Using a nail striping brush, paint French tips, split French tips, and fine lines on your nails as you see fit. Then, add a few gems to the mix (the Belleboost Crystal Nail Art Rhinestones Kit, $10, has a bunch). If you need to use nail glue for your gems of choice, we’ve found a few of the best.
Sweeping Curves
Sweeping curves are a popular art deco pattern, and this one adds a Midas touch to a very 2024 Peach Fuzz base. Rather than laboring over painting on the perfect curves, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the Paintbox Right Angle Press Ons ($28). You can put them on in under 10 minutes, and they’ll last up to a week or more.
Holo Pearlescent Art Deco French
There are so many ways to achieve an art deco look on your nails. If you’re looking for something less involved, opt for a double French manicure: Simply use the Orly Half Moon Guides ($6) to section out your nails, and paint accordingly.
Black Velvet Art Deco Nails
We love a high-shine velvet nail look, so this cosmically sparkly black mani is a must in our book. It was created using the Kiara Sky Nails Soak-Off Gel Polish ($13) in the shade Laven-Dare as the base, topped off with the brand’s Diamond FX Glitter Gel Polish ($15) in the shade Midnight Fling and Gel Art ($13) in the shade Negative Space.
Negative Space Art Deco Nails
How fun is this peek-a-boo negative space art deco nail look? Given the intricacy of the design, you’ll likely want to bring this one to your nail artist to recreate.
Pierced Art Deco French
One of the most fun ways to shake up a longer mani is with a nail piercing. We love how the gold hoop adornment here coordinates with the glitzy outline on the diamond French tip design.
Glittery Art Deco Reverse French
Celebrating a big milestone? These champagne glitter art deco nails are perfect for the occasion. To DIY the look, you’ll need an at-home gel kit and a long striping brush to achieve the unique pattern.
Neutral Art Deco Glam
For a neutral art deco mani with a hint of glam, check out these gorgeous press-ons from Paintbox. The mani in question is The Turning Point set ($28).
Matte Pistachio Art Deco Nails
Art deco manicures come in every color of the rainbow. While black and white tend to be most popular, here you can see how a matte pistachio polish paired with gold foil trim looks. Pretty, no?
Understated Art Deco
Minimalist, neutral nails are super popular right now (and never really go out of style). Take yours in an art deco direction by adding abstract, curving white lines as seen here.
