Your Girl Knows’ product recommendations are handpicked by our editorial team and given the seal of approval by Harman herself. When you buy something through our affiliate links, we might earn a little commission—at no extra cost to you! We only recommend products we genuinely love. Please read my Disclosure Policy for additional information.
Are you looking for really cute short nail designs? Your search has come to an end, gorgeous!
As big a fan as I am of long acrylic nails, I have to admit that short nails are way more practical in a way that I can actually button and unbutton my shirts or open my soda can without struggling.
It’s true that after getting long nails for such a long time, small nails feel like my nails have been chopped off their hair and become bald, lol. But truth be told, acrylics are not very comfortable when you have to type all day long: enter my desk job or do adult things like washing clothes or cooking.
So when I moved out of my family home, I started loving the idea of small practical nails that look equally good and let you do your regular chores. If you, too, want to switch up your nail game, here are 58 classy and cute short nail designs that will give your nails that extra pizzazz.
Whether you’re going for a minimalist look or want to add some personality with patterns and colors, there’s something here for everyone. So dig in and find your new go-to style!
58 Cute short nail ideas to try
1. handpainted butterflies
Look at these insanely beautiful butterfly wings! You do not need long nails to make this design look adorable. Just a creative eye!
2. watercolor ombre
Find your inner artist and create vertical ombre nails. How unique is this short nail idea?
3. burnt orange swirls
Make orange look evergreen with these triple-colored swirls on a neutral base. This is perfect for summer, spring, or even fall.
4. abstract french nails
Get artistic with your basic white French nails and make your short nails look a little extra.
5. gold acrylic short nails
Gold foil accents are the easiest way to enhance any nail design and add that oomph. These gel nail designs are both neutral and elegant.
DIY Starter kit to recreate any nail design you want!
6. green checkerboard
Who said the checkerboard style needs more space? These short nail art are perfect for work or college. Not at all disturbing but also pretty.
7. funky eye nails
Ditch your everyday designs and have fun with your nail art and go for vibrant, popping eyes. It’s time to show your personality through your short nail designs.
8. cute short nails
How simple yet sophisticated is this short nail idea? With thick swirls and small dots, it cannot get easier and classier.
9. leaf of gold
Give your nails time to breathe from regular manicures with this insanely cute short nail design. It will go with your work outfits, college books, or even wedding and other formal events. Just so pretty!
10. vibrant french tips
Add a twist to your oldie French nails with a two-tone ombre to make your cute short nails summer friendly and fun!
11. simple short nail design
This is how easy to make your short nail design look like a million bucks. I love the silver swirls; it matches the ring perfectly 😉
12. brown fairy
If black is too much for you, try this adorable brown short nail idea and accessorize it with five-petal flowers. It’s simple, unique, and totally swoon-worthy!
13. classy short nail style
If these are not the definition of elegant and classy short nails, I don’t know what is. Copper foil accents add just the perfect hint of glamour.
14. abstract short nails
Abstract designs are one such versatile styles that look damn good no matter whether you have long or short nails.
15. soft smiles
Hop on the smiley trend with these cute little smilies over a nude nail base.
16. white bouquet
White is a color of taste and elegance. And this short nail design represents just that.
17. short summer nails
In for a vibrant summer nail idea? How about this one with ombre and palm trees? Well, it’s an instant yes!
18. yin yang manicure
Ditch the oldie black yin-yangs for these pastel green ones and give a very modern yet cool vibe this season.
19. fall is coming
How gorgeous are these short acrylic nails? Firstly, the color combination is more than pretty. Secondly, these white flowers with glitter outlines are so darn adorable. *Chef’s kiss!*
20. silver negative spaces
Do something chic and modern with these holographic nail polishes and negative space shapes just like this.
21. shades of summer
If this is not the perfect bright nail design for summer, I don’t know what is.
22. cow print Frenchie
Cow print has been quite trendy these past few years, but it’s like we cannot get enough.
23. golden tulip
Omg, omg, how freakin’ beautiful are these short nail designs? I’m totally head over heels for this one. Look at the uniqueness and creativity; I mean, wow!
24. sparkly short nails
Want to keep it soft and subtle? Try adding some silver foil accents to your small nails and apply a shiny topcoat over them. This is how you get an easy yet pretty design.
25. summery sunflower
Perfect for cherishing the rays of sunshine, this sunflower nail idea is made to look great in summer, spring, or even fall.
26. blue fire
Add fire to your nails (not really), but with this soft nail art, you are sure to set your nails for a glamorous rock party.
27. black galaxy
If black short nail designs are what you are looking for, these galaxy-style nails will look incredibly gorgeous and very fabulous.
28. pretty pink mani
Keep it subtly elegant by adding a pop of pink and daisies to your regular nude manicure.
29. cute evil eye nails
Who doesn’t like keeping evil eyes at bay? This nude nail design is perfect for short nails and will look pretty all year round.
30. plaid nails
If you think plaid is only for winter, this idea will force you to think again.
31. confetti nails
Get ready for the party called life with these confetti nails. They are super easy to recreate and look equally good on small nails.
32. Bright rainbow nails
Rainbow swirls are one of the prettiest but still very interesting designs for the season. Pick some beautiful bright colors that would complement each other if you recreate this design.
33. nude nails
Can a design be any more simple? You just have to create two half daisies on a neutral polish base, and you are good to go.
34. electric blue French tips
Switch your white French mani with this electric blue one and create this playful short nail idea.
35. peach rainbow
Rainbow doesn’t always have to be vibrant and this is the perfect example of that.
36. classic pink short nails
Oh gosh, when do classic pink nails ever go out of style?
37. a perfect spring
Let’s choose calming colors for short summer nails to complement the bright sunny days.
38. two shades
Keeping it simple and sophisticated, try this two-tone diagonal nail art for short nails this time.
39. subtle blue flowers
Apply a neutral base color and then either handprint or use nail stickers over it.
40. burnt fall vibes
The fall vibe level on this idea is 100/100. All the colors and these adorable daisies on the thumb and ring finger are perfectly made and placed.
41. sparks & cloud nails
Bring out the artist in you with this pink clouds and sparkle nail art design. Top it off with matte nail polish to make them like your natural nails.
42. honeycomb nails
Trust me, if you like to stand out from the crowd, these accent nails are made to set you apart. You can buy this nail set and DIY this at home.
43. peachy ass
Take inspiration from yummy peaches to create these cute short nails you can rock in summer or spring.
44. fuzzy delight
The pink and orange color combination is all the rage for fashion videos, so why not play with it on nails as well?
45. nude flora
Let’s keep it simple and elegant for everyday wear with this ultra-cute but short nail design.
46. nude short nails
What a pretty nude shade!! And with a hint of sparkle, you can easily pull this off by grabbing one of the thin nail art brushes and dipping it in glitter polish and making a reverse French manicure. Super easy and stunning!!
47. electric pink zebra
Let’s get something bright like this for summer.
48. cute french tips
I’m obsessed with this two-shade French manicure. They are super versatile and look insanely adorable.
49. blue short nail designs
If one can create these cute little flowers on such short nails, I’m telling you, you can try any nail art on them.
50. hearts of gold
Wow, get this nail design for any formal or informal event or even a wedding. Rock the shiny golden tips and heart accents even with short nails.
51. gold Frenchie
How about painting your tips with a solid gold color just like this? It’s a classic French manicure that will always be in style, no matter what!
52. marble with gold accents
Smoky cloudy nails may not be something new, but they sure will look great on short nails.
53. shades of brown
Paint your half-nails with the color family of one shade and rock the season just as beautifully as it sounds.
54. abstract faces
Get this nail wrap and DIY this short nail design at home.
55. pink + blue marble short nails
Get inspired with this colorful marble nail design with little gold accents. The best part is you can buy these nail wraps and they make it so much easier for you to have them.
56. floral french tips
Here’s another simple short nail design with a little flower crown as French tips.
57. animal print nails
Animal print may be a little too general, but with this nail color, I’ll try ’em!
58. little blue birdie nails
Jeeeeeeez, how damn pretty is this design? Who said short nails limit us to boring styles?
Conclusion on short nail designs
Whether you’re looking for a sweet and feminine design or something with a bit more edge, we’ve got the perfect short nail ideas for you. So what are you waiting for? Get inspired by these cute designs, and start painting your nails today! Which of these ideas is your favorite?
related articles to short nail designs
- 43 Really Cute Nails For Summer That’ll Wow Everybody
- 16 Beautiful Summer Nail Colors for Dark Skin Beauties
- 52 Hottest Nude Nails You Have Got To Try This Year
