100 Gorgeous but Subtle Tattoo Ideas

100 Gorgeous but Subtle Tattoo Ideas

Tattoos you either love them or you don’t.

Whether you have one or many, it doesn’t change who you are, or who you’ll become. It’s been said our body is our temple so tattoos are really just decorating the walls.

There are so many different styles to choose from and the actual artwork can be a choice driven by heartfelt meaning or chosen simple because you liked it. And if you don’t, well there are great ways to get rid of them now! Just look at this before and after shot!

Anyone with a tattoo known just how many hours go into trawling the internet to help fine tune your design, showing just how much thought goes into the decision to adorn your skin with permanent artwork.

I’ve compiled a list of 100 gorgeous subtle tattoos to browse through as you’re making that decision. I guess subtle means different things for different people when it comes to tattoos, but I’m sure you will find one or two at least which you will consider as ‘not too bad’ and size up just where you might get them!

Enjoy browsing after all the ‘research’ I’ve been doing I’m really keen for another piece”¦now just to decide which one!

1. Free as a bird”¦ a little inspirational piece!

2. White Ink Tattoo

The jury is out on how effective they are but subtle yes, and curious. I know I am!

3. Foot tattoo

These are lovely and can add a little spunk to your summer sandal look. A toe ring style is uber chic.

4. Watercolour Foot Tattoo

Keeping on foot tattoos”¦this stunning watercolour style is so feminine. Beautiful.

5. Dog lover? Such a special tribute to your furkid.

6. World Map Tattoo

For the traveller, a little world map. I love this one!

7. Wrist Tattoo

Delicate wrist tattoo in monotone shades dreamy.

8. Punctuation Mark Tattoo

‘Pause’ you could have stopped but you chose to go on… simplicity is perfection.

9. Fine artwork on fingers different, I think I like this!

10. Fine geometric artwork basic but oh so sharp.

11. Under breast/sternum tattoo

Cute (while you still have perky boobs that is!)

12. Geometry and floral what’s not to love about this?!

13. ‘Be still my beating heart’

Cuteness personified. I am seriously crushing on this!

14. Classic colouring sophistication deluxe.

15. Wing Tattoo

Although running is not something I’m familiar with unless it’s to refill my wine glass! Lol

16. Yes honesty IS the key.

17. Mother and Child Tattoo

The love of a mother for her child simple lines speak such volumes.

18. Arrows 

Simple and understated, arrows are growing in popularity.

19. Tribal Elephant  

Lucky elephant tattoo carry your lucky talisman with you permanently!

20. Floral Tattoo

Pretty pastel florals very feminine indeed!

21. Soft flowing lines really bring this piece to work quite beautiful.

22. Girlie lace foot tattoo

Brings feminine to feet.

23. Back Floral Tattoo

Stop right there!! Stunning fine lines and detail bring this piece to life. Would hurt like hell but just beautiful. *sigh*

24. Cat 

Crazy cat lady in training or full fledged? Either way this is cute.

25. Back Jewellery Tattoo

Quite sublime. Would look tremendous with a plunging back top.

26. Back White Ink Tattoo

Stunning on a darker skin don’t you think?

27. Heart-shaped Fingerprint 

Dedication to your child/ children fingerprints shaped as hearts. I kinda like this, more subtle than a hand or foot print.

28. Arm Floral Tattoo

Simple lines and minimum shading keep this tattoo sharp and simple.

29. Henna-inspired Tattoo

As much or as little as you want.

30. Side Watercolour Tattoo

Watercolour tattoos are building in popularity you can see why!

31. Anchor 

Anchor tattoo adorned with florals are really quite lovely.

32. Book lover 

For the literary lovers books can be a wonderful escape.

31. Desire-inspired  

Wanderlust the desire or impulse to travel, combined with the arrow gives the words some direction.

32. Smokey 

Smokey artwork makes this piece just amazingly soft and feminine.

33. Feather 

A little punch of colour in this gorgeous feather brings it to life.

34. Antler 

Antlers are all the rage with the hipsters but with or without this tattoo really is awesome.

35. Musical Note 

The treble clef is very popular as a tattoo amongst the lovers of music add some inspirational words a bit special.

36. Wrist Watercolour Tattoo

Sick of the winter? Keep a little spring with you all year!

37. Simple Boat 

Cute as a button sail boat for those who love the big blue.

38. Quote-inspired 

Let it be admit it you’re singing THAT song now too right?!

39. Cute Anchor 

Cute & girly what else do you want?

40. Back Watercolour Tattoo

Can you have bold colours and still be subtle? Yes indeed!

41. Nature-inspired 

For the earth lovers watercolour ideals for the tree of life. Love how the ‘soil’ smudges down from the roots.

42. Watercolour Body Tattoo

Wait what’s this!? Sorry must have pinned this one by mistake.

But I guess while we are here it won’t hurt just to admire his tattoos right?! Haha and those abs..did somebody turn off the air conditioner?!

43. Sleeve Tattoo

Delicate adornment really soften this tattoo making it uber feminine.

44. Shell 

I wonder if you put it up to your ear would you hear the sea? Great for the lovers of the beach and sea life.

45. Wave 

Keeping on the coastal theme perfect for those with and affinity for the sea.

46. Dream Catcher 

Dream catchers are very popular I think this one is pretty cute.

47. Finger Tattoo

You’re going to hear me roar superfine detail in this finger tattoo.

48. Love White Ink 

Although this is in white ink, it would work well in any colour really.

49. Ankle Arrow 

Just look past the goosebumps, and it’s not a bad little tattoo lol

50. Watercolour Anchor 

Another spin on the nautical anchor very nice. Soft colours make this just dreamy.

51. Calf Tattoo

Simple design but really effective. Play around with the placement and sizing and its just perfect.

52. Floral Shawl Tattoo

Antique inspiration on this floral shawl just softens the dimensions don’t you think?

53. Ankle Bracelet Tattoo

I’m a sucker for feet tattoos combine with henna inspiration and I’m sold on this one

54. Infinity

Cute infinity symbol with strong message. Love the life you live and live the life you love. Perfect!

55. Paws

Paw prints behind the ear so subtle and a great idea for the animal lover

56. Arrow Back Tattoo

Geometric shapes winning again on this piece, and love the placement of it as well!

57. Compass 

This reminds us that life is a journey.. You must travel, see the world, visit places you’ve always wanted to see. Love it.

58. Thigh Tattoo

Thigh tattoos can be a little larger, doesn’t mean they can’t be on the subtle side though.

59. Back Shoulder Tattoo

Amazing I want. That is all.

60. Inner Finger Tattoo

I wonder if it would hold up over time. Nice idea though.

61. Antique-inspired Floral

I really DO love them and sharp black lines as a contrast really pop in this tattoo.

62. Lotus Back Tattoo

This lotus is almost ghost-like in its appearance but so subtle.

63. Floral Sleeve Tattoo

There is no need to hide your tattoo on your wedding especially if they are as gorgeous as this!

64. Nape Tattoo

Love, Music key to life.

65. Back of Wrist Tattoo

Mandalas are so delicate and the subtle inclusion of a second colour really completes this wrist tattoo.

66. Quotes 

Woops!! How does this keep happening?? I’m terribly, terribly sorry. I guess at least he has a tattoo… and gorgeous eyes.. oh those shoulders.. may I touch you?

67. Leaves 

Autumn leaves blowing in the breeze the brown colouring really softens the look of this.

68. Bird Tattoo

Classic swallow with black and white ink. Not sold on the location of this one but what ever floats your boat!

69. White Foot Tattoo

Love this white foot tattoo still trying to work out what’s going on with the tan lines though lol

70. Lower Calf Tattoo

The peacock’s tail feathers scroll around the ankle onto the foot I’m a little impressed with this one.

71. Cute Tree

Tree of life or family tree punchy and to the point.

72. Outer Calf Tattoo

How about getting a little arty farty and having a slash of random colour through your drawing.

73. Back of Ear Tattoo

Dandelion seeds just drifting delicate subtle on point.

74. Side Foot Tattoo

Foot tattoo nice fine lines. Placement on this one is spot on don’t you think?

75. Back of Wrist to Arm Tattoo

Now I’m not really sure if I’m sold on this one at a glance it looks like scaring, but then to stop and really look it’s quite delicate.

76. Floral Back of Wrist Tattoo

This just makes me think of a corsage. Love the position of this one too.

77. Hand Henna

Like jewellery adorning the hand cute henna tattoo doing it’s thang.

78. Heart Side Foot Tattoo

Who doesn’t love a love heart on the foot = cuteness!

79. Floral Back Spine Tattoo

Fine black daisies on the spine just look so sexy and definitely not in your face.

80. Watercolour Back of Wrist Tattoo

Watercolour poppy tattoo very cool.

81. Arrow Neck to Spine Tattoo

Another arrow really simple, understated and yet strong at the same time.

82. Floral Forearm Tattoo

Not sure whether I would get both forearms done but one on the right skin tone is just dreamy.

83. Floral Back of Ear Tattoo

Behind the ear rose in neutral tones really quite pretty.

84. Side of Ankle Tattoo

A feather with birds breaking free from the norm I guess well that’s just my interpretation really! Lol

85. Floral Back Tattoo

Large but oh so subtle with whisper soft lines. Gorgeous positioning as well.

86. Floral Forearm Tattoo

A bouquet of Forget me Nots I’m sure we could spin some hidden meaning on how unforgettable you all are or just say yeah, that’s kinda cute!

87. Floral Shoulder Cap Tattoo 

This is one position I’m definitely getting done quite pretty really.

88. Floral Side of Ankle Tattoo

Super cute super detailed with a pop of colour to bring it to life.

89. Shoulder Cap Tattoo

Another shoulder cap piece the ‘dangly’ detail really softens this design.

90. Simple Lotus 

They’ve become very popular as well as in nature they can grow through really tough conditions and then flower with the most stunning display. Nice little metaphor for life.

91. Butterflies

Butterflies have remained a popular choice for decades now this little trio I’m liking.

92. Embroidered Heart 

Embroider your skin with a cross stitch tattoo has a feeling of innocence doesn’t it?

93. Thumb tattoo

Kind of like jewellery on your had 24/7 isn’t it?

94. Foxes 

Cute! Although this is a temporary tattoo it would look awesome inked into skin.

95. Floral Arm Tattoo

For the uber cute chic gal I am LOVING everything about this!

96. Side Hand Tattoo

Simple hand tattoo nice lean lines makes it less in your face moreoh excuse me I don’t mean to interrupt.

97. Floral Nape Tattoo

Cute little nape piece you chose to hide or show.

98. Watercolour Birds Tattoo

How special are these? Love the colours and detail I would definitely consider this as a possible next tattoo.

99. Illusion 

This drawing would be amazing on someone! Femininity on point!

100. Watercolour Floral Nape Tattoo

Watercolour floral on the back of the neck very nice indeed.

Looking to get inked?