29 Negative Space Nails We're Positive You'll Love

red quarter negative space nails with gold bead — @nailsbyzola / Instagram

Negative space manicures are a trend that has no bounds. Whether you want to go symmetrical, off-center, perfectly geometric, or oddly shaped, the options are endless when it comes to achieving the aesthetic. Another pro of the design is that it instantly makes your manicure look that much more interesting and artistic. While we love a classic French or an opaque polish with a floral accent, but negative space manis offer an edge that doesn't automatically come with other designs. Take a look at these 29 negative space nail ideas to inspire your next set.

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Geometric Shapes

Inspired by Squid Games, the nail artist created precise geometric shapes against a peach base. Apply a matte topcoat for the edgy, minimal effect.

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Candy Swirls

candy stripe negative space nails — @disseynails / Instagram

These nails remind us of those big swirly lollipops. The colorful stripes are like windy roads that showcase every color of the rainbow.

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Varied Tips

red negative space nails — @overglowedit / Instagram

We love this play on a double French manicure, and a trimmed cuticle proves that you can play with more than one nail trend at a time. Likewise, there are endless ways to do negative space as shown here on the three middle fingers.

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Heart Cutouts

shades of pink heart negative space nails — @overglowedit / Instagram

Who said Valentines Day nails couldn't be worn year round? A cutout and floating hearts in baby and bubblegum pink make for the most darling art. This design also has a lot of versatility and can be done with stars, diamonds, or any other shape you can think of.

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Bold Stripes

autumn fall brown and orange negtative space nails — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Keep it simple with bold stripes on your tips, leaving the base bare for a clean finish. If you're a beginner and not quite able to make straight lines, try tape to keep everything neat and clean.

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Trimmed Tips

pink french tips with negative space trim and crystal bead — @phoebesummernails / Instagram

French tips are outlined with a thin line, leaving just a sliver of space in between. The crystal adds a floating twinkling star effect. The perfect pair of color and sparkle.

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Cartoon Lines

minimal neon 3-d lines with negative space design — @imarninails / Instagram

These colorful fine lines and squiggles give major cartoon vibes. The pops of color are raised off the nail bed adding some texture while the large negative space keeps it all minimal.

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French Tips and Half Moons

colorful glitter tips and half moon cuticles with negative space design — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

If you're not as subtle as the set above, go all out with sparkly French tips and cuticle crescents. Add to the maximalism of it all and do a different color on each nail.

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Split Art Deco Tips

white art deco french tips and gold trim with middle negative space design — @nailsbysuman / Instagram

These Art Deco French-inspired tips are absolutely regal. The thin metallic gold trim elevates the design, making it perfect for a wedding or Gatsby-themed affair.

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Festive Drops

festive red glitter negative space nails — @melanated.mani / Instagram

Speaking of Gatsby, shimmery pointed ends put us in the mind of the roaring 20s. For something less holiday-ish, consider a different color and shimmery tone.

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Soft Curves

spring bright colors and pastels negative space nails — @disseynails / Instagram

Pastels and curved edges give these nails a soft and delicate feel. The irregular shapes in the negative space add an extra artsy flair.

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Blocks of Color

colorful abstract short negative space nails — @nailsbycanishiea / Instagram

Colorful blocks and shapes frame a tiny opening like little stained glass windows. Not only do the assortment of colors make us feel good and happy, but your nails will also complement whatever you wear.

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One Quarter

A perfect quarter, these minimal nails are anchored by a center gold bead. The art is giving abstract clock and we love how straight and precise the lines are.

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Drippy Marble

dark multi colors marble effect negative space nails — @nailsbycanishiea / Instagram

Is it just us, or does this drippy marble look like swooped bangs? The hair-like strokes cascading to the side give the negative space an interesting angle.

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Nautical Stripes

Navy blue and light blue take us out to sea. The classic colors and clean stripes at the cuticle with a nude base make a nautical statement.

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Electric Lines

electric blue nails and multi colored negative space nails — @brownluxenails / Instagram

Electric blue and neon hues make this negative space mani a standout. Try solid bold bars in multi colors if you want to go geometrical and vibrant.

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Overlapping Blobs

pink and yellow swirl negative space nails — @yo_keshh / Instagram

Neon pink and muted peach make a gorgeous color combination. The asymmetrical overlapping leaves a large negative space for a polished and clean look.

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Fancy Eggs

dinosaur easter egg negative space nails — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Who knew an Easter egg-inspired mani could be so luxe? Spring colors and black speckles with gold trim might just be our next design. Keeping the line fine solidifies the posh appeal.

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Checkers And Hearts

burgundy oxblood negative space checker design with white heart — @melanated.mani / Instagram

Checkered wine boxes with white hearts over a nude base make a gorgeous neutral color palette that will complement a range of skin tones.

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Half Moons

purple gray with negative space cuticle half moon design — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Our favorite part about a half-moon at the cuticle is that we can go longer than usual before our next fill-in. This charcoal purple has just enough gray in it to act as a versatile neutral.

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Blue Waves

wavy blue negative space nails design with nude pink base — @lolo.nailedit / Instagram

Wide negative space separated waves of blue like a part in the sea. Such a set is perfect for summer or a beach vacation or when you only want a subtle hint of color.

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Sparkly Swirls

yellow, green glitter, sky blue, purple glitter swirls with negative space design — @imarninails / Instagram

What happens when tropical colors and glitter collide? The sparkles are separated by non-shimmery shades, which give the overall design an elevated contrast.

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Outlined Tips

thin glitter french tips trim with negative space design — @brushedbyb_ / Instagram

Just because it's minimal doesn't mean it can't sparkle. Thin trails of glitter outline the tips for a glamours take on the timeless French mani.

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Neon Abstract

neon yellow and pink abstract design with negative space — @brownluxenails / Instagram

There's a time and place for quiet and soft, and there's a time and place to get loud and bold. Neon pink and yellow make an electrifying statement.

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An Open Heart

baby pink french tips and heart shape negative space design — @nailsbysuman / Instagram

We've seen countless hearts being added to nails, but this cutout might be our new favorite. The square shape and muted color palette make this a go-to idea for a date night or romantic getaway.

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Sweet Parts

pink and red wavy nail design with negative space — @lolo.nailedit /Instagram

Hearts are great, but you can also give off lovey-dovey vibes with pink and red abstract art parted by a nude base. The curvy negative space in between makes the mani that much more sweet and romantic.

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Asymmetrical Halves

asymmetrical red matte with negative space design — @imarninails / Instagram

Chic, bold, and sexy. Matte red strokes atop the natural nail beds is the spin on classic red nail varnish we didn't know we needed. A touch more negative space is revealed with each nail for an added artistic finish.

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Trimmed In Half

half pastel with half negative space and metallic silver trim design — @amyle.nails / Instagram

A thin silver trim perfectly separating these nails down the middle is an opulent choice. The vertical direction also elongates the nails, especially when they are cut into an almond shape.

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Minimal Rainbow Waves

vivid blue, green, pink, yellow wave design with negative space — @nailsbysuman / Instagram

A very sheer neutral base allows every part of the natural nail, like the crescent and tip, to be visible. We love how the rainbow waves are kept simple and to one side, as the detailed negative space really adds something special to the finished look!