Nail art has got increasingly extra over the past year, with maximalist designs, 3D details, multicolour chrome and mix-n-match manis taking off. But simple nail designs will never not look stunning. There’s something about keeping it low-key and delicate that feels relaxed and sophisticated at the same time (like quiet luxury, but for nails).

A classic French tip can elevate a bare base in an instant, and it doesn’t need to be white. There’s plenty of room to personalise with the shade and shape (whether it’s slim and dainty or chunky and ’90s). A simple dot can add extra interest, as can a dash, stripe or dinky symbol like a heart, flower, evil eye or initial.

Of course, simple doesn’t have to be boring. It can create a clear background for the details on top to pop or offer a backdrop to an eye-catching streak of neon or a sparkly accent. Another bonus of simple nail designs? Chances are, you can recreate some of them yourself.

If you need a little inspiration, we’ve searched the internet to bring you some of our all-time favourite simple nail designs….

Dainty blooms These dainty blooms are adorable and they’re actually easier to achieve yourself than you’d think with a dotting tool and your coloured polish of choice.

Scattered hearts These white scattered heart are so simple but beautiful.

Rainbow chrome corners Simple doesn’t mean boring – as these fun rainbow chrome corner nails demonstrate.

Rainbow chrome corners Simple doesn’t mean boring – as these fun rainbow chrome corner nails demonstrate.

Wendy house florals A big bold floral, but on a sheer pink base. It’s the perfect balance of simple and cute.

Ombre neutrals Want a Frenchie vibe, but not a Frenchie? This takes the colour of a trad French manicure and ombres them out.

Frenchies and hearts Combine two simple details, French tips and heart details into one gorgeous mani.

All That Glitters You can never go wrong with a bit of sparkle, especially with this princess pink that manages to feel grown-up and not too Disney.

Tuxedo nails These tuxedo nails are so simple to create but so show-stopping on nails.

Daisy Chain Who needs fresh flowers when you have these adorable blooms adorned on your nails?

Shimmer tips The shimmery tips on these nails are a lovely way to add some maximum impact to a French mani.

Rainbow French tips Take a delicate Frenchie then make it fun with a different colour on each tip.