21 rose tattoos that are seriously chic

Certain tattoo designs come in and out of style while others, like rose tattoos, stay consistently on trend. Popular since the early 1900s, a rose is a classic ink design that symbolises love, friendship and femininity. Now one of the most Instagrammed tattoos (with 4 million posts and counting), roses are having a resurgence.

From dainty small tattoos to intricate illustrations, rose tattoo designs have a come a long way in recent years. No longer are we limited to the saturated red roses with heavy black outlines that reigned supreme in the ‘90s. For 2023, rose tattoos are far more delicate in their nuances. Below, we round up our favourites from Instagram, spanning everything from single needle outlines to painterly designs.

41 small tattoo ideas to inspire your next ink

By Lucy Abbersteen and Sheilla Mamona

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These are the best rose tattoo ideas to inspire your next ink

1. Classic rose tattoo

For a minimalist rose tattoo, take your cue from this fine line design that uses a single needle to create clean lines and a simple rose design.

2. Ribcage rose tattoo

Slightly more intricate, this delicate rose tattoo features lots of detailing and shading to give it a more realistic look.

3. Colourful rose tattoo

Those looking to make a statement will adore this colourful, bold design that pairs fuchsia roses with green leaves and blue and purple floral details.

4. Lettering and rose tattoo

Lettering always looks chic, especially in thin italic font. To take it one step further, finish the sentence with a realistic rose.

5. Watercolour rose tattoo

Swap out ruby reds for soft watercolour shades, as seen here. The combination of colours can be used for clever shading to create a realistic rose design.

6. Ankle rose tattoo

Unsure about placement? Consider a single rose stem placed down your calf, towards your ankle. It's understated and cool.

7. Abstract rose tattoo

Finger tattoos are having a moment right now and this abstract floral tattoo is a great choice for anyone who favours a more minimalist design.

8. Single line rose tattoo

By now, you've probably noticed a theme - single line rose designs are everywhere right now and it's easy to see why. Elegant and chic, this tattoo is timeless.

9. Blooming rose tattoo

For a fresh take on a classic rose tattoo, track the evolution of a rose - starting from a bud and opening up into full bloom, down the length of your forearm.

10. Small rose tattoo

As the caption says, “simple is very cute” and we couldn’t agree more. This simple yet intricate rose stem is a great choice for anyone after a small tattoo.

11. Big rose tattoo

Why not make a statement with a supersized rose tattoo. We're obsessed with this grey fine line design that features subtle shading.

12. Intricate rose sleeve

Floral fans, this one's for you. Why stop at one floral tattoo when you can combine multiple types of flowers (including a rose) to create an entire sleeve.

13. Grey blue rose tattoo

Roses don't have to be red. Experiment with other colours, like this beautiful inky blue that's so sophisticated.

14. Rose trio tattoo

In our opinion, three roses are better than one. Be inspired by this stunning shaded design that creeps down the upper arm.

15. Butterly and rose tattoo

Mix things up and pair a beautiful rose tattoo with a single butterfly. Admittedly, it takes up a lot of arm space – but we think this design it worth it.

16. Rose cuffs on hands

Completely unique, we adore this hand tattoo adorned with rose cuffs. It’s delicate, feminine and no doubt will reel in the compliments.

17. Leopard and rose tattoo

Just wow. This incredibly detailed design is guaranteed to turn heads. We love the realistic detailing and strong shading.

18. Shoulder rose tattoo

Muted roses with line detailing look great anywhere – but especially when placed on the shoulder. It’s classic yet modern.

19. Graphic rose tattoo

For a less realistic rose that’s more modern, be inspired by this simple design that uses heavy black ink.

20. Rose dream catcher tattoo

The beauty of this dream catcher design lies in the detailing. The touchable soft feathers, the intricate beads and, of course, the single shaded rose.

21. Face and florals tattoo

This striking tattoo showcases a woman with roses around her neckline. The paired-back, no-colour design is impactful and intricate.