Ornamental lace and mandala band tattoo with hanging jewels on a forearm

Ornamental Tattoo Shops

462 shops in 46 states do Ornamental work

Decorative tattoos inspired by jewelry, lace, henna, architecture and textiles: mandalas, filigree, beads and symmetrical patterns that flow with the body like adornment.

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Ornamental tattoo guide

What is an ornamental tattoo?

Ornamental tattoos are designed to decorate the body, the way jewelry or lace does. They borrow from henna (mehndi), Victorian filigree, Islamic and Baroque patterns, chandeliers and textiles, and usually use symmetry and repetition to frame the body's natural lines.

Common pieces include mandalas, sternum and underbust pieces, lace garters, armbands with hanging jewels, spine pieces and decorative hand and finger work. Ornamental work is usually black, often shaded with dotwork.

Ink Mostly black; dotwork or light shading
Design Symmetrical, decorative, jewelry-like
Best for Sternum, spine, forearms, thighs, shoulders
Sessions One for small pieces; several for large symmetrical work
How it ages Well with bold enough linework

Choosing an ornamental artist

  • Symmetry is everything. Check that mirrored halves really match in their healed work.
  • Look for body flow. Ornamental pieces should be drawn for the placement, often directly on the skin.
  • Watch out for fine detail on hands. Hand and finger tattoos fade fast; an honest artist will tell you so.

Cost and sessions

Ornamental work is usually priced by the piece or by the hour. Large symmetrical pieces such as sternum or back work take time to place and draw, so expect a longer first session.

Frequently asked questions

Is ornamental the same as mandala tattoos?

Mandalas are one kind of ornamental design. Ornamental also includes lace, filigree, jewelry and architectural patterns.

Do sternum tattoos hurt?

The sternum is one of the more sensitive spots because the skin is thin over bone. Many people find it manageable in shorter sessions.

Do hand ornamental tattoos last?

Hands and fingers heal quickly but lose ink faster than most places, so expect touch-ups. Bolder designs last better there.