27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (2025)

Table of Contents

Twinkly Black Short Nails Blood Red Short Nails Black Heart Short Nails Pretty Purple Short Nails Black and Blue Aura Short Nails Chocolate Brown Short Nails Rich Green Short Nails Sparkly Blue Nails Glittery Dark Teal Short Nails Black and Silver Short Nails Olive Short Nails Coffee Swirl Short Nails Velvet Galaxy Short Nails Green Tortoise Short Nails Textured Black Short Nails Multicolor Chrome Short Nails Green Chrome Short Nails Brown Chrome Short Nails Cow Print Short Nails Baby French Short Nails Half-and-Half Short Nails Green and Gray Short Nails Elaborate Purple Short Nails Brown and Mint Short Nails Black French Short Nails Swirly Short Nails Floral Navy Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (1)

Many of us reserve our dark nail polishes for the fall and winter, associating moodier tones with the cooler weather. However, a case can easily be made for wearing deeper polishes year-round. Bold, rich colors like black, navy, and brown are more versatile than you think. With the right nail art or a cool finish (think: chrome or matte), you can make a dark manicure feel fitting for any season. Ahead, find 27 dark manicure ideas for short nails you can wear well beyond the chillier months.

01of 27

Twinkly Black Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (2)

Fully embrace the dark aesthetic and go with a black manicure. The subtle sparkles in the polish and the gorgeous gold star designs make this look a true showstopper.

02of 27

Blood Red Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (3)

Within the red family, there are so many variations. For a rich, moody take, try out an ultra-dark blood red polish.

03of 27

Black Heart Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (4)

Put a sweet twist on a black mani by adding cute nail art. From the hearts to the angled, wavy tips, you can't help but love this set.

04of 27

Pretty Purple Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (5)

Everything about this particular shade of purple feels regal and elegant. The reflective chrome finish adds an extra pretty touch to the eggplant-colored polish.

05of 27

Black and Blue Aura Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (6)

For a galactic, ethereal vibe, look no further than this set. The blue airbrushing on top of the black base evokes images of space.

06of 27

Chocolate Brown Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (7)

Brown is a slept on nail color without a doubt. This glossy chocolate manicure proves why the shade is worth choosing year-round.

07of 27

Rich Green Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (8)

Green is a stunning shade, especially this creamy evergreen color. While this shade has holiday appeal, we could easily see ourselves wearing it through spring.

08of 27

Sparkly Blue Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (9)

Bring on the glitz and glam. For an incredibly dazzling look, go with a deep blue polish infused with tons of glitter.

09of 27

Glittery Dark Teal Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (10)

If teal is more your color, this set is worth copying. Look for a polish with chunky, holographic glitter for maximum impact.

10of 27

Black and Silver Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (11)

Yes, a black manicure is naturally bold. However, there are ways to make the shade pop even more. For example, you can add a swipe of magnetic silver polish across each nail to give them a velvet-like texture.

11of 27

Olive Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (12)

Earth tones are incredibly versatile, making them a go-to polish choice no matter the time of year. Olive, in particular, is one shade we'll never grow tired of wearing.

12of 27

Coffee Swirl Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (13)

Part ways with your usual one-color manicure and try something new. This set, for example, merges a cool coffee swirl bas with cute pink accent dots.

13of 27

Velvet Galaxy Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (14)

Why settle for one shade when you can enjoy five? This vibrant, velvet manicure highlights the beauty of jewel tones, like ruby and emerald.

14of 27

Green Tortoise Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (15)

Dip your toes into the world of animal print by recreating this manicure. Mix in tortoise shell designs with your solid green nails for the most balanced look.

15of 27

Textured Black Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (16)

Incorporating texture is an unexpected yet easy way to spruce up a matte manicure. Use builder gel to create subtle strips of glossy texture.

16of 27

Multicolor Chrome Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (17)

Chrome manicures go far beyond the trendy "glazed donut" look. Colorful chrome manis, like the one seen here, offer a creative take on the iridescent nail trend.

17of 27

Green Chrome Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (18)

Need more chrome inspo? We've got you covered. This moss polish is made even more mesmerizing with a few swipes of chrome powder.

18of 27

Brown Chrome Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (19)

Add a chrome topper to your favorite dark brown polish to give it a metallic finish. The reflective sheen instantly elevates the earthy shade.

19of 27

Cow Print Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (20)

Here's another way to experiment with animal prints. These cow-inspired nails will take time to create, but the effort is well worth it.

20of 27

Baby French Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (21)

There are no rules when it comes to French manicures. Trade the classic white and nude design for a burgundy and black look.

21of 27

Half-and-Half Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (22)

In many instances, brown and black make the perfect color combination (including nails). The half-and-half accent designs showcase how stunning the hues look together.

22of 27

Green and Gray Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (23)

While pairing green with gray wouldn't be our first thought, this set proves the colors work together. We also love that this two-tone manicure is easy to DIY—all you need are the proper nail art brushes.

23of 27

Elaborate Purple Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (24)

For the most majestic manicure, decorate your royal purple base with swipes of gold. A thin nail art brush will help you achieve these sharp, precise lines.

24of 27

Brown and Mint Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (25)

This manicure conjures images of chocolate chip mint ice cream. After covering your nails in brown polish, use a dotting tool to create the mint-colored nail art.

25of 27

Black French Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (26)

If you prefer to keep things simple this month, a black French manicure is an excellent option. It's chic and will complement any outfit.

26of 27

Swirly Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (27)

Showcase the beauty of several dark nail polishes—like navy blue, black, and burgundy. The multicolor swirly set is abstract and artsy in the best way.

27of 27

Floral Navy Short Nails

27 Dark, Short Manicure Ideas for Rich, Regal Nails (28)

Balance the intensity of a navy blue manicure with floral nail art. The resulting look strikes the perfect balance between bold and dainty.