Are you thinking about getting a mandala tattoo?
These intricate, ornamental patterns are not just pretty – they’re spiritual.
They symbolize oneness, symmetry, harmony, infinity, and even enlightenment.
At first look, they might seem similar. But there are so many different mandala patterns.
How do you pick the best one for you?
Hopefully, this collection of mandala tattoo designs can help you decide!
So, let’s dig right in!
1. Mind the Placement
Mandala tattoos are usually round or diamond-shaped.
So, it’s important to consider their placement carefully.
2. With Floral Elements
Because mandalas are ornamental, they pair wonderfully with floral elements.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shoulder-mandala-tattoo.webp)
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3. Knee Placement
It’s common to see mandalas inked on the knee or elbow.
4. How They Differ
Every mandala pattern and design is beautiful to look at.
Yes, they look similar, but the little details help your tattoo stand out.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mandala-tattoo-pattern.webp)
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5. A Geometric Twist
Some add floral elements to personalize their tattoo.
But you can go another route – geometry.
Geometry and mandala pair well to create an oddly unique Sci-Fi vibe.
6. A Sun-Shaped Center
You can personalize the center of a mandala design however you prefer.
Some people opt for a sun-inspired focal point, symbolizing strength and purity.
7. The Devil’s in the Details
Pick an experienced tattoo artist you trust.
You can’t design every detail to perfection.
You need someone who can tie the details together and make it cohesive.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/hand-fingers-mandala.webp)
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8. Going Big
Most mandala tattoo designs are large.
This intricate, spiritual pattern works better the bigger you go.
So, don’t be afraid to do a statement design.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/clean-mandala-tattoo.jpg)
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9. Colorful Mandala Designs
A mandala tattoo in color can look stunning.
The more colors you include, the more vibrant and eye-catching the design.
10. Make it Unique
Don’t be fooled by the ornamental nature of a mandala tattoo.
There’s always room for creativity and self-expression.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/huge-mandala-tattoo.webp)
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11. A Mandala Sleeve
A mandala-inspired sleeve is a popular pick!
This ornamental design is sure to mesmerize with its unique and spiritual style.
12. What Makes Them Spiritual?
A mandala tattoo combines various elements to make a whole.
It’s precisely this symmetrical approach that symbolizes oneness.
And this is why mandalas are a popular spiritually open-minded tattoo.
13. Mandala Head Designs
One of the reasons why mandalas are loved is due to their placement variety.
A mandala tattoo can go anywhere. Literally anywhere.
And it looks good no matter the placement.
And if you’re really bold, yes, you can get one on your head!
14. Keeping it Simple
Despite their complexity, mandalas can look clean and simple, too!
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/wrist-mandala-design.webp)
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![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/upper-arm-mandala.webp)
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15. Mandala Linework
Mandalas are rarely designed in linework style – but they look just as incredible!
16. Mandala Neck Designs
Remember when we said mandalas can be placed anywhere?
Well, that includes the neck.
These placements can turn out amazing – but they hurt a lot, too!
17. Mandala Dotwork Designs
Dotwork style can add an interesting gradual twist to your mandala tattoo.
18. Making Your Design Stand Out
The best part about mandalas is that you can personalize them without sacrificing the spiritual aesthetic. You can add your touch and still have that recognizable pattern.
So, don’t be afraid to make a statement.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/abstract-mandala-tattoo.webp)
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![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/right-arm-mandala.webp)
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19. The Sun and Moon
Yes, you can even combine the sun or the moon with your mandala design!
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mandala-moon-tattoo.jpg)
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20. Focus on the Leaves
A mandala is a circular geometric symbol and pattern.
However, its leaves-like design reminds us of flowers.
And it’s precisely these leaves that actually make this tattoo pop.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ai-mandala-design.webp)
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21. A Calculated Splash of Color
A little bit of color can breathe life and energy into your design.
You don’t have to overdo it to create a powerful effect.
Even muted colors hold their own.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/moon-mandala-design.webp)
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22. More Elegant Designs
It’s hard to resist the urge to go all out with a mandala tattoo design.
But keeping it simple means keeping it clean and elegant.
23. A Tridimensional Effect
Mandalas can look tridimensional, too.
You enrich and elevate their geometric symbolism with these designs.
24. In Different Combinations
Mandalas are unique.
So, if you have multiple tattoos, consider if they’ll complement each other.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mandala-stomach-design.jpg)
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25. With a Turtle
Yes, a mandala tattoo can be combined with animals – even a turtle!
26. Balance and Harmony
Mandalas are all about spirituality and oneness.
Ideally, the design you go for should encapsulate precisely that.
27. A Smaller Alternative
With mandalas, bigger is usually better.
But nothing’s stopping you from getting a smaller design.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/small-mandala-tattoo.webp)
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28. Interconnected
Remember, a mandala tattoo design should always look like a cohesive whole.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mandala-ai-design.jpg)
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29. Patterns and Geometry
There are countless variations of a mandala tattoo design.
Simple or intricate – it’s your pick.
Either way, you’ll get an incredible-looking tattoo.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/shoulder-mandala-ai.jpg)
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30. Faded or Unfinished
Some ‘rougher’ unfinished-looking designs can also look amazing!
31. Layering
The more layered a mandala tattoo, the more intricate it looks.
There’s a good reason why mandalas are often described as ‘blooming’.
![](https://angelynum.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mandala-ai-wrist.jpg)
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32. The Symbolism
In the end, mandalas are all about what they symbolize.
So, before getting inked, make sure you read up on their meanings!
That way, you can get a design that perfectly mirrors your personality.