@overglowedit/ Instagram

If you happen to prefer shorter nails, we totally get it.

(A lengthy stiletto or coffinnail shapewill always steal the spotlight.)

And for May, we have so many manicure ideas in mind that would look darling on short nails.

A short manicure with a color block design

@overglowedit/ Instagram

From neons and pastels to butterflies and unique prints, there’s something for everyone.

Continue below for 22 shortnail ideas to rock this May.

Fresh Fruit

@phoebesummernails/ Instagram

Fruit immediately comes to mind when we dream up a spring mani.

close up of nails with nude background and different fresh fruit drawings on each nail including cherries, grapes, blueberries, lemon, strawberry

@phoebesummernails/ Instagram

Paint your nails in a true nude hue and grab some black nail polish for the geometric accents.

Cow Print

These cow print nails are out of this world.

The use of three color schemes keeps things fun and fresh.

close up of nails with nude base, black geometric drawings

*@eleven2six_/ Instagram*

Pick out a few complementary shades and go wild.

Colorful Mattes

Matte nailsare so underrated.

The thin black outlines add gorgeous dimension.

close up of nails with cow print design in shades of white, black, brown, and red

*@eleven2six_/ Instagram*

Silhouettes

Short nails let this silhouette-inspired art shine.

The neutral base color gives this set a negative-space look perfect for those who like to keep things minimal.

Confetti Frames

@tinybrushes/ Instagram

This look is giving mitochondria-meets-confetti, and we’re here for it.

close up of nails in different colors with color blocking

@overglowedit/ Instagram

Here’s another manicure that’s best left to a nail technician.

Vibrant Hues

@nailsbycanishiea/ Instagram

Neon polka dots?

While thewatercolorbase might be tricky to perfect at home, the decals will be a cinch.

close up of nails in pink, orange, and yellow colors, matte

*@eleven2six_/ Instagram*

Try Deco Beauty’sGolden Hour Nail Art Stickers($10).

To nail the French tips, try Orly’sHalf Moon Guides($6).

Top an iridescent polish with Le Mini Macaron’sButterfly Mini Nail Stickers($5) for a similar vibe.

close up of nails with nude base with mini hearts on each nail in different colors

@chalkboardnails/ Instagram

Seal your look with a matte top coat for a unique finish.

Bright Red-Orange

Looking for something a bit simpler?

you’ve got the option to’t go wrong with a solid color like this bright red-orange shade.

close up of nails with some in pink nude, some in plain white, and some with silhouette drawing

*@eleven2six_/ Instagram*

It’s vibrant and full of energy.

Simple Lilac

Another color that would look fab on just about anyone this May is lilac.

close up of nails with nude base and hot pink swirls

*@eleven2six_/ Instagram*

close up of nails in different colors with middle clear and the effect of sprinkles or confetti

@tinybrushes/ Instagram

close up of nails in different bright colors with small polka dots

@nailsbycanishiea/ Instagram

close up of nails in shades of pink, red, purple, and green with gold decals

@tinybrushes/ Instagram

close up of nails with light pink base and french tips with heart and stars in white and heart cherries

@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram

close up of nails with pink base and icy chrome finish

@karanailedit/ Instagram

close up of nails that are purple and white, reminiscent of cotton candy clouds

@chalkboardnails/ Instagram

close up of nails with pink iridescent base and black and white butterfly painted on 2 nails

@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram

close up of nails with nude base and green and pink pops of swirls on top

@joysedition/ Instagram

close up of sparkly pink nails with gold bow decal

@joysedition/ Instagram

close up of nails in bright orange color

@lolo.nailedit/ Instagram

close up of nails with each nail in a different hand drawn print including smily face, eyeball, leaves, stars, checkers, tie dye, rose

@chalkboardnails/ Instagram

close up of nails in pastel yellow hue with sparkle sheen

@iramshelton/ Instagram

close up of nails in geometric design in nude, blue, and orange colors

@yo_keshh/ Instagram

close up of lilac purple nails

@iramshelton/ Instagram