10 Boring Matching Tattoos To Stop Getting & 10 Unique Ones That Everyone Will Love
Ditch the Lock and Key for Something More Unique
Matching tattoos have been around for years. We’ve seen countless declarations of love and adorable designs between friends and family—but some have grown a little stale, and we’re here to break down which ones to skip and which honor a relationship!
1. Split Words
Are you thinking about getting “LO” while your partner or friend gets “VE”? That sounds cute on the surface, but it might not be the best idea! Apart from being a little too cliche, it’s also a hard tattoo to explain should you part ways.
2. Each Other’s Names
If split words are a no-go, each other’s names are even worse. It makes sense for family members or even best friends, but partners ought to be careful with this dreaded option. Not only could you break up, but there’s also hardly any room to make this piece creative.
3. The Word “Always”
You’ve seen it on every Pinterest board, which means a ton of people already have it! Think outside the box for something unique—not a word nearly every couple has opted for.
4. Lock and Key
A lock and key seemed adorable ten years ago, but it’s a bit too on the nose nowadays. After gaining so much popularity already, a lot of people have the same idea and quickly made this design a bit too cliche.
5. Huge Designs
Maybe it’s a lion and lioness. Maybe it’s a sleeve of matching flowers. Whatever it looks like, huge designs aren’t for the faint of heart—and it’s downright painful for those who’ve never done it. It’s not that big designs are “boring,” it’s that they’re expensive and a big commitment for matching ink.
6. Trendy Designs
Much like beauty trends, those sought-after designs might not look as cool ten years from now. Steer clear of what’s “in” and focus on something that matters to you and your partner or friend. Those are the ones that withstand the test of time!
7. Puzzle Pieces
There’s nothing wrong with puzzle pieces, it’s just that they’re a little boring. Nearly every couple has them (or something similar), so it’s worth considering a fresh design. The good news is that even if you opt for them, you have plenty of ways to make them your own.
8. Divided Quotes
Divided quotes suffer the same problem as divided words—you’re really banking on knowing the person forever. Split Disney quotes or poetry verses don’t always hold the same weight when they’re separated.
9. Declarations of Love
You know what’s old news? Cursive declarations of love! Things like “I love you” and “I love you more” have all been done before, which means a little creativity goes a long way. You can always think of something similar or put a creative twist on it, but simple declarations are a bit tired at this point.
10. Birds
Everyone and their grandma have birds. While it’s not the end of the world, doves in flight hardly scream “unique design” at this point! Sure, you have lots of birds to choose from, but the very concept is overdone.
With some cliched designs out of the way, let’s dive into which matching tattoos add a pinch of pizazz.
1. Fandom-Inspired
There’s no shortage of fandoms out there, so you have anything in the world to choose from! Maybe you’ll get matching Stormtrooper helmets. Maybe it’ll be Winnie the Pooh and a tub of honey. Whatever you choose, you can celebrate your love for a favorite fandom and person.
2. Sound Waves
Sound waves were all the rage a few years ago, especially with wall art, but we still think they make cool tattoos. Whether you say each other’s names or declare your love for one another, that subtle wave looks good just about anywhere.
3. Inside Jokes
The best matching tattoos are the ones that only make sense to you. It could be a quote, a funny reference, or even an inside joke—those personal touches add a creative flair that makes ink all your own.
4. Red String Theory
Have you ever felt that you were connected to someone? We mean truly connected, almost as if by string? That’s what the red string theory is all about, and it makes an incredible matching tattoo! You could get a red ribbon. You could have red string wrapped around a simple hand. The unique possibilities are endless.
5. GPS Coordinates
A big part of significant relationships is significant locations. From first date spots to treehouse hideaways, coordinates make an interesting, minimalist tattoo for you both. Just make sure you agree on the font beforehand.
6. Fingerprints
What’s more unique than someone’s fingerprint? Couples, family members, and best friends alike dabble in this special design, and it’s one we can’t get enough of. While some opt for the print itself, others turn it into a heart or blend it into a creative design.
7. Line Art Florals
You really can’t go wrong with florals—regardless of who you are! With so many stunning options to choose from, you have the whole world at your fingertips. Will you grab each other’s favorite flower? Maybe you’ll select matching ones. Either way, line art designs keep things simple and elegant.
8. Landscapes
Speaking of options, landscapes are another great way to honor Mother Nature and your time together. Between sunsets and sunrises, daytime and nighttime, you can turn that sliver of forest into a distinctive matching tattoo.
9. Sun and Moon
The sun and moon work on a few different levels: they mirror people’s personalities, they make a great matching option, and they work as awesome standalone ink. You can even add in a few stars to turn it into the perfect sky.
10. Tiny Hearts
Tiny hearts seem cliche, but the reason we love them so much is that they’re great as first-time tattoos. Though they match another person, they also aren’t an obvious half of a whole, which makes them terrific little options that make sense no matter what happens down the line. They also best fit into larger designs and can be tweaked to make them truly unique.
