Bookish nails are all over BookTok and Bookstagram right now — and nothing inspires a manicure quite like a romantasy series. If you've ever held up a special edition for a "currently reading" photo and wished your nails matched the cover, this one's for you.
Here are our favorite ACOTAR-inspired nail ideas, plus tips for creating bookish nails that look amazing in every reading shot. With ACOTAR book 6 arriving on October 27, 2026, now's the perfect time to plan your release-day set.
ACOTAR-inspired nail designs
1. Thorns & Roses
Deep burgundy thorns tangle with blush rose petals across matte black. It's romance and danger in one set — the essential ACOTAR manicure, and the one that photographs best next to a stack of books. Shop Thorns & Roses.
2. Sun or Stars?
Blazing gold or midnight silver — celestial devotion in shimmering contrast. Perfect for readers who have already chosen a side (and a court). Shop Sun or Stars?.
3. The Bond
A delicate chain motif in warm bronze and cream, for readers who live for a fated connection. The most subtle set in our BookTok collection — easy to wear every day. Shop The Bond.
More bookish nail ideas by court and mood
If you like to theme your nails to your mood (or your favorite character), here's how to style our sets:
- Night Court energy: midnight tones, silver shimmer and stars. Go with Sun or Stars?, paired with silver rings.
- Spring Court romance: blush florals and gold accents. Thorns & Roses gives you the florals with a darker edge.
- Dark romance / villain arc: matte black and burgundy — again, Thorns & Roses, especially in a long stiletto shape.
- Soft romantic: warm neutrals and fine details. The Bond in a short almond or oval shape.
How to take the perfect bookish nail photo
- Use natural light: near a window, with the book angled toward the light.
- Match your props: a candle, a book sleeve or fairy lights in your nail colors ties the whole shot together.
- Show the spine or cover: BookTok loves a nail-and-spine match.
- Keep your cuticles tidy: press-ons look their best on clean, prepped nails. See how to apply press-on nails.
Why readers love press-on nails
- No chipping mid-chapter: page-turning is surprisingly hard on polish.
- Detailed designs in minutes: no hours in a salon chair.
- Reusable: save your favorite set for release days and book club.
- Your size, your shape: sizes XS–L, with shapes from short oval to XL stiletto.
FAQs
What are ACOTAR nails?
ACOTAR nails are nail designs inspired by A Court of Thorns and Roses — think thorns, roses, stars, night skies and courtly gold.
What are bookish nails?
Bookish nails are manicures inspired by books, covers or characters, often designed to match a book in reading photos on BookTok and Bookstagram.
Where can I buy ACOTAR-inspired press-on nails?
Our BookTok collection includes Thorns & Roses, Sun or Stars? and The Bond.
What nails should I wear for the ACOTAR book 6 release?
Thorns & Roses is the fan favorite. Planning a party too? See our ACOTAR costume ideas.
Buying for someone else? Read our ACOTAR gift guide.
I'm Obsessed designs are original, fan-inspired artwork. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Sarah J. Maas, her publishers or any official A Court of Thorns and Roses licensee.