101 Best Lock and Key Tattoo Ideas You Have to See to Believe! +2023

Reviewed and Updated: October 19, 2022 by Jamie Wilson BA

Do you want a lock and key tattoo design? Here is a collection of some of the best lock and key tattoo designs that you should see! The lock and key tattoo design reflects a relationship of deep connection and affection. The meaning of a lock and key tattoo is meant to symbolize the person you will always confide in and who will always hold the key to your mind and heart. Posted image @mr.jone.tattoo via Instagram

Lock and key tattoo designs are popular among many couples in relationships. There are his and hers tattoos or matching lock and key tattoos or lock and key tattoos for couples with hearts. With a lock and key tattoo, couples receiving the key may wish to signal that the key to their heart lies in their partner’s hands. Even close friends opt for a matching lock and key tattoo to emphasize their friendship and close bond. What does a key and lock tattoo mean? It can signify freedom after feeling locked in, or it could also signify the beginning of a new chapter in your life. People prefer vintage lock and key in key tattoos because they are attractive. A tattoo can be a large design or a mix of popular designs; which reflects your personality. It communicates many meanings with its vibrant colors. It can be something related to a relationship, a heart shape or an inspiration, or jewels or other symbols, but what makes it the best tattoo is why you want it with a good choice or an ideal choice.

You can customize your lock and key tattoo design to reflect your unique style. Read on to learn about some fascinating key tattoo ideas and their special meaning!

Bold and daring Cherry Key tattoos

Bold and daring Cherry Key tattoos
@elzavanhouden about Instagram – Do you love this design? Try a Washable tattoo

This gorgeous black tattoo attire features two luscious cherries with leaves and “Bite Me” written on the top cherry. The cherry has the meaning of desire, passion and devotion. The cherry is drawn in light dotwork, and the leaves shown here are in dark, black lines. The inclusion of a statement that truly connects the art to the user makes this design stand out. This tattoo is inked on the thigh but can also be placed on the wrist and ankle. If you want to sport an eye-catching lock and key tattoo, you can try this design.

The outstanding key tattoo

The outstanding key tattoo
@jonragoe_tattoos over Instagram – Do you love this design? Try a Washable tattoo

This black and white skeleton key and lock tattoo design is calming and beautiful to look at. The skeleton key design is adorned with leaves and large flowers, making it look surreal. The Skeleton Key has a glowing gem in the center. Often featured in movies, books, and video games, the Skeleton Key’s unique power is that it can open any lock. The meaning of the skeleton key tattoo begins with uncovering or opening something that contains a revelation. They also make fantastic tattoos because of their enigmatic looks and because they can be placed almost anywhere on the body.

A colorful skeleton key tattoo

A colorful skeleton key tattoo
@tattoosnob about Instagram – Do you love this design? Try a Washable tattoo

This colorful skull and crossbones skeleton key tattoo is a more attractive twist on the original skeleton key design tattoo. The skull key tattoo is often preferred over the skull lock. The skull is colored in a striking red which makes the design ideas look deadly yet pretty. The design looks badass and elegant with a mix of such unique and cool colors as mustard, black and red. The color palette used in the design tattoo looks subtle yet captivating.

Many people are lovers of the darker side of life. This tattoo could mean a key that unlocks the dark side in the person. Because of this versatility in skeleton key design, tattoo design is trending.

The dragonfly key

The dragonfly key
@kevinoconnelltattoos over Instagram – Do you love this design? Try a Washable tattoo

This key tattoo design idea looks very refreshing and simplistic with nice shaded details. Dragonfly tattoos are a sign of freedom. The dragonfly is a popular tattoo design among tattoo enthusiasts. In this tattoo we see a key design with wings on the side making it look like a dragonfly fly. The key is mostly in dark gray ink and the wings are light shading. When someone chooses a dragonfly tattoo design, it represents good energy, serenity, wealth, wisdom, courage, purification, happiness and balance. These tattoos come in different sizes and shapes and can be designed on any part of the body.

Sapphire Ribbon Key Tattoo Ideas

Sapphire Ribbon Key Tattoo Ideas
@infultg1 about Instagram – Do you love this design? Try a Washable tattoo

This blue, silver and black colored tattoo gives a subtle yet very bold look to the banded key tattoo design. The use of blue ribbons and blue gems gives the key a rare mystical look. The entire key is inked with black and gray ink while the gem glows blue. A band tattoo is commonly associated with charm and beauty.

Additionally, bands of skeleton keys are added to enhance the beauty of the key tattoo design and give it a versatile look. This band tattoo looks wonderful on the ankle as it doesn’t require a large canvas. You can also wear your band tattoo on your arm or wrist.

Heart shaped key and lock tattoo

Heart shaped key and lock tattoo
@tattoosnob about Instagram – Do you love this design? Try a Washable tattoo

Many people choose a heart-shaped lock and key decorated with names, dates, or a critical word as they are associated with love and mystery. The heart-shaped lock and key are colored in bright red with gold borders and patterns. Beautiful blue flowers are behind the lock and key. This tattoo design is trending among couples and eloquently shows how the couple were made for each other. This design shows the world how your hearts are locked in love. The meaning of the lock and key tattoo art is that one spouse holds the key to the heart or life of the other. This beautiful tattoo art takes up less space and captures the spirit of the subject with bold and vibrant colors.

Minimal key and lock tattoo

Minimal key and lock tattoo
@sisi.lovelove about Instagram – Do you love this design? Try a Washable tattoo

This cute lock tattoo design is done in simple yet bright colorful outline. This rainbow castle tattoo design symbolizes the elements of security, harmony and peace. The general meaning is to keep something unwanted away and to keep one’s belongings safe and sound. If you want a lock design tattoo and keep it simple and not flashy then this tattoo is for you. This tattoo located only on your nape gives you a glamorous yet cute look along with a tattoo that looks like adorable jewelry. This key and lock tattoo is meant to represent the union of two people, maybe you and your significant other.

Chained to your heart lock and key tattoo

Chained to your heart lock and key tattoo
@joemallardtattoos over Instagram – Do you love this design? Try a Washable tattoo

Here we see a dark red heart shaped lock held by a thick brown chain. This type of key and lock tattoo design is best done on the upper back or just on the back of the body. The lock with chain tattoo also shows that the bond is strong and nothing can break it. It is a union of two souls so that the connection remains safe and unhindered. The chain and lock tattoo depicts an unbreakable bond between two people. The tattoo design is significant and giving it different colors creates an exciting and trendy design idea.

Steel heart lock and key tattoo

Steel heart lock and key tattoo
@dimitris_nemetattoo over Instagram – Do you love this design? Try a Washable tattoo

If you want a distinct lock and key tattoo then you can check out this one. Tattooed over the entire arm, this heart lock tattoo is inked with black and silver ink and has a metallic look. The steel-like 3D lock here demonstrates that the lock is sturdy and powerful, and no outside force can break its unison and mysteries. The tattoo can also represent that the person is someone who is difficult to move and will always follow their principles. Nothing can sway that man or woman from their choices; thus the person remains strong-willed. Lock and key tattoos like this one are a great way to represent yourself and your beliefs.

The colorful key and lock tattoo

The colorful key and lock tattoo
@tattoosnob aboutInstagram – Do you love this design? Try a Washable tattoo

This detailed heart shaped tattoo takes up the entire arm with bright elegant colors and huge designs. Behind the lock are two bold, beautiful flowers in bold red outlines. Ancient Egypt is considered the birthplace of colored tattoos. Before that, all tattoos were done in black. Color tattooing is also said to have been practiced by ancient Inuit and Romans. This is based on artifacts and trinkets discovered during that time. Dark shades of yellow were particularly popular with the Inuit. Colors add a more explicit representation of elements and symbols. Next thing you know, you end up looking more alive, and your key and lock tattoos represent your personality!

For more ideas see:

  1. Hollow Knight’s Simple Key
  2. Lock and key pair tattoo
  3. Heart lock engraved with partner’s name
  4. Three keys tattoo
  5. Heart with lock and key tattoo
  6. Lock and key tattoo on wrist

Featured image from Pinterest

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