Lighthouses are buildings or towers that provide a guiding light for ships at sea. The first lighthouse, or first tower to be fully exposed to the sea, was built by Henry Winstanely at the Eddystone Rocks from 1696 to 1698.

Lighthouse tattoos can have a practical sort of meaning for sailors , fishermen, or people in the navy. They can also have different meanings, such as a guiding light home, or a reminder to follow the light (metaphorical light, spiritual light, or real light). Lighthouse tattoos can also be for protection, hope, inspiration, warning, and safety. Lighthouses can be done in many different styles including black and grey, new school, traditional, trash polka, realistic, neo traditional, and minimalistic.

Black and Grey, bold line work piece Done by Phil TwoRavens.

New School piece by Pat Whiting

Super realistic Trash Polka style partial sleeve done at Buena-Vista tattoo. Mix of black and grey and bright bold blue contrasts well.

Stormy Black and Grey killer rib piece done by Stefano Alcantara.

Stunning Realistic Black and Grey Sailor featuring a storm and lighthouse done by Mumia in Portugal. Look at those old eyes and the detail in the beard and lighthouse.

Realistic stormy half sleeve by Bolo Art.

Extremely detailed, tiny lighthouse and seascape done by Lesha Lauz.

Traditional Lighthouse in a bottle done by Matthew Houston.

What kind of lighthouse tattoo is your favorite?