As the days become shorter and the temperatures drop, we find ourselves looking for new ways to cosify our homes, and nothing can bestow your rooms with a hygge appeal quite like scented candles.
Let’s be honest: If there was ever a time for bringing a little extra zen into our households, it’s probably now as we prepare to hunker down in more ways than one. Needless to say, it’s challenging to separate your work and home spaces or switch off your mind when you need to, something that is made all the more difficult with the dark nights. But something simple like lighting your favourite candle can be an easy way to change the vibe of a room and get you to that happy place. We all have our little routines, whether it’s having a daily bubble bath or doing an at-home yoga session. And after you’ve switched off your laptop or TV after a long day, lighting a candle goes a long way in accessing that much-needed self-care moment.
We thought, then, that we’d round up the best-smelling, calm-inducing candles out there. Some are cult fragrances that will make you feel like you’re in your favourite spa immediately (hello, Diptyque Baies), and some are our insider favourites that smell way more expensive than their high-street price tags. Keep scrolling to shop…
With contrasting peppery, woody notes and lighter notes of orange flower petals, vanilla, and vetiver, there’s something beautifully nostalgic about this scent.
This is a favourite of Joy Montgomery, WWW UK’s shopping editor. Rich and velvety.
This candle is a delight for all the senses.
This candle is comprised of a scent with notes of sandalwood, orange blossom, and smoke.
Sweet but not sickly so, this candle blends scents of cherry, almond, vanilla, sandalwood, and cedar seamlessly.
We couldn’t not include Byredo’s hero fragrance.
Inspired by fireworks at midnight, this rich and velvety scent combines smoky vetiver and aromatic cardamom with warming amber, spicy nutmeg, and ginger.
Surprisingly fresh, the scent of this candle is inspired by the French countryside.
This heavenly smell will send you right off to sleep. Just be sure to blow it out first!
Clean and fresh with slightly masculine notes, this is a great all-rounder.
Of course, we had to include Diptyque. Is this the best-smelling candle in the world? We think so.
All of Miller Harris’s scents are winners for us, but this fruity, tangerine smell will help you take on the day.
All of Jo Loves’s scents are lovely, but this zesty and calming one is our personal favourite.
Featuring a light note of jasmine, which mixes with delicate red berries, apricot, and an exotic touch of star fruit offset with a woody base and vanilla, this will fill your home with a delicious tart scent.
Every fashion girl’s favourite perfume in a candle. What’s not to love?
An independent brand based in East London that produces some of the most interesting-smelling candles—you can’t go wrong.
You’ve probably seen Bella Freud’s candles on Instagram at some point, but have you smelled them? Now’s the time.
A potent blend of clove buds, heliotropine, and black amber.
If you haven’t got a garden, this is a great way to bring the scent of a fresh spring day inside.
Aromatherapy has proven effective in calming the mind and relaxing the body. This is the ultimate bedtime routine candle.
Another fresh spring scent that will bring the outdoors in.
If your mood is having ups and downs, this spa-ready scent will restore some balance after a few inhales.
