While the days are gradually beginning to stretch, we still find ourselves looking for new ways to cosify our homes. And nothing can bestow your rooms with 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 see out what is (hopefully) the last leg of lockdown. 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’s 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’s scent is reminiscent of springtime showers. Beautiful.
This candle is comprised of a scent with notes of sandalwood, orange blossom, and smoke.
Conscious is a soy wax candle scented with geranium, a scent which is said to aid stress, anxiety, and fatigue. We also love the plantable seeded label.
Sweet but not sickly so, this candle blends scents of cherry, almond, vanilla, sandalwood, and cedar seamlessly.
This candle, with base notes of geranium and frankincense, top notes of lavender and hibiscus, is a best-seller. Get it while you can.
We couldn’t not include Byredo’s hero fragrance.
With sweet notes of honeysuckle, rose, jasmine, and lilac, your home will smell like the most exquisite garden when you burn this.
Surprisingly fresh, the scent of this candle is inspired by the French countryside.
The calming qualities of green tea, jasmine, and amber are undeniable.
A potent mix of pink grapefruit, vetiver and mint, with hints of amber, violet leaf and lemon, this is a candle to burn when you feel your energy levels depleting.
This heavenly smell will send you right off to sleep. Just be sure to blow it out first!
Clean and fresh with slightly savoury notes, this is a great all-rounder.
It may have a higher price point, but rest assured Loewe’s scented candles live up to the hype.
Of course, we had to include Diptyque. Is this the best-smelling candle in the world? We think so.
Transport yourself straight to the countryside with this candle housed in an on-trend terrazzo ceramic vessel.
These candles are a staple in any stylish home, and it’s not due to their design. Perhaps one of the most potent candles we’ve ever burnt, you get what you pay for.
All of Jo Loves’s scents are lovely, but this zesty and calming one is our personal favourite.
All of Miller Harris’s scents are winners for us, but this fruity, tangerine smell will help you take on the day.
You might not be able to travel freely at the moment, but the scent of this candle (blended by Jo Malone CBE no less) will remind you of heady evenings spent abroad.
An independent brand based in East London that produces some of the most interesting-smelling candles—you can’t go wrong.
We’re yet to burn this candle for ourselves but if the description is anything to go by, we think we’re going to like it: “A thoroughly green scent that’s punctuated by notes of mint and basil to conjure up an image of mojitos at sundown.” Sold.
With a woody, earthy, green fragrance, this candle smells just like your favourite country walking spot.
Fresh green foliage mixed with Greek figs, patchouli, Icelandic woods, water jasmine, galbanum, and Tibetan roses come together in this divine candle, the smell of which is as impressive as its packaging.
Every fashion girl’s favourite perfume in a candle. What’s not to love?
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 basil, green fig, and warm hay.
If you haven’t got a garden, this is a great way to bring the scent of a fresh spring day inside.
Blending essential oils of neroli, orange blossom and ylang ylang, this candle is instantly uplifting.
A new brand on our wellness radar, Keys Soulcare was founded by Alicia Keys and uses the finest ingredients thought the line. We don’t know about you, but the combination of sage and oat sounds lovely to us.
Aromatherapy has proven effective in calming the mind and relaxing the body. This is the ultimate bedtime 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.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
