If there’s one thing I love in winter, it’s a cosy night in. Whilst I’ll happily spend all my summer evenings out with friends, as soon as the weather gets colder, I’m ready to put on my favourite PJs, curl up on the couch under my softest blanket and watch Christmas films on repeat (yes, even in November). Nothing elevates my night more than lighting a luxury candle to create a little ambience, which is why I’ve accumulated quite a collection of scents. From Diptyque to Jo Malone London, my candle cupboard looks very impressive this winter, and I’ve found myself lighting one every single evening.
However, if you were to ask me about the best winter candles that will make your home smell like a cosy escape this season, there’s only a handful I’d actually recommend. As someone who always has a candle burning, I’ve become quite fussy when it comes to shopping for scents. I want a candle that looks chic, smells incredible, lasts a long time and fills my entire living room with its cosy aroma. Below, you’ll find the seven best winter candles that deliver on all fronts.
The Best Winter Candles, Tried & Tested
- Best Overall: The White Company Winter, £25
- Best Cosy Scent: Diptyque Feu de Bois, £63
- Best Affordable Candle: M&S Apothecary Warmth, £20
- Best 3-Wick Candle: Neom Cosy Nights, £58
- Best Luxury Candle: Jo Malone London Velvet Rose & Oud, £70
1. The White Company Winter
Best overall
Key notes: Cinnamon, clove, orange
Let’s start with a classic. I bring this candle out every single winter, and the minute I light it, I know the new season has begun. The chic, timeless vessel holds a spicy, rich, fragrant blend of cinnamon, clove and orange that works just as well in the festive season as it does in the other winter months. What I like about this scent is that although it has warm, cosy undertones, hints of orange keep it feeling fresh and light. Even when this candle isn’t lit, I can still smell the welcoming aroma filling my home.
2. Diptyque Feu de Bois
Best cosy scent
Key notes: Woody, smoky notes
I don’t have a fireplace in my living room, but this candle makes me feel like I do. The woody, smoky aroma is so powerful that when I light it, I can almost hear a log fire crackling in the distance. It feels so cosy and makes me nostalgic for cold November evenings spent watching Bonfire Night fireworks displays with my family. It’s an incredibly special scent I look forward to burning every winter.
3. M&S Apothecary Warmth
Best affordable candle
Key notes: Cardamom, cinnamon leaf, sandalwood
This M&S candle is great value for money and smells way more expensive than its £20 price tag. The 3-wick design is ideal for displaying on your coffee table, and the elegant brown vessel looks ultra luxe. Of course, the scent itself is the biggest selling point, and if you’ve already smelt the brand’s bestselling Warmth perfume, then you’ll love it. It’s woody and spicy, with a smooth sandalwood base that envelops the senses.
4. Neom Cosy Nights
Best 3-wick candle
Key notes: Sandalwood, frankincense, nutmeg
As mentioned, I love a cosy night in, so this candle speaks to me on a spiritual level. It was the unique vessel that first caught my attention, but once I’d smelt it, I was immediately sold. It feels a little festive thanks to hints of frankincense and nutmeg, but overall it feels woody and warm, like cuddling up with your favourite person for a night in front of the fire.
5. Jo Malone London Velvet Rose & Oud
Best luxury candle
Key notes: Clove, rose, oud
If you’re after a luxury scent, you can’t go wrong with Jo Malone London, and my top choice for the autumn and winter months is Velvet Rose & Oud. The sleek, stylish vessel holds an intoxicating floral aroma that fills your entire home with the rich notes of rose and oud. It smells just as opulent as it looks, and I’ve already gifted the scent to three other people this season.
6. Beauty Pie Rose Libertine
Best expensive-smelling scent
Price shown is members’ price.
Key notes: Rose, saffron, patchouli
Speaking of rose scents, Beauty Pie describes this candle as a “sophisticated take on a winter rose,” and I couldn’t agree more. The floral aroma is warm and sweet, but it has an earthy, woody edge that reminds me of cosy walks bundled up in my finest winter coat.
7. Space NK Winter Pine
Best fresh scent
Key notes: Pine, eucalyptus, rosemary, jasmine
I usually gravitate towards cosy scents at this time of year, but I love lighting this Space NK candle on a Sunday when my flat is fresh and clean for the week ahead. The invigorating aroma of pine and eucalyptus smells like a crisp winter’s day when the first dusting of snow has just started to fall.
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