by Jane |
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Scented candles are a must for every home. They add interest when you or your visitors enter new rooms, and at the same time help you de-stress and relax.
As there are so many different candles on the market, trying to choose one can be a bit of a challenge. We’ve compiled this list of 12 awesome scented candles so all you need to do is to pick your choice of fragrances, whether it’s florals, botanicals, or even the smell of edibles like apples or coffee.
The Top 12 Scented Candles
Best Lilac Scented Candle
Yankee Candle Large 2-Wick Tumbler Candle, Lilac Blossoms
From humble beginnings, Yankee Candles have grown to become one of the best-known names in the candle market. Started by Mike Kittredge, a sixteen-year-old who melted down crayons to make his mom a present in 1969, it’s now an international brand.
This lilac candle from the collection is presented in a glass jar, with a removable label and a stylish brushed metal lid. It measures 5.6 by 3.9 inches and holds 22 ounces. The burn time of the candle is between 75 and 110 hours.
The scent is reminiscent of springtime when lilac blooms are out in full force. It has top notes of water lily, dewy greens, and bergamot, and mid tones of lilac, hyacinth, and tulips. The base is cedar leaf, moss, and vetiver.
The candle is made from mineral wax which is premium grade and it has two, 100 percent natural, fiber wicks. The majority of Yankee candles are made by master candlemakers in the USA.
Pros
- The scent is true to life and smells of lilac.
- Made with natural essential oils.
- Burns consistently.
- Long lasting.
Cons
- The candle is heavily scented and might be too strong for some.
- This scent takes you to an alluring grove filled with lavender, white, and deep purple lilacs
- Premium-grade wax that delivers a clean, consistent burn
- 75-110 hours burn time
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 05:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Scented Candle for Relaxation
Way Out West Aromatherapy Candles Stress Relief 2 Pack
These candles are made by the Ocotillo company, based in New Mexico in the deep South West, USA. The company hand-pours the candles from a blend of soy and paraffin and has been doing so for over 30 years.
This twin pack of candles are presented in glass mason jars, each measuring 3.5 by 3.5 inches. They have a rustic looking lid and a copper charm on the front which is hand-stamped. The wicks are all-natural and lead-free.
Each candle weighs 8 ounces and will give between 30 and 40 hours of burn time.
One candle is scented with natural eucalyptus, rosemary, and spearmint essential oils. This combination will help revitalize you and clear your mind. The other is fragranced with pure lavender essential oil, which provides a calming effect, helping to relieve stress.
Enclosed in the package with these two candles is a wick dipper accessory. This can be used to extinguish the candles. Using this to put them out helps eliminate the smell of smoke that is common when you use other methods.
The sturdy presentation box makes these ideal as a gift, if you can bear to give them away, that is.
Pros
- Attractive rustic jars with copper charm.
- Scented with premium spa quality essential oils.
- Wick dipper accessory to extinguish candles.
- Hand-poured blend of soy and paraffin.
Cons
- Some may find the subtle scent too weak.
- MADE IN AMERICA in small batches using premium, high quality fragrances and wonderful soy wax and cotton core, lead-free wicks for superior...
- AMAZING FRAGRANCED CANDLES that will make your space a special place.
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 05:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Coffee Scented Candles
Old Factory Scented Candles – Coffee Shop
With this set of three candles from Old Factory, you can bring the enticing smells of a coffee shop straight into your home. The candles are hand-made in the USA, from natural soy wax with cotton candle wicks and premium fragrance oils. They are designed to be burned together to give you an all-around aromatherapy experience.
Each glass jar contains a 4-ounce candle, which will give 25 to 30 hours burn time per candle. The votives measure approximately 3.3 inches by 2.4 inches. Care instructions are also provided to help you get the most out of these candles.
The three fragrances in this delightfully gift-packed set are: coffee bean with an aroma of freshly brewed coffee, sweet hazelnut, and spicy chai tea.
The candles burn clean and are lead-free containing no harmful chemicals. They are also vegan-friendly.
Pros
- Hand made in the USA.
- No harmful chemicals.
- Scent burns true and is not overpowering.
- Can be burnt individually or together, each scent complements the others.
- Attractive gift box.
Cons
- Smells great in the jar but not as noticeable when burned.
- Coffee Shop Candles. Enjoy the rich, warm scents of your favorite coffee shop right at home, this candle set includes 3 4-ounce candles that...
- Handmade in the USA. These candles are hand-poured in the USA, using natural soy wax, cotton candle wicks, and premium fragrance oils.
- Each Candle Burns 25 to 30 Hours. With proper care these candles burn for up to 30 hours. To get the most from them, just follow the care...
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 12:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Pine Scented Candles
Thymes – Frasier Fir Pine Needle Decorative Glass Jar Candle
Thymes has been creating fragrance products for almost 30 years. The company ethos is to blend art, nature, and science together to create quality products. For each product sold in the Frasier Fir range, Thymes plants a tree as a way of giving back to Mother Nature.
This candle is made from top quality paraffin wax which is food grade and pure white in color. It has a non-metal wick and can burn for up to 50 hours.
The clear glass jar is decorated with fronds of fir needles and measures 3.2 by 3.6 inches. The weight of the candle is 6.5 ounces.
The aromatic mix of Siberian fir needles, cedarwood and sandalwood might remind you of forest freshness. It aims to create a calming ambiance in your home. Although suitable for all seasons, it’s more likely to invoke memories of winter and Christmas holidays.
Pros
- The company gives back to nature for each sale, by planting a tree.
- Fresh looking pure white candle in a fir needle decorated glass.
- Made from 100 percent food-grade paraffin.
Cons
- Can be in high demand and sell out close to the holidays.
- Thymes Frasier Fir Candle - Pine Needle Glass Jar (6.5 oz) - This best-selling holiday candle is a staple for the winter season. Embellished...
- Frasier Fir Scented Candles - Fill the air with a welcome feeling of warmth and joy with this iconic Christmas candle . Frasier Fir holiday...
- Thymes Candles - Artfully designed with high-quality, food-grade paraffin wax that helps to refine and enhance the fragrance experience. Our...
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 05:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Candles for Winter
Yankee Candle Red Apple Wreath Tea Light Candle
Yankee Candle has combined the scents of the holiday season in these votive tealight candles. In a set of 12, each weighing 0.35 ounces, you can place them around the home for a lovely winter aroma.
These small tealights have a burn time of four to six hours each. You can place them in a tealight holder. If you find you fall in love with these candles they are also available in larger sizes.
Made from top-grade paraffin wax, the top notes you will first smell are golden apples, cinnamon, and clove. The mid notes that follow will be brown sugar, apple peel, and cracked walnuts. The base notes combine amber, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla.
The lead-free wicks are made from 100 percent natural fibers and will extinguish themselves safely when all the wax has been used.
Pros
- Can be placed in multiples around the home for a holiday aroma.
- Safely extinguishing natural wicks.
- Made from top-grade paraffin wax.
- A great way to try out a product to see if you like the fragrance before investing in a larger size.
Cons
- Might be occasions when all the wax doesn’t burn.
- 12 tea lights
- Burn time 4- hours each
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 05:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Scented Pillar Candles
Aroma Naturals Essential Oil Lavender & Tangerine Scented Pillar Candle
Aroma Naturals are committed to producing all-natural scented candles from 100 percent pure plant aromas, combined with natural vegetable waxes. They strive to make sure their products are good for both you and the environment. The company is based in Southern California.
This pillar candle measures 4 by 2.5 inches and weighs 10.4 ounces. It has an approximate burn time of 50 hours. It’s hand made from food grade waxes, with entirely natural cotton wicks which are also free from metals.
The scents are provided by pure essential oils of lavender and tangerine. These fragrances can reduce stress and have a calming influence. The aromas are allergy friendly and aim to promote an overall sense of well being.
Pros
- Made from all-natural waxes.
- Contains pure essential oils.
- Long burn time of up to 50 hours.
Cons
- The candle itself smells delightful but the scent is not as evident when it’s burning.
- Contains 1, orange Relaxing 2.5x4 Lavender and Tangerine Naturally Blended pillar candle
- Original authentic aromatherapy pure essential oil candles are allergy friendly with no synethetic fragrances, and all-cotton metal-free...
- All-cotton metal-free wick
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 05:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Gardenia Scented Candle
Chesapeake Bay Candle 3-Wick Scented Candle
Chesapeake Bay Candles was founded in 1994. The company’s mission is to provide modern candles which have a stylish design and fragrances inspired by nature.
This white gardenia candle from the range is inspired by the fragrances exuded by flowers as the sun sets. Aromas of gardenia combine with jasmine, orange flower, and tiare petals.
It has base notes of spices, frankincense, amber, vanilla, and patchouli. The mid notes are orange flower, gardenia, and jasmine, and the top notes include coconut milk, petitgrain, and tiare petals.
The soy wax blend candle gives a clean burn and has three lead-free wicks. It’s contained in a frosted glass jar to give a muted glow and the lid is wood embellished with twine. It weighs 2.5 pounds and measures 5.1 inches by 3.1 inches.
Made in the USA, this product has a burn time of around 24 hours.
Pros
- Stylish frosted glass jar with decorative lid.
- Soy blend wax with three lead-free wicks.
- Contains essential oil of orange.
- A subtle scent which is noticeable but not overwhelming.
Cons
- Not all fragrances are essential oils.
- Approximate burn time of 24 hours
- The soft colored frosted jar candles allow the light of the flame to shine through when burning
- Made from a natural soy wax blend and feature self-trimming wicks
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 05:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Wood Scented Candles
WoodWick Candle Fireside
Imagine the sound of a crackling fire combined with the scents of amber, vetiver, and musk. This is what this signature scent candle from WoodWick brings you.
It weighs 10 ounces and is presented in an hourglass-shaped glass jar, measuring 3.9 by 4.7 inches. The blend of soy and paraffin wax ensure an even burn, which will last up to 100 hours.
The specially designed wooden wick is all-natural and uses WoodWick’s Pluswick Innovation technology to create the crackling sound of a fire as it burns. It also allows the candle to burn more effectively, as it will melt the wax up to the edges of the jar and throw the fragrance further.
This candle is also available in a larger, 21.5-ounce jar, measuring 4.1 by 7.1 inches. This size will burn for up to 180 hours.
Pros
- Available in two sizes.
- Combines woody fragrances with the crackling sound of a fire.
- The fragrance is thrown further by the burning of the innovative wick.
Cons
- The crackling from the wick is a little on the quiet side.
- The wooden wick can create small sparks, so the candle needs to be on a fireproof surface.
- Fireside Scent: Combines the natural scents of amber, vetiver, and musk
- Premium Soy Blend Wax: Ensures a clean, consistent burn
- Wood Wick: Creates the relaxing sound of a crackling fire
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 05:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Scented Candles for the Bathroom
Wax and Oils Soy Wax Aromatherapy Scented Candles
This gift pack from Wax and Oils has three different fragranced 8-ounce candles, each in a tin complete with lid.
Fragrances include lavender with notes of patchouli and cedarwood that smells herbaceous and floral. The soothing ability of peppermint and eucalyptus, again with added patchouli and cedarwood fragrances. Vanilla is calming and helps relieve stress and restlessness.
The candles are made from 100 percent soy wax with a cotton wick. They have a lower melting point, which offers both a clean and long lasting burn that is also soot free. Each one should last for approximately 20 hours.
These eco-friendly candles have zero harmful chemicals or additives. The packaging can be recycled and the foam inserts are made from 65 percent recycled materials.
Pros
- Burn individually or all at the same time for a relaxing bathroom experience.
- 100 percent soy wax.
- Clean soot-free burn.
Cons
- They might not burn to the edge, leaving a residue of wax after the wick has burnt out.
- For any Season, For any Reason - A sweet minty eucalyptus, our classic Lavender and mood lifter Vanilla join forces for this powerful...
- Made in the USA
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 05:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Scented Candles on Amazon
Chesapeake Bay Scented Candles, Awaken + Invigorate
These Chesapeake Bay candles are one of the most, if not the most popular scented candles on Amazon.
Each candle has a burn time of up to 50 hours and is made from natural soy wax. The wicks are self-trimming. The jars are made of frosted pale green glass, allowing the light to subtly shine through.
The fragrance uses essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint, lemongrass, and spearmint. Additional aromas of verbena, petitgrain and lavender energize, awaken and leave you feeling invigorated. The scents will also leave your home smelling fresh and clean.
You can choose from two medium size candles weighing 8.8 ounces each, or a single 8.8-ounce candle. Other options available include large, 12.5-ounce, or coffee table-sized 11-ounce versions.
The candles are designed and assembled in the USA, although the ingredients originate from around the world.
Pros
- Choice of sizes available.
- Ambient lighting from green frosted glass container when the candle is alight.
- Fragrances from natural essential oils.
- Made from natural soy wax.
Cons
- Some find the smell a little too subtle.
- Contains (2) medium jar candles, approximate burn time of 50 hours each
- The soft colored frosted jar candles allow the light of the flame to shine through when burning
- Made from a natural soy wax blend and feature self-trimming wicks
Last update on 2025-04-29 at 05:12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Best Spa Scented Candles
WoodWick Lavender Spa Jar Candle
Combining essential oils of lavender and eucalyptus, this candle from WoodWick recreates a spa feeling in your own home. It will help you to unwind and leave you feeling relaxed, just like after a day at the spa.
The flared design of the glass container has a wide opening at the top, helping give a consistent release of fragrance. The candle is made from a blend of soy and paraffin waxes and burns without leaving a residue.
The wick on this candle is wood and made with Pluswick Innovation, to crackle like a fire when lit. This soothing sound adds to the whole relaxation experience.
This candle weighs 21.5 ounces and is just under 7 inches tall by 4 inches diameter at the widest point. It has a burn time of up to 160 hours.
Pros
- Slow burning.
- Radiating fragrance.
- Crackling sound adds to the ambiance of the candle.
Cons
- Might leave soot residue on the jar after use.
Click here to see this candle on the Bed Bath & Beyond website.
Best Disney Scented Candles
Neverland Mist Candle
Do you fancy getting in touch with your inner Peter Pan or are you a Tinkerbell longing to fly around Neverland? This candle is one in a number of Disney inspired special editions from Spireside candles. This family-run business crafts it’s candles by hand in recyclable glass jars.
The proprietary blend of essential oils will bring a clean tropical rainforest mist, mixed with sweet island fruits into your home. The magical, tropical environment of Peter, Tinkerbell, Wendy, Captain Hook, The Lost Boys, and even the croc will be unleashed.
The candles are made from natural soy wax and have a paper cored, lead-free wick. There are two size options, an 8-ounce jar with up to 70 hours burn time and a 16-ounce jar with up to 120 hours burn time.
Pros
- Wax made from soybeans grown in the USA.
- Clean tropical scent.
- Colorful Peter Pan themed artwork on the label.
Cons
- No details of the actual oils used in their proprietary blend.
Click here to see this candle and more amazing soy candles at the Spireside website.
Paraffin Wax vs Soy Wax
We’ve detailed our choices of the best scented candles. Some are made of paraffin wax, others of soy wax and several are a blend of the two.
You might be wondering what the differences are. Let’s take a closer look at the two individual types of wax so you can decide which one you would prefer to have in your home.
Paraffin Wax
This wax is formed naturally from components of either dead plant and animal material that over millennia is now found in crude oil. It’s the wax of choice for many candle makers.
Paraffin wax is easy to use and non-toxic. It is colorless and burns cleanly. The melting point of the crystal structure of this wax is between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit and it can be brittle and hard.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a fairly new discovery, having been identified in 1991. It’s derived from soybean oil and is non-toxic, natural, renewable and biodegradable. It comes in the form of flakes and has a lower melting point than paraffin wax.
With an off-white appearance, this wax also tends to be softer than its counterpart. It has a clean burn, which lasts longer than paraffin wax.
Which Is Better for Candles?
This really is a matter of personal choice. Both waxes have the capability to release a certain amount of soot when burned. While this might stain the jar of the candle, and possibly even your walls or furnishings in some cases, it’s not dangerous.
Both waxes also have the potential to release chemicals into the air within your home. Soybeans might have been treated with herbicides and pesticides, while paraffin wax can unleash chemicals contained within it. That being said, both would be in such small quantities that, unless you are super sensitive, they shouldn’t harm you.
A paraffin candle might have a wider scent throw than soy-based, but soy may burn for longer. There are other variables that are thrown into the mix as well, such as the size of the candle, what wick is used, and the quality of the fragrances.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. If you want to learn more about this rather hot debate, watch this informative video.
Time to Get Lit
We’ve detailed our top 12 choices of what we believe to be the best scented candles around. The fragrances vary widely, from floral to botanic to coffee to tropical.
Of all the picks we’ve chosen, our outright favorite is the Yankee Candle 2-wick tumbler candle with lilac blossoms. This springtime fragrance from one of the major candle manufacturers will freshen up any home.
The preference over scent can be very subjective and what smells good to one person might not to another. Consequently, the ultimate choice as to which candle to purchase is up to you.
Author: Jane Neu
Jane is the creator of Complete Home Spa – “It’s a good idea,” she said. But even she has been taken aback by its success. She lives with a cranky Englishman in a quiet countryside retreat. And in the past year, has become mom cat to a spunky rescue named Mina. Connect with her on Twitter @completehomespa.