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28 Best Scented Candles to Make Your Home Smell Amazing

Whether you prefer the scent of Paris or your grandma's kitchen, we've got the perfect match for you.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

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Candles
via thelaundress.com, via thelaundress.com, via thelaundress.com, via jaecandles.com

Scent sensations

Put away the flip-flops. Store the barbecue gear. Gather up the throw blankets and warm socks, and invest in some good slippers for women and slippers for men. That’s right: It’s finally the season of cozy comforts. As the days get shorter, burning scented candles is an easy way to add a touch of coziness and luxury to any space and can brighten up even the darkest winter evening. In fact, many of the best scented candles come in such well-designed vessels, they can act as decorative items even when they’re not lit.

In general, soy candles are the most eco-friendly and offer the cleanest and longest-lasting burn. You may also want to look for candles made with natural essential oils, especially if you have allergies or are sensitive to specific fragrances. These candles would all also make great hostess gifts or self-care gifts for anyone who needs a little TLC in their life.

How we chose the best scented candles

To find the best scented candles, we tested dozens of them ourselves. Because scents are so personal, though, we then checked out reviews and expert recommendations to make sure our favorites had universal appeal. Here are our choices for the best scented candles. Toss on your favorite pajamas or loungewear set and hibernate in comfort, reveling in the glow of candlelight and the smell of your favorite scent.

2 / 29

Homesick San Francisco Candle
via homesick.com

City Candles from Homesick

Best overall scented candles

This brilliantly named company understands that smell can immediately transport you to a place or a moment in time, and it’s created a collection of hand-poured candles that acts as an olfactory scrapbook of your life. From the concrete of New York City to the coffee and sea waves of San Francisco, these evocative scents will bring back so many treasured memories. In addition to cities, Homesick also offers candles representing all 50 states, a variety of international destinations, and important occasions, experiences, and people.

Why we love it:

  • You can add a personal message on the back of the candle.
  • Natural ingredients
  • 60- to 80-hour burn time

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3 / 29

Nest New York Holiday Candle
via amazon.com

Holiday Scented Classic Candle from Nest New York

Best holiday scented candle

Celebrate the holidays any time of year with this best-selling candle, which has more than 5,600 five-star reviews. “I have had an artificial Christmas tree for years, and my fireplaces have gas logs, so this candle is what gives my home a holiday scent,” says verified buyer Julie Meier Wright. That scent includes pomegranate, mandarin orange, pine, cloves, and cinnamon with a hint of vanilla and amber. It’s a warm, cozy gift for that person in your life who’s always cold.

Why we love it:

  • The vessel itself is a beautiful holiday decoration
  • Nest New York has been certified by PETA

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4 / 29

Seraphine Candle
via lordeseraphine.com

Mansour Marrakech Candle from L’or de Seraphine

Best stylish scented candle

You’ll be happy to know this candle smells as good as it looks—because it’s stunning. The ceramic container is laden with palm fronds, exotic fruits, and the palette of a tropical sunset. Top notes of bergamot, ginger-dusted citrus, green tea, and touches of apple, juniper, and clove mix with hints peppered jasmine and tobacco within. Made of a proprietary sustainably sourced palm wax blend, it’s a paradise for the senses. Carry on with cozying up your life by adding some fleece-lined leggings to your cold-weather wardrobe.

Why we love it:

  • Reusable ceramic container with lid
  • Available in two sizes
  • Features essential oils chosen for their aromatherapy benefits

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5 / 29

Jasmine, Oud & Sandalwood Candle from Lulu Candles
via amazon.com

Jasmine, Oud & Sandalwood Candle from Lulu Candles

Best budget scented candle

It’s such a treat to be able to get a candle this luxurious for under $20, so it’s no surprise that it’s an Amazon’s Choice best seller. The candle has more than 21,000 five-star reviews raving about its quality and long-lasting scent. Reviewer Thomas M. Johnson writes, “This candle is amazing! I have searched high and low over the years for the most appealing, fragrant candle. This is it.” Handcrafted from eco-friendly soy wax, it’s slow-burning and will become a fast favorite.

Why we love it:

  • You get a free travel tin if you leave a review
  • Every candle purchased helps rescue abused and abandoned animals
  • Affordable

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6 / 29

Sequoia Smoke from Pigmint Arome candle
via pigmintarome.com

Sequoia Smoke from Pigmint Arome

Best warm and woodsy scented candle

There’s something comforting about a good woodsy scent that’s reminiscent of tugging on your winter boots, nestling into your warmest hat, and walking through a breathtaking forest with centuries-old trees towering over you. Hand-poured from a soy and coconut wax blend, this candle has a stellar pedigree with top notes of outdoor air, apple, and rose petals; middle notes of vanilla orchid, oakmoss, and suede; and base notes of smoked cedar, juniper, campfire, and amber.

Why we love it:

  • Female-founded company
  • Gift-worthy packaging

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7 / 29

Tomato Candle
via carrierefreres.com

Tomato candle from Carrière Frères

Best sustainable scented candle

Whether you pronounce it “to-may-to” or “to-mah-to,” you will agree that this unique scent is a delight. Tomatoes actually have air-purifying properties, which make them an excellent candle scent. Plus, Carrière Frères is all about respecting and protecting nature and the precious plants used in their exquisite fragrances.

Why we love it:

  • Eco-friendly
  • The company has been mastering the art of fragrance since 1884

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8 / 29

Personalized Candles
via thelittlemarket.com

Candle – Name Personalized from The Little Market

Best personalized scented candle

The Little Market hand pours scented candles with big appeal, and you can make them even more special by personalizing them with a name, a date, or a message. Women artisans who resettled in the United States as refugees will print it on a transparent label and place it on the recyclable glass vessel that holds the scented candle of your choice—peppermint, eucalyptus, champagne, birthday cake, or so many more. The women make the candles in small batches from a coconut-soy wax blend, then sign the bottom of the glass. The candle even comes with a little card that tells you about the woman who made yours and even lets you know where to leave her a message. If you love this, you’ll adore these flannel sheets, which will keep you warm all winter long.

Why we love it:

  • The Little Market is a mission-driven nonprofit
  • Purchases support underserved women and help break the cycle of poverty
  • Ethically sourced

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9 / 29

A Tango in Barcelona from Glasshouse Fragrances
via glasshousefragrances.com

A Tango in Barcelona from Glasshouse Fragrances

Best destination-inspired scented candles

Glasshouse Fragrances is based in Australia but will transport you around the world—from the Hamptons to Kyoto to Milan and more—with their ambiance-setting candles. A Tango in Barcelona, with its notes of apricot, tuberose, and musk, is as distinct and sensual as the dance itself. It doesn’t miss a beat. Traveling this year? Pack a weighted eye mask to help you sleep soundly.

Why we love it:

  • Sourced responsibly
  • Female-founded company

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10 / 29

Palo Santo & Cedar Speckled Ceramic Candle from Aromatique
via aromatique.com

Palo Santo & Cedar Speckled Ceramic Candle from Aromatique

Best decorative scented candle

With notes of coconut, cedarwood, sandalwood, amber, and musk, this candle pays homage to the best of nature. Although we agree it’s what’s inside that counts—and the candle inside could easily stand on its own—this pretty ceramic vessel is reason enough to try the candle. It’ll look great anywhere and is ready to be repurposed later.

Why we love it:

  • The pine lid makes the container great for holding small items after the wax has melted
  • Cotton core wick

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11 / 29

Paris Scented Candle and Lid from Diptyque
via bloomingdales.com

Paris Scented Candle and Lid from Diptyque

Best luxe scented candle

It’s impossible to talk about luxury scented candles without mentioning this iconic French brand. Diptyque is world-renowned for its high-end candles, and its newest, Paris, pays tribute to the company’s heritage as it celebrates its 60th birthday. Sure, it’s a splurge, but with a heavenly scent rooted in the essence of myrrh, old books, wood patina, and stone, it will make you feel like you’re strolling along the Seine without having to get on a plane. Ooh la la!

Why we love it:

  • Sculpted black wood lid
  • Luxury samples come with each order
  • Complimentary gift wrap

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12 / 29

Winter Pines Candle: New England Edition from Fernweh Editions
via fernweheditions.com

Winter Pines Candle: New England Edition from Fernweh Editions

Best winter scented candle

This beautiful candle heralds the first snow of the season through a warm blend of pine with top notes of mint, citrus, nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove, mid notes of lavender and eucalyptus, and base notes of pine and vanilla. Hand-poured in small batches, it’s made of a soy wax blend that will burn for 110 hours to get you through the long winter. Also getting you through the winter? The best wool socks money can buy.

Why we love it:

  • Also available in a travel tin
  • Self-trimming wick for increased burn time and less soot
  • 110-hour burn time

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13 / 29

Joanna Buchanan Candle Peridot
via joannabuchanan.com

Peridot Candle from Joanna Buchanan

Best spring scented candle

With notes of bergamot, vetiver, and white musk, this hand-poured, soy-based candle is like a breath of fresh air. It will awaken your senses to the greenery that slowly returns each spring and give you a feeling of renewal.

Why we love it:

  • The bedazzled bug lid
  • Peridot represents the color of nature and is associated with good health and harmony

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14 / 29

Summer Nights Scented Candle from Perpetual Bliss
via perpetualblissco.com

Summer Nights Scented Candle from Perpetual Bliss

Best summer scented candle

The magic of summer nights comes to life in this sophisticated scent, which starts with apple and saffron, swirls around with black currants and blackberries, and is rooted in warm base notes of anise and amber. It’s rich and heady and steamy hot.

Why we love it:

  • It comes in a gorgeous reusable container
  • 65-hour burn time

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15 / 29

Vinyl Records from Anecdote Candles
via anecdotecandles.com

Vinyl Records from Anecdote Candles

Best storytelling scented candle

According to Anecdote Candles, Vinyl Records/Black Oud “smells like crackling nostalgia and extravagant simplicity.” Amazingly, the company is right! This creative company hand-pours a coconut-soy wax blend to create truly original scents that define our lives. Then it describes them in a thought-provoking way that will make these scented candles your go-to gift. Anecdote Candles Ocean Escape “smells like salty air and shady beaches,” Self-Care/Mint & Eucalyptus “smells like face masks and do not disturb,” and Comfort Zone/Coffee & Cedarwood “smells like the joy of missing out.” You will relate to so many of these and have fun coming up with your own.

Why we love it:

  • These are real conversation pieces
  • Available in travel tins
  • Natural ingredients

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16 / 29

Otherland Candle
via otherland.com

The Threesome from Otherland

Best scented candle set

OK, we cheated a little here because it’s virtually impossible to pick just one of Otherland’s unique fragrances, and The Threesome lets you choose a trio. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but you’ll want to try one of the five candles in the core collection (Canopy, with notes of California fig, ivy greens, and summer dew is a favorite) and a couple of the vivid new Homestead candles, like Tomato Terrazzo and Sriracha Rose, all made from a blend of coconut and soy wax. Still can’t decide? Don’t worry, Otherland also offers a six-pack.

Why we love it:

  • Female founded
  • The glass tumblers are reusable
  • 55-hour burn time

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17 / 29

Sunday Morning Candle Brooklyn Candle
via brooklyncandlestudio.com

Sunday Morning from Brooklyn Candle Studio

Best fresh-scented candle

Full of weekend vibes, this refreshing candle is a bounty of fruits and flowers, including pear, bergamot, jasmine, and gardenia. Made of 100 percent soy wax, it’s vegan, cruelty free, phthalate free, and petroleum free and will leave you feeling rejuvenated and worry free. Think of it like a comforting weighted blanket for your entire home.

Why we love it:

  • Female founded
  • Brushed gold lid makes it travel-friendly
  • Rewards program offers exclusive discounts and free shipping

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18 / 29

Grandnas Kitchen Scents Blueberry Pie Candle
via amazon.com

Blueberry Pie Scented Candle from Stillwater Bath and Body

Best sweet-scented candle

Nothing makes a home more welcoming than the scent of something baking in the oven. This blueberry pie scented candle smells so yummy that it’s garnered more than 1,750 five-star reviews. “Don’t light while hungry,” warns verified purchaser Dan Purcell, who adds, “It’s not edible, but you’ll wish it was. The room is filled immediately with the scent of a fresh-baked blueberry pie, and that’s before you even light it.” Bonnie Lemaster agrees, saying, “These are the best candles I’ve ever lit, and I am a big fan of candles. Treat yourself! Whichever dessert you like best (gingerbread, apple pie, blueberry, etc.), know that the associated candle smells exactly like it’s baking in the oven!”

Why we love it:

  • All-natural
  • Small, family-owned business

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19 / 29

Aerangis Seven Miles Candle
via aerangis.com

No. 7 Seven Miles from Aerangis

Best floral-scented candle

In Taiwan, the orange jasmine at the heart of this candle is often called “seven miles” because its fragrance can be detected from that far away. Founder Alicia Tsai created this candle to remind her of her homeland, and its creamy scent, with notes of white gardenia, silky musk, and citrus blossoms, will surround you with a garden of fragrant delights. For more creature comforts, check out the best leggings on Amazon.

Why we love it:

  • There’s a story behind each scent
  • Female-founded company
  • Eco-conscious

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20 / 29

Boy Smells Candle
via boysmells.com

LES from Boy Smells

Best inclusive scented candle

Some candles smell too traditionally feminine and some smell too traditionally masculine, but this one smells just right for everyone. In French, “les” is the plural article used for both genders, and in this candle, it also stands for the Lower East Side, one of New York’s most diverse and exciting neighborhoods. Reflecting the rich variety of scents on the streets, it offers an olfactory tour, featuring everything from jasmine rice and tonka beans to cardamom and peach blossoms. This best seller is made from coconut and beeswax to shine brighter and burn longer.

Why we love it:

  • It comes in a glossy black glass tumbler
  • Available in two sizes
  • Appealing to all genders

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21 / 29

So Hum Candle
via thelaundress.com

Lavender Leaf and Balsam Candle from SoHum

Best wood wick scented candle

Wood wicks crackle when they’re lit, making it sound like you’re sitting in front of a cozy fireplace on a cold night. SoHum takes that fiery authenticity a step further by literally shining a light on your intention with specific scents designed to uplift and inspire you. The 100 percent soy Lavender Leaf and Balsam candle features top notes of bergamot, lemon, and orange; middle notes of pine needle, lavender, and magnolia; and a base of balsam fir, anise, and guaiac wood, a combination intended to relax, calm, and ease stress and anxiety.

Why we love it:

  • That satisfying crackle
  • 60+ hours burn time

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22 / 29

Hotel Lobby Island Candle from Hotel Lobby Candle
via thelaundress.com

Hotel Lobby Island Candle from Hotel Lobby Candle

Best staycation scented candle

Pull up a lounge chair and take a tropical vacation in your own home with one of the best-smelling candles. Made of 100 percent soy wax, it invokes an island paradise through notes of coconut, almond, and vanilla. Pass the piña coladas. Make like a traveler and use these sleep products that help you drift into a deep slumber.

Why we love it:

  • The instructions are written on a hotel key card
  • 65-hour burn time
  • Female-founded company

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23 / 29

No. 723 Candle from The Laundress
via thelaundress.com

No. 723 Candle from The Laundress

Best rose-scented candle

If you use No. 723 laundry detergent—The Laundress’ top-selling scent—you will immediately recognize this rosy fragrance. Even if you’ve never tried it, you will fall for the irresistible scent of the damask rose and its accompanying notes of geranium, jasmine, and lily of the valley. Grounded with guaiac wood and amber to ensure a rich, complex scent, this hand-poured soy wax blend version is a totally modern and fresh take on classic scented candles.

Why we love it:

  • 60-hour burn time
  • Created by acclaimed Brooklyn-based fragrance house, Joya

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24 / 29

Colette Votive Candle Set from Rifle Paper Co.
via riflepaperco.com

Colette Votive Candle Set from Rifle Paper Co.

Best scented votive candles

This boxed set makes a thoughtful gift, but it’s also a great way to try out a handful of signature scents inspired by classic travel destinations. There’s Champs de France, The High Peaks of the Adirondack Forest, Jardin de Paris, The Souks of Marrakech, and Amalfi del Mar. Each soy wax votive candle comes in a glass vessel and has a burn time of more than 15 hours. Between the five, it’s like taking a trip around the world.

Why we love it:

  • Beautiful box is ready to gift
  • Poured in the United States

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25 / 29

Grounded from Lifetherapy
via lifetherapy.com

Grounded from Lifetherapy

Best inspirational scented candle

Whether you want to feel energized, transformed, inspired, loved, or grounded, Lifetherapy has a candle to help. Start with Grounded, which will calm, balance, and uplift you with stabilizing amber and vanilla, earthy rose, and soothing heliotrope. Hand-poured in small batches, all Lifetherapy candles are made of soy wax and clean ingredients, so you can feel good about feeling good.

Why we love it:

  • 75-hour burn time
  • Female-founded company
  • Reusable glass container

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26 / 29

Jakes Hpuse Henry Rose Candle
via henryrose.com

Jake’s House from Henry Rose

Best clean-scented candle

Henry Rose is all about using the cleanest, safest ingredients, and this candle features the best-selling fragrance from the brand (which was founded by actress Michelle Pfeiffer). Made from a blend of coconut, soy, and vegetable waxes, the hand-poured candle emits notes of fresh marine, honeyed neroli, and soft musk for a unique and comforting scent.

Why we love it:

  • Smells seriously amazing
  • A portion of proceeds benefits Breast Cancer Prevention Partners

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27 / 29

Ecuadorian Rose from La Parea Wellness
via amazon.com

Ecuadorian Rose from La Parea Wellness

Best aromatherapy scented candle

Not only does this candle smell good, but it’s also good for you. La Parea Wellness handcrafts small batches of plant-based aromatherapy products (like this natural, pure soy wax candle) to lift your mood and foster self-care. Infused with essential oils, dried rose buds, and hibiscus flowers, it’s as intoxicating as a bouquet of roses itself.

Why we love it:

  • The authentic petals add a lovely touch
  • The candle burns long and clean

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28 / 29

Velvet Peony from Urban Apothecary
via amazon.com

Velvet Peony from Urban Apothecary

Best romantic scented candle

Flirty and filled with lush flora and fruits, this sensuous fragrance is abloom with delightful surprises like peach, raspberry, and violet. Crafted by a team of artisans in Leicestershire, England, all of Urban Apothecary’s soy wax candles are lovingly produced and hand-poured in-house. The signature black glass container is simple and sleek, so the candle itself shines.

Why we love it:

  • 60-hour burn time
  • Premium cotton wick

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29 / 29

Confidence Crystal Energy Candle from Chiji
via homeofchiji.com

Confidence Crystal Energy Candle from Chiji

Best crystal-infused scented candle

This enchanting soy wax candle is meant to empower you and make you more confident, whether you’re dressed to the nines, going business casual, or sporting some work-from-home sweats you hope your boss can’t see over Zoom. The candle includes miniature crystals, including lapis for self-awareness, citrine for prosperity, and clear quartz to amplify and heal. Combined with the warm scent of musk, tobacco, and vanilla, the beauty and energy of the crystals may improve your mood right away.

Why we love it:

  • Ethically sourced crystals
  • Includes larger lapis crystal to remove and use for meditation

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Lois Alter Mark
Lois is an award-winning travel, lifestyle and shopping writer for Reader's Digest, Forbes and USA Today 10Best. She's an avid cruiser, and her work has taken her to all seven continents and introduced her to amazing new people, cultures, food and—her latest obsession—pickleball!