Whether you are looking for a luxurious gift for a loved one, a thoughtful way to say thank you to a friend, or a sweet-smelling treat for yourself, you can't go wrong with a scented candle.
We've selected the best on offer this season. Our choices cover all budgets and all tastes, from the most iconic names in perfume, to classic high street brands we trust.
Our sense of smell is so closely connected to our memory, that certain scents remain forever associated with specific people, times and events. Choose the right candle and you can travel back to a favourite holiday, or evoke the memories of happy events and time spent in the company of your favourite people.
All the candles we have selected come in beautiful glass or ceramic holders, which you can reuse once your candle is finished and a number of these brands offer a refill service.
Some of the best holders are gifts in themselves and destined to become collectables in the future – use them now as trinket boxes or pretty vases as well as candle holders.
Best Scented Candles
Grace de Monaco Promenade Sur Le Rocher
- Buy now from Harrods (from £110)
Burn time: Up to 80 hours
Scent: Promenade Sur Le Rocher
Notes: White floral, ylang-ylang and vanilla
Recently launched in the UK, this deliciously scented candle is part of a range that includes the floral Danse Etoilee. Both are available through an exclusive partnership with Harrods. All profits go to the Princess Grace Foundation set up in the memory of Grace Kelly and the range includes matching eau de parfums and diffusers as well as silks and Twillies.
Scent to De-Stress 3 Wick Scented Candle
- Buy now from Neom (£50)
Burn time: Up to 50 hours
Scent: Scent to De-Stress
Notes:Lavender, jasmine and Brazilian rosewood
Created to help you relax and unwind, Neom's luxurious Scent to De-Stress scented candle, made from 100% natural wax with three wicks, blends 24 of the world's purest essential oils.
Most concentrated of the selection are lavender, jasmine and Rosewood, offering you an at-home spa experience.
Ormonde Jayne Frangipani Scented Candle
- Buy now from Selfridges (£70)
Burn time: Up to 55 hours
Scent: Frangipani
Notes: Magnolia flower, lime peel, white frangipani, jasmine and plum
Known for their inventive unisex fragrances, Ormond Jayne's hand-poured candles continue in the same vein, with luxurious combinations of exotic florals presented in smart glass votives with a gold-toned lid.
The Frangipani candle is described by users as an uplifting, creamy floral scent, which would be perfect for use in a drawing room, bathroom or bedroom.
Replica Lazy Sunday Morning Scented Candle
- Buy now from Selfridges (£52)
Burn time: Up to 40 hours
Scent: Lazy Sunday Morning
Notes: White musk, iris, pear and rose
Well-known for their lab-like labels, Maison Margiela's Replica scented candles have become a cult-favourite amongst homeowners.
Their Lazy Sunday Morning scent has particular appeal, with notes of white musk, iris, pear and rose, the scent is reminiscent of freshly-washed sheets and described by the brand as 'soft skin and bed linen' and 'memory in a candle'.
Seychelles Ceramic Indulgence Candle
- Buy now from The White Company (£120)
Burn time: Up to 120 hours
Scent: Seychelles
Notes: Bergamot, amber and vanilla
The White Company is famed for its carefully-curated scents and divine homewares, so it comes as no surprise that its scented candles are some of the most sought after.
For something really unique, this Seychelles-scented indulgence candle comes in a beautiful ceramic vessel, which not only looks beautiful in your home amongst your treasured collections, but it's perfect for reusing once you've burnt through the wax.
With four wicks and up to 120 hours of burn time, you'll be able to enjoy this fragrant beauty for a long time.
Ouai Melrose Place Scented Candle
- Buy now from Liberty (£32)
Burn time: Up to 55 hours
Scent: Melrose Place
Notes: Champagne, pink peppercorn, berry and lychee
Though you may be more familiar with their hair products, Ouai have created their own scented candle inspired by their best-selling Detox hair range, made from a mixture of soy and coconut wax.
The scent offers the perfect blend of rich and fresh, with top notes of Champagne, pink peppercorn, berry and Lychee, heart notes of peony, rose, freesia, jasmine and bergamot, and base notes of amber, sandalwood, white musk and cedar wood.
As well as it's enticing fragrance, the Melrose Place scented candle comes in a hand-polished concrete vessel offering a muted-pink colourway, perfect for displaying on shelves, dressers and mantelpieces.
Ink Scented Candle
- Buy now from PerfumerH (£55)
Burn time: –
Scent: Ink
Notes: Papyrus, vetiver, rose, angelica seed and Myrrh
A mysterious and intriguing perfume, created the evoke the scent and 'texture' of of dark blue ink dropped onto paper. This is just one of nine unusual and evocative wood-based scented candles from a wider selection that includes creations with amber, citrus, floral and green base notes.
PerfumerH offers a refill service.
Ginori 1735 Anfora Rajathra Palace Scented Candle
- Buy now from Selfridges (£650)
Burn time: 40 hours
Scent: Anfora Rajathra Palace
Notes: Cardamom, coriander, rose and sandalwood
With four wicks to ensure an even burn, this delicious candle will fill your home with a perfume inspired by Luke Edward Hall's memories of Rajasthan. With its heady mix of cadamom, patchouli and cinnamon it was created to conjure a Maharaja's retreat in the hills of Northen India.
Top notes of cardamom and coriander seeds, with heart notes of rose, clove and cinnamon bark, work in harmony with base notes of sandalwood styrax and patchouli.
The ceramic container is undoubtedly a treat in itself, destined to become a future collectable and an elegant addition to the mantelpiece.
Aima Kari Millefleur Scented Candle
- Buy now from Abask (£195)
Scent: Millefleur
Notes: Orange, Egyptian Jasmine and white musk
This hand-poured candle, created in Grasse, will infuse your home with a delicious and uplifting floral fragrance. Made from 100% vegetable wax, with notes of orange, jasmine and white musk, the candle sits in a beautiful mouth-blown and hand-finished Murano glass vessel. The name, 'Mille' refers to the thousands of coloured glass fragments that are used in the process of creating this unique piece of glass, which will last long after the candle.
Elemis Mayfair No 9 Scented Candle
- Buy now from John Lewis (£42)
Burn time: approx 46 hours
Scent: Mayfair No 9
Notes: Lavender, chamomile and geranium
A carefully balanced blend of essential oils, including soothing lavender, chamomile, and spicy geranium, combine to create a deliciously-scented candle. The aroma is designed to create a sense of calm and tranquility, perfect to light at the end of the day.
Saint Honoré Scented Candle
- Buy now from Christian Dior (£86)
Burn time: 60 hours
Scent: Saint Honoré
Notes: Spicy, floral, woody and vanilla
Part of La Collection Privee Christian Dior, this elegant, delicately spicy scent evokes the charm and sophistication of the part of Paris from which it takes its name.
Order any candle from the range and you will also receive two complimentary samples of your choice from Dior's skincare and perfume ranges. The candle can be ordered with complimentary gift wrapping if you are buying it as a present.
Lladro Lord Ganesha Scented Candle
- Buy now from Harrods (£50)
Burn time: 40 hours
Scent: Gardens of Valencia
Notes: Bergamot, tuberose, sandalwood and musk
This elegant gold glass votive jar, with an intricately detailed white ceramic lid featuring Lord Ganesha, contains a deliciously citrus-scented candle, perfect for summer evenings. The seductive, citric combination of bergamot, tuberose, sandalwood and musk evoke hot summer evenings in Valencia
Thé Osmanthus Giant Scented Candle
- Buy now from Christian Dior (£580)
Burn time: 110 hours
Scent: Thé Osmanthus
Notes: Floral and apricot notes
This generous candle has four wicks for a steady and even burn, which will allow the delicate perfume of flowers and apricots to fill your home. Set in a smart ceramic holder with a silver coloured base and matching lid, the candle comes in a simple hatbox-style case.
Customers who buy any candle from the Christian Dior range will receive two complimentary samples of your choice with your order – from Dior's skincare and perfume ranges. The candle can also be ordered with complimentary gift wrapping if you are buying it as a present.
Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Mirto di Panarea Scented Candle
- Buy now from Selfridges (£72)
Burn time: 50 hours
Scent: Blu Mediterraneo Mirto di Panarea, limited edition
Notes: Myrtle, lemon, bergamot and basil
This limited edition candle in a classy, slightly psychedelic glass votive holder, is typical of the gorgeous perfumes that we have come to associate with Aqua di Parma – and available just in time for Father's Day. With top notes of Myrtle, lemon, bergamot and basil, as the candle burns heart notes of jasmine and rose emerge, followed by base notes of cedar, juniper, mastic and amber. A really sophisticated and delicious treat for yourself or someone you love.
Le Labo Encens 9 Scented Candle
- Buy now from John Lewis (£63)
Burn time: 60 hours
Scent: Encens 9
Notes: Frankincense, amber and clove
Le Labo has a cult following and not without good reason. From its cool, utilitarian packaging to its surprising and delicious creations, the brand has established a range of stylish and unforgettable fragrances, with a core collection of 16 unisex blends.
Encens is a subtle creation built around a core note of frankincense, overlayed with notes of amber and spicy clove.
Byredo Burning Rose Scented Candle
- Buy now from Liberty (£64)
Burn time: 60 hours
Scent: Burning Rose
Notes: Rose petals, leather, violet, birch tree and ebony
With top notes of Rose petals, heart notes of leather, Rose Absolute and violet, followed by base notes of Birch Tree and ebony this is an intoxicating mix providing rose fans with a double hit of their favourite perfume – a modern take on a timeless classic.
Inspiritus Celestial Scented Candle
- Buy now from St Eval (£22.50)
Burn time: 23 hours
Scent: Inspiritus
Notes: Cinnamon, woody, cloves and nutmeg, sandalwood with a hint of vanilla
The starry design of this candle pot – complete with shooting star – provides a subtle way to tap into the astrological trend. It's rustic appeal would be well-suited to romantic dinners on the terrace, too... Just add a glass of rosé.
Vilshenko Summer Doll Scented Candle
- Buy now from Liberty (£120)
Burn time: 50 hours
Scent: Summer
Notes: Orange blossom, apricot, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, amber
Folk-inspired and Romantic, fashion brand Vilshenko is a go-to for all things pretty and whimsical. And while its clothes are inspired by classical art, its candles are inspired by traditional 19th-century matryoshka, or nesting, dolls.
There's a doll for each season and each ceramic container is decorated in the style of a different painting technique. The design of 'Summer' adopts the Guzlitskaya style of painting – playful patterns finished with a golden shimmer.
The intoxicating scent of the candle is described as a 'sunshine cocktail', featuring floral orange blossom, fruity apricot and earthier sandalwood and amber notes.
Tuileries Scented Candle
- Buy now from Trudon (£95)
Burn time: 55-60 hours
Scent: Tuileries
Notes: Rose, pink berry, blackcurrant, mandarin, raspberry, geranium, musk, patchouli, sandalwood, vanilla
As one of the oldest wax-producing factories in the world – who became a royal manufacturer in France, where they're based, in 1719 – heritage has always been at the heart of Trudon.
This candle, designed for Trudon's 380th anniversary, is an homage to Marie Antoinette, whose favourite flower was the rose. As with all Trudon's glass containers, each is hand-crafted in Tuscany and its shape is inspired by champagne buckets.
The hue is new though and we particularly love how the blush pink contrasts the gold emblem.
Bella Freud Hot Spell Scented Candle
- Buy now from Cult Beauty (£65)
Burn time: 40 hours
Scent: Hot Spell
Notes: Grapefruit, Lemon, and Ginger, Jasmin, Magnolia, and Geranium
Known for her playful irreverence, Bella Freud's clothes and accessories have attracted a cult following. Her candles are equally desirable – the holders: simple and cool, their scents: equally captivating.
This one was made with summer in mind and is described as 'languid and strangely energising', the mix of citrus and ginger speaking of exotic holidays and cocktails by the sea.
White Rose & Lemon Leaves Scented Candle
- Buy now from Jo Loves (£55)
Burn time: 37.5 hours
Scent: White Rose & Lemon Leaves
Notes: White rose oil, lemon peel, rose absolute
Having made her name with her eponymous perfume company, Jo Malone then embarked on a new venture, Jo Loves, creating perfumes, bath & body products and candles inspired by key moments and experiences in her life.
Famous for her clever and innovative fragrance layering, White Rose & Lemon Leaves is a fresh and uplifting combination that doesn't disappoint: top notes of the white Norma Jean rose are blended with subtle hits of rose absolute and Peppered Citrus to evoke the essence of summer. Hand-poured in the UK, each candle comes in a hand-blown glass which comes with a lid to keep the surface of the wax dust-free when the candle is not in use.
Personalisation is available when you place your order online, which makes this candle a wonderful gift or a lovely way to say thank you.
Cowboy Kush Boy Smells Scented Candle
- Buy now from Cult Beauty (£44)
Burn time: 50 hours
Scent: Boy Smells
Notes: Suede, Saffron flower, labdanum, cannabis leaf, tonka, raspberry, patchouli
This gender-defying combination of scents that are traditionally defined as being either masculine (think, leather and associated notes) and feminine (sweet florals) results in a deliciously evocative creation that has quickly achieved cult status.
Warm, leathery notes are paired with a sweet vanilla hit of tonka and the tang of saffron to create a scent that captures the dry heat of the desert and the sun on saddle leather.
Cereria Pernici 1892 Luna Park Scented Candle
- Buy now from Artemest (£90)
Burn time: 40 hours
Scent: Luna Park
Notes: Warm milk, vanilla, Jasmine and almond
The name references nights at the fun fair and the scent is reminiscent of candy floss – the aim was to create a candle that suggested a childhood memory or dream of a magical place. The intense sweetness of the milk and vanilla top notes is tempered with a heady heart note of Jasmine and the softer base note of almond blossom.
The hand-poured soy wax candle with a cotton wick comes in a fabulous orange glass container and arrives packed in a smart black box.
Floris Oud & Cashmere Scented Candle
- Buy now from Selfridges (£60)
Burn time: approx 35 hours
Scent: Oud & Cashmere
Notes: Citrus, black pepper, cardamom, clove bud, almond, oud, amber, musk, vanilla and cashmere
Established in 1730, in London's St James's, Floris is one of the oldest British perfumers with a wonderful list of classic fragrances that have weathered fads and fashion, with many of their oldest creations still available today. Floris was also one of the first companies to create home fragrances, their catalogue from 1851 includes a range described as being 'For Perfuming Apartments'.
The Oud & Cashmere candle is a classic and sophisticated scent. Top notes of bergamot, black pepper and cardamom, are balanced with a delicious almond heart note and warm base notes of earthy oud, cashmere and amber – a complex blend that creates a subtle and welcoming aroma that lingers in the home.
Loewe Tomato Leaves Scented Candle
- Buy now from Harrods (large £345)
Burn time: approx 80 hours
Scent: Tomato Leaves
Notes: Earthy green notes of tomato leaves with notes of cassis once lit
This intense blend which includes notes of spicy blackcurrant captures the rich savoury scent of crushed tomato leaves which is so redolent of hot summer afternoons. The wonderful tomato red ceramic container is handmade in Spain and is stamped on the base and bears the company's logo at the front.
The candle is available in three sizes and the range includes a number of other wonderful summer fragrances, including honeysuckle, oregano, cucumber and beetroot.
Lladró 1001 Lights North Tower Spire Scented Candle
- Buy now from Harrods (£210)
Burn time: up to 60 hours
Scent: Unbreakable Spirit
Notes: Bergamot, cardamom and musk
Scent your home with the exotic aroma of Bergamot, cardamom and musk, blended with cassis, lotus flower and frankincense, and find yourself transported to the magical world of the Arabian Nights...
Created as part of Lladro's 1001 Lights collection (inspired by the stories from One Thousand and One Nights – the famous collection of Middle Eastern folk tales), this exotic smelling candle is set in an engraved porcelain holder with a contrasting coloured lid topped with 22-carat gold finial. The collection comes in two colour palettes – blue and red.
Founded in 1953, Lladro is an iconic Spanish porcelain brand known initially for tableware that took inspiration from the great porcelain factories of the 18th and 19th centuries, such as Meissen and Sevres. Gradually their production expanded to include the detailed figurines and highly decorated vases with which the name has become synonymous.
Moro Dabron x Jamb Candle
- Buy now from Moro Dabron (£280)
Burn time: Over 70 hours
Scent: Jamb candle
Notes: Frankincense, cade, smoke, precious woods, black pepper and amber
The scent of this elegant and unusual candle is the creation of Moro Dabron, who have been designing fragrances since 2020, focusing on warm and inviting blends that are inspired by art and architecture as well as the natural world – from the tower at Sissinghurst to a forest after a storm. For their collaboration with Jamb, the duo created a scent that captures the dark, smoky fragrance of an English country house.
It's not surprising that the first edition of this collaboration sold out within days of release. The vessel alone, created by Will Fisher and Charlotte Freemantle, founders of Jamb, is worth the price tag – cast using the traditional lost wax process and then hand-patinated to create a richly textured surface reminiscent of an ancient artefact, such as a Roman bronze, it's something to treasure long after the candle has burnt out.
Vilshenko Winter Doll Scented Candle
- Buy now from Liberty (£120)
Burn time: 50 hours
Scent: Winter Doll
Notes: Clove Cinnamon, rose, juniper, cedar and incense
With top notes of clove and cinnamon, this is undoubtedly a winter scent, however, middle notes of rose and juniper berries followed by cedar and incense ensure the fragrance will work all year round, perhaps best suited to the evenings.
The candle is set in an attractive ceramic matryoshka doll, designed by Vilshenko. The fashion brand is know for its celebration of Eastern European folk embroidery and folk art, and the ceramic vessel is decorated in the classic blue on white Gzhel style, this is one to keep long after the candle has gone. The Winter Doll is part of a set of four – each one inspired by a season, and featuring a different painting technique.
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