Scented Candles: Everything You Need to Know!
Scented candles are one of those little indulgences that are always worth treating yourself to at the end of a long day. To instantly create a more cozy and pleasant atmosphere, all you need to do is light a candle infused with the perfect niche fragrance, and something in the air will change immediately. Luxury candles are not just an effective way to match different moods, but also an easy and immediate way to decorate your home in an elegant and minimalist way. Despite being among the most subtle home accessories, there are various aspects to consider: from the fragrance notes to the number of wicks needed, all to find the perfect scented candle. We’ve handpicked some of the most iconic and luxurious candles ever for you: don’t miss brands like Diptyque, Byredo, Fragonard and many more.
How Are Scented Candles Made?
Typically, scented candles are made from a type of wax with essential oils, a wick, and — optionally — a container that holds it. Let’s explore the details of these components:
- Wax and Essential Oils. Candles can be made from soy wax (like the candles from Munio). This wax is derived from soybean oil and is entirely natural and renewable, making it a safe and sustainable choice. Soy wax also burns long and clean, making it ideal for spaces like the bedroom or bathroom. Then there are candles made with paraffin, an ingredient that produces more soot than other types of wax and is therefore becoming less popular, especially among niche perfumery brands that prioritize the quality of materials to ensure an excellent olfactory experience. Finally, beeswax is a natural product that creates a warm glow when lit. Beeswax candles are considered a better option for people with allergies and, thanks to their high melting point, tend to drip less easily. To release fragrance into the air, scented candles are enriched with essential oils that are embedded in the wax and release all their olfactory power when heated.
- Wick. All candles have wicks, often made of cotton or linen, designed to light the flame. Some candles have multiple wicks, perfect for ensuring even burning and proper fragrance diffusion, especially for larger candles. Besides creating a more vibrant glow with multiple flames, multi-wick designs create larger pools of liquid wax, releasing a more intense fragrance. Single-wick candles have a simpler look but are equally beautiful and refined, making them perfect for adding a classy yet essential element to your space.
- Container. This third component, unlike the other two, is not mandatory and may or may not be present depending on the technical and stylistic choices of the brand that makes the candle. Containers are usually made of glass or ceramic and can play a significant role in the design of the object. Practically speaking, they help you avoid worrying about drips of melted wax on your home surfaces!
Unique Scented Candles, Luxury Decorative Candles, or Christmas Candles: Which Type Should You Choose?
Candles are not all the same: a helpful way to decide which one to choose is to think about the space where you want to display it and why you’re buying it (do you want to use it for decorating, relaxing, or to create ambiance?). The design and fragrance are definitely the first two elements to consider, but what types of candles are out there?
- Unique Scented Candles. If you're looking for a scent that makes your interiors unique and unforgettable, opt for unique scented candles characterized by innovative and unexpected designs, enriched with rare and sophisticated fragrances. The ideal choice in this case is to rely on niche perfumery: brands like Ortigia or Carthusia are famous for creating unique scented candles with distinctive designs, enriched with rare artistic fragrances.
- Luxury Decorative Candles. Sometimes, the primary goal of a candle is to complete the room's decor. If this is your case, we recommend getting inspired by luxury decorative candles, such as those made by Fragonard, with their colorful and captivating designs, perfect as fragrant decor pieces! You can place them as centerpieces, on bookshelves or mantels, in the bathroom, or on the bedside table in your bedroom – wherever you want to add a touch of personality!
- Christmas Scented Candles. Everyone knows that the holiday season is truly magical. And what better way to enhance this warm and joyful atmosphere than with a beautiful Christmas scented candle? Warm lights that spread enveloping fragrances in the air, in red, gold, or green, with delightful themed decorations: with scented decor like this, your Christmas dinner becomes unforgettable!
Note: one type does not exclude the other! There are decorative candles that are also extremely unique, Christmas candles from the world of artistic perfumery, as well as decorative candles that perfectly suit festive settings, and so on. The important thing is to keep your goal in mind; then, let yourself be inspired by the many candles available on the market, without too many restrictions, and find your ideal scented flame!
How to Make the Most of a Scented Candle
Here are some tips to ensure a perfect olfactory experience:
- Safety First. Never leave candles unattended and always keep them away from flammable materials, children, and pets.
- Say Goodbye to Tunneling. Always let candles burn until the entire surface becomes molten before extinguishing them. This tip increases burn time and prevents tunneling (the formation of an outer ring of hard wax that does not burn, creating an uneven surface).
- Trim the Wicks. Regularly trim candle wicks (to 6 mm) to remove black soot and achieve the longest and cleanest burn possible.
- No More Wax Drips. To prevent dripping, keep candles away from excessive drafts and extinguish pillar candles when the wax pool reaches the edge.
- Take Care of the Container. To protect your candle container, never burn the last centimeter of wax and remember to handle candle containers with care as they can get very hot.
- Max 4 Hours. Don’t burn candles for more than four hours at a time because wicks can start to form a "mushroom," which can affect flame quality.
- Use a Snuffer. Use a snuffer (a long-handled candle extinguisher) to extinguish candles and ensure the wicks stay centered.
- Watch Out for Smoke. If there is smoke, extinguish the candle, trim the wick, and relight it.
- Protect Your Furniture. Do not place pillar candles directly on furniture. Always use a heat-resistant plate to protect surfaces!
Note on Burning Time. The burning time of a candle depends on its size and quality. Long burn times are a sign of high-quality candles, but you can extend the burning time by properly taking care of your candles: trim the wick as the wax level drops to ensure an even burn across the entire candle. Burn times depend on the size of the candle: on average, it takes three to four hours to burn about 1 cm of wax.
50 ml Recommends: The Best Scented Candles
- Essential Parfums Bois Imperial Scented Candle. Here is the scented candle version of the famous niche fragrance Bois Imperial by Essential Parfums! If you’re a fan of artistic perfumery, this delightfully scented flame is a must-have in your home! Its clean and pleasant scent, created by the masterful blend of notes like basil, pepper, and vetiver, provides an incredibly refined atmosphere of style and charm. Your guests will be amazed!
- Diptyque Baies Scented Candle. No top 5 would be complete without one of the enchanting (and famous, especially among connoisseurs) Diptyque candles! This iconic brand of artistic perfumery has been captivating for years with its elegant candles, enriched with niche fragrances from the Maison. The Baies candle, in particular, fills every corner of the house with a romantic and seductive scent, with fruity notes of Blackcurrant and floral notes of Rose combined as only Diptyque could. Perfect for intimate dinners with your partner!
- Byredo Tree House Scented Candle. The third candle we propose is a relaxing and soothing flame, perfect for those who love to envelop the room in a serene atmosphere. We’re talking about the Tree House scented candle by the niche perfumery brand Byredo, known for its contemporary and innovative fragrances. Inspired by the treehouse of Kobayashi in the courtyard of the Biotop store in Tokyo, Tree House is a candle with a woody scent that creates a sophisticated and warm atmosphere, perfect for moments of introspection and meditation.
- D.S & Durga Big Sur After Rain Scented Candle. We continue our selection with a scented candle that has an eccentric and unexpected scent, perfect for people who love to stand out and express their character even through their home environments: the Big Sur After Rain Candle by D.S & Durga! The notes of eucalyptus, wet woods, and coastal rain have an extraordinary evocative power, transporting you to the Pacific Coast along Highway 1, in front of a breathtaking sunset.
- Versatile Cafe Creme Scented Candle. The last candle we suggest is — almost literally — a sweet treat for the most gourmand! The Cafe Creme Candle by Versatile, with its notes of coffee, butter, milk, and cappuccino, fills the air with a delicious scent that will make your mouth water. It’s the perfect flame to accompany an afternoon snack and chat with your lifelong friends!
Scented Candles: 50 ml Customer Reviews
- Diptyque Figuier Scented Candle. "I am a huge fan of Diptyque candles, and the Figuier has quickly become my favorite! I love how it blends the freshness of fig leaves with a subtle sweetness of sap. It’s perfect for any room in the house, from the living room to the bedroom, and adds a touch of elegance thanks to its beautiful jar. I always light it when I want to create a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere. It’s like a fruity, warm, and inviting hug!" Marco, 42 years old.
- Fragonard Myrrhe Patchouli Bougie Scented Candle. "I wanted to give a little something to my boyfriend's family after they hosted me at their house during the summer holidays. I wanted a gift that was pleasant but not too extravagant. I chose this candle from Fragonard, knowing the parents are perfume lovers, and it was a hit! They were really happy and lit the candle right away." Isabel, 29 years old.
- Byredo Bibliotheque Scented Candle. "The Byredo Bibliotheque is a truly unique candle! Its fruity scent makes me think of a charming and mysterious library, full of volumes to explore and adventures to experience. It's a fragrance that stimulates curiosity and imagination, perfect for when I’m working on my computer or reading. I also love its simple yet elegant design: once finished, I like to reuse the container as a desk organizer. A candle worth every penny!" Alessandro, 50 years old.
- Trudon Ernesto Candle Scented Candle. "The Trudon Ernesto has become my favorite reading companion! The warm and intense scent of leather and tobacco is perfect for creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere in my study. It’s a masculine fragrance but with a refinement that makes it suitable for any environment. I highly recommend it to those who love strong, spicy scents that don’t go unnoticed. Its presence is reassuring, like a good glass of whiskey by the fireplace." Giuseppe, 58 years old.
- Christian Tortu Forets Candle Scented Candle. "I love lighting the Christian Tortu Forets Candle during my relaxing evenings. The combination of pine needles, cedarwood, and moss creates a magical atmosphere at home, as if you were in an enchanted forest. It’s perfect for unwinding and recharging after a long day. The scent is natural and not overwhelming, lasts a long time, and fills every room with a fragrance that smells fresh and clean. I understand why it's a best-seller: it's truly one of the best candles I've ever tried!" Chiara, 35 years old.
Not just Scented Candles, on 50 ml, you can find many other scented decor items that will transform your evenings at home into a magical moment like no other: explore our selection of Sprays and Diffusers! If you prefer signature fragrances, then let yourself be inspired by our Niche Perfumes, made by the best Artistic Perfumery brands! Plus, remember that you can always buy perfume samples from our site with total peace of mind, so you can try all the fragrances you like before opting for the Full Size! For all Beauty lovers, we also have a fantastic selection of Korean Skincare that will transform your Beauty Routine into a true Beauty Ritual! Subscribe to our Newsletter to stay updated on the latest news in the sector. See you soon!
