I've Spent 5000 Hours Burning the Best Candles and These are My 6 All-time Favorites for Quality, Scent and Value

Cozy, comforting, and calming – the very best candles can truly transform your space, and, in my opinion, they're a home essential for any room in the house with fall underway and winter just around the corner.

As an avid home fragrance enthusiast, it's safe to say I've tried my fair share of the candles available on the market, from affordable options to luxury splurges. But what I've found they all have in common, after burning candles for at least 5000 hours, is an unmatched ability to scent a room, set the mood, and even complement your decor.

In this guide, I've collated my favorite picks, with prices ranging from $10 to $195. And, if you're anything like me, with a large backlog of candles yet to burn, why not earmark them to snap up in upcoming sales for gifting this holiday season?

Lowest price in 30 days

Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle: was $290 now $241.44 at Amazon

If you've tried this before, or are convinced you're going to love it, why not go large with this gorgeous candle, which will make a stunning centrepiece all season long.

View Deal

The Homes & Gardens Guide to the Best Candles

My One-minute Verdict

After testing these six candles in my home across the last two months, my top pick has to go to Feu de Bois Classic Candle, available at Diptyque, for unparalleled design, quality, and long-lasting, luxurious scenting.

If you want something similar but a little more unusual, the Malin+Goetz cannabis candle is punchy and effortlessly cool, while Adlan Midnight Oil candle heralds itself as a 'tribute to the after hours,' and the WoodWick Golden Bourbon candle combines sweetness with smoke.

If you prefer something fresher yet fruity, the Skandinavisk Fjord Scented Candle is my absolute go-to, while the ScentAir White Tea & Thyme Tin Candle is a brilliant affordable alternative, and, if you're not ready to let go of summer just yet, the White Company Santorini Candle is citrussy, salty, and fragrant.

Alternatively, the Yankee Candle Clean Cotton Candle brings the outdoors in year-round, and, if you've got the budget, you can't go wrong with the Nest VOYAGES Oud Mystique candle, which blends style with sophisticated seasonal scenting.

Read on for a full verdict of each.

The Best Candles

Best All-rounder: Diptyque Feu de Bois

Scent: Wood, fire, and forest.

If you've perused my guide to the best reed diffusers, you'll know that I'm a huge fan of the French fragrance stalwart Diptyque. This Feu de Bois candle, available at Bluemercury, of course, is no exception, and I must admit I fell in love with it before I even lit it. Luckily, one strike of a match was all it took to confirm my assumptions.

Does anything truly encapsulate the scent of the colder, crisper seasons than a roaring fire in midwinter? I certainly don't think so, and this is hands-down the best candle I've found to capture that cozy comfort.

While the vessel is simplistic, there's something so stylish and chic about the Diptyque candle design, so it's no surprise that you'll find Feu de Bois counted among Victoria's Beckham's favorite Diptyque candles. While I'm no VB, this now has a firm spot among my best fall candles.

Yes, Diptyque candles do come at a higher price point than most, but I really have to say you get what you pay for. Looks, scent, and burn are all 10/10, making it simple and easy to avoid candle tunneling, and if you're not lucky enough to have an open hearth or wood burner, this will bring you all the ambience and vibes at a much lower price point than having one installed. I know it's only a small thing, but I love the color of the soft gray-green wax, too.

I've found it dreamy to light when curling up with a book – one of my favorite ways to spend a rainy Sunday – and, if you're planning on getting it as a gift, it pairs perfectly with the Gold Snuffer, also available at Diptyque.

There are so many other amazing seasonal scent picks to try, too, like Baies, Ambre, and Oud, all available to explore at Diptyque. It's not available yet, but I'm also obsessed with the Sapin scent that comes out each Christmas, so keep a keen eye out for that.

Plus, if like me you're someone who likes to reuse candle jars around the house, you won't find a more versatile option for storing makeup brushes, pencils, and more.

Best for Relaxation: Skandinavisk Fjord

Scent: Apple, pear blossom, orchard fruits, and redcurrants.

When you think of ways to make your home smell like fall, your mind might not immediately go to fruity florals. But what this Skandinavisk Fjord candle available at Amazon brings is a Norwegian freshness – think crashing waterfalls, cascading forests, and rolling orchards.

I received this candle as a gift last Christmas, and love the unassuming yet tasteful vessel, while the scent is one of the very best for those who like something a little unexpected, particularly when unwinding at night time.

I've been regularly using it to make my bedroom smell good for sleep now that the weather has dropped, and I'm sure it would work just as well as one of the most welcoming fragrances for a guest bedroom, too.

What's more, with this candle you're supporting a good cause – Skandinavisk prides itself on creating beautiful and cruelty-free products, with FSC-certified packaging, a non-GMO Swedish rapeseed wax blend, and pure cotton wicks – ideal for those looking to be more sustainable at home. Once burned, you can recycle or reuse the jar, and pop the lid on your fire or bonfire, which I've done before with other scents in the past.

Speaking of, the SKOG Scented Candle available at Skandinavisk is another seasonal staple in my home, if you want to go all-in on the festivities, with notes of pine needles, fir cones, birch sap, and woodland lily of the valley.

Best for Strong Scenting: Malin+Goetz Cannabis

Scent: Bergamot, cannabis accord, cedarwood, and musk.

If you're yet to try anything from Malin+Goetz, let me just tell you now – you're missing out. This New York-cool brand combines high quality with unusual scent profiles, and cannabis might just be the most out-of-the-box of them all.

What this scent does so well is create grounding stillness with an unapologetic strength. I can smell it across the room even when it's unlit, working almost like a diffuser, and once it's lit, expect it to literally fill your entire home, yet never be overpowering or headache-inducing. For that reason, it's now my signature scent of choice.

In fact, I've always been a lover of this kind of scent, and actually purchased the perfume oil for my partner last Christmas, which highlights the unisex appeal of this pick. It's also effortlessly versatile in terms of where you place it – use it in your living room, or as one of the best entryway scents for fall, or even to get rid of musty smells in a bathroom. It really does it all.

Earlier this year I attended a Malin+Goetz fragrance event, so can also vouch for the equally surprising tomato and sage candles, as well as the matching sage home spray, all of which are available to explore at Malin+Goetz.

What's more, the ultra-clean burn means the candle vessels are totally reusable as stylish drinking glasses afterwards – trust me, I enjoyed a cocktail in one! Now there's an excuse to put your best cocktail glasses aside and use these for your Christmas cocktail recipes instead.

Best Luxury Pick: Nest Oud Mystique

Scent: Oud, labdanum, hinoki and iris.

I'm just going to address it immediately – yes, this candle is expensive. But it is almost the largest of all the candles included, and where a high price point goes, luxury usually follows. At least it certainly does in this case.

I must admit, I'm relatively new to Nest as a brand, but I have spotted it in Harrods in London a few times, and know that this exclusive Voyages collection is also stocked in Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

What I really admire about Nest, and this Nest candle in particular, is a serious attention to detail. There's no stone left unturned with this pick, from the fluted, tinted glass vessel, to the unusual grey wax and the beautiful, intricately etched metal lid, which protects the strength of the candle, and prevents dust and debris from settling between burns.

All this is well and good, but what about the scent? I'm pleased to report, it's got all the markers of the best candles for fall and winter – nuanced, welcoming, woody, and deep.

Pair it with the matching VOYAGES Oud Mystique Reed Diffuser, also available to shop at Nest, for some seriously enviable fragrance layering, or offset it with a different scent from the collection. I smelled them all at a fragrance event earlier this year, and highly recommend the Hypnotic Amber option. You can browse the whole collection at Nest, and get to know the clever inspiration between each and every one.

Best for Bathrooms: The White Company Santorini

Scent: Sea salt, orange blossom, and amber.

I know that summer's sadly at an end, but sometimes I don't feel ready to fully embrace fall just yet. If you're in the same boat, this White Company Santorini candle is just beautiful as one of the best spring scents, or for making a home smell nice for summer, but there's no reason not to use it in fall and winter, too.

To me, The White Company exudes tastefulness, and this candle is exactly that – uplifting, floral, and fruity, without any of those overly sweet notes that I typically associate with summer-inspired scents.

It actually does smell salty, too, and instantly transports me back to a beach vacation, which is sometimes just the touch of joy I need to stave off those winter blues.

I've been using this one to make my bathroom smell like a luxury spa, and have found it really does inject that calming ambience that's perfect for relaxing in the bathtub or shower, transforming my small en-suite into a luxury bathroom that I really want to spend time in.

Plus, it's a wonderful alternative to Kate Middleton's signature scent from Jo Malone, which she even burned on her wedding day, and if it's good enough for royalty, it's certainly good enough for me.

In terms of gifting, this is a real crowd pleaser – it's a favorite among my family, too – but if you're after something a little more festive, opt for The White Company Winter Signature Candle, or Fir Tree Signature Candle instead.

Best for Gifting: Adlan Midnight Oil

Scent: Vanilla, amber, leather.

All of these candles make beautiful gifts, but there's something about this Adlan pick, which comes housed in their signature graphite stoneware vessel, that just has that wow factor. I've actually never seen a candle that has quite such a striking design, and I can't wait to reuse mine for cotton pads and swabs in the bathroom.

It's not only that which appeals, though – this scent has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Described on their site as 'a tribute to the after hours,' which 'opens with the glow of vanilla flower and amber mist, deepens with leather, patchouli, and finishes with sandalwood, for a serene yet intoxicating effect,' this is the best dupe I've ever found for the inimitable Santal 26 from Le Labo, which boasts a cult status that counts Blake Lively and Jennifer Lopez among it's fans.

I have to say that this candle is unique – and one of the most fool-proof ways to make a bedroom smell like a luxurious hotel suite. It's soft, sophisticated, and warm, yet feels effortlessly grown-up. It's perfect for evenings, and for lighting before guests head over, which is my top holiday hosting tip for creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Plus, after burning, I could even still smell this candle, while unlit, the next day, which is a testament to the strong scent that really lingers in the air and leaves a lasting impression.

Pair it with my beloved Crowd Pleaser Diffuser, also available at Adlan, for the ultimate experience.

Best for Freshness: Yankee Candle Clean Cotton

Scent: Sun-dried sheets, white flowers, and lemon.

Want to enjoy a fresh laundry smell all year? This candle is nothing new, and it's certainly nothing revolutionary, but it does exactly what it says on the tin, and smells great.

Yankee Candle is one of the most well-known, budget-friendly home fragrance brands, and for good reason. A clean burn, a strong scent, and a classic, chic apothecary jar to boot, this candle burns for a staggering 110 to 150 hours, and comes in at only $35.

It's not only suitable for your laundry room ideas, either. I've used mine in my bedroom, bathroom, living room, and hallway, making it one of the very best scents for every room of your house. Burning it is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make your home smell nice, and there's a reason so many people rely on it for a fresh-smelling home all year round.

I've also used and loved the Yankee Amber & Cedarwood and Bayside Cedar scents in the past, and even had the pleasure of enjoying their iteration of a Christmas advent calendar last year.

It's not out yet, but keep an eye out for it when it comes – it makes a great gift, too.

Best on a Budget: ScentAir White Tea & Thyme

Notes: Bergamot, amber, sage and thyme.

This small yet mighty candle packs a punch at an unparalleled price point – I love it. ScentAir is a brand I got to know after testing their non-toxic dry fragrance reeds earlier this year, and like those, this candle boasts a certified safe fragrance, this time with a soy wax blend and lead-free wicks. If you've been struggling to pick non-toxic candles, this is what I personally recommend. It really is one of the best non-toxic ways to make a home smell nice that I've tried.

It's not just that that makes this pick so attractive, though. It also smells amazing.

If you want to infuse your bedroom with a sense of calm, or tap into the entryway fragrance secrets used by spa directors, this is the one for you. Like the Yankee Clean Cotton scent, it's fresh, it's clean, but this time it's just that little bit different, with earthy notes of sage and floral notes of wild jasmine and sheer musk.

Of course, it's not all about the price, but with this candle, you get what you pay for in bucket loads. It's bang for your buck on an impressive scale, burning cleanly and evenly, never becoming overwhelming, and all housed in a sweet decorative tin to complement any fall color schemes.

What's more, it burns for up to 20 hours, even at such a small size. The Golden Bamboo Tin Candle is lovely too, with customers loving its 'heavenly scent' and even dubbing it the 'best smelling candle ever.' Strong praise indeed.

Best Gourmand: WoodWick Golden Bourbon

Notes: Whiskey, saffron, peppercorn, and smoke.

As I know some people can't get enough of a sweeter, honey scent, it felt only right to include this homey, relaxing pick from WoodWick, which has a seriously unique selling point – a wooden wick. The clue's in the name, of course, but nothing beats that flickering flame and sound of a crackling fire.

So, what does this home fragrance say about you? Take the plunge on this purchase, and your home will exude a warm and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for hosting guests over the holidays, or for making your home feel like your own afterwards.

I'd pop this one somewhere out in the open as a showstopping statement among your coffee table styling ideas or fall mantel ideas, and enjoy the sensory experience all season long.

I'm not a lover of overly traditional gourmand scents, but this one blends those popular notes with warm whiskey and smoked woods, so you don't have to worry about it being too sugary and syrupy. Really, this will satisfy any tastes.

And, if you're not sure it's the one for you – the WoodWick Solar Haze candle is a wonderful contrast, but if you still want something equally as festive, why not opt for Rouge Oud or Patchouli Crème, both of which are included alongside the Golden Bourbon scent in WoodWick's new Opulent Woods Collection.

Real-World Tips: Placement, Maintenance & Common Pitfalls

While testing candles for this guide, I've become a bit of an expert on getting the most out of them. These are my top tips:

• The best place to put your candle is in the center of the room, on a sturdy, heat-resistant surface. If I'm lighting mine on a wooden table, I always pop a coaster underneath. Always make sure your candle is away from any flammable items, like curtains, paper, or other soft furnishings, as well as out of reach of pets and children. Your candle should also be away from drafts, air currents, windows, and vents.
• Always stop burning a candle when half an inch of wax remains, to prevent overheating or common fire risks in your home. Learn what to do with a candle when it's burnt out in our dedicated guide.
• Always burn your candle all the way to the edges on the first burn, to prevent tunnelling. If my candle ever does tunnel, I wrap it with tinfoil before lighting it, which helps melt and flatten the wax. If you have one, you can also use a blowtorch, with caution, to do this.
• Regularly trim the wick of your candle before burning to approximately 1/4 of an inch for a long-lasting, clean burn. You can do this with scissors, nail clippers, or a dedicated wick trimmer, available at Diptyque.

How We Test Candles

When testing, I wanted to get a real sense of how these candles work alongside a day-to-day home life. For that reason, I tested and enjoyed each of these candles for over a month in different rooms of my house, to bring you only the best of the best.

I always burned the top layer of each candle until it was entirely liquid, and recorded the scent, speed, and appearance of the candle. I'd also note down any unique selling points – like an unusual wick type, or sustainable vessel.

I also spent time deep-diving into the wax type and burn time of each candle, to ensure that I felt prices, particularly those at the higher end, were justified. I considered, at length, what scenario suited each pick best, be it location, budget, or ambience.

Of course, we acknowledge that scent is subjective, and just because these are my favorites doesn't necessarily mean they'll be yours. That's why I also spent time researching other scent options from the same brands. Chances are, if I've had a positive experience with a certain brand, another scent that suits you more from the same brand will be just as beautiful to burn.

You can find more info on how we test products at Homes & Gardens.

FAQs

How to Find Great Deals on the Best Candles

The main thing to keep in mind when it comes to snapping up a great deal in the seasonal sales is that it pays to be prepared – make sure you know exactly what you're looking for, or who you're buying for if it's going to be a gift, to prevent overconsumption, or getting blindsided by the excitement of a sale – we've all been there.

Candles from the most popular brands really do tend to sell out quickly, so keep an eye on stock and strike as soon as you see a reduction that you think is worth the plunge.

Most of the time, the best reductions can be found during Amazon Prime Day, which was back in July, Black Friday, which is still to come on Friday the 28th of November, and Cyber Monday on the 1st of December, so keep those dates in your diary and add anything you're after to your basket ahead of time.

You can also sign up to retailer newsletters and let them do the alerting for you, as well as create wish lists on Amazon.

What Do I Do if My Candle Wick is Too Short?

If you can’t light your candle wick because it’s too short, try to take a little bit of the wax away from around the candle. You could scrape this away, or soften up the surrounding wax using a blow drier or candle lighter. Be careful doing this because you’ll have the flame at different angles.

Remove the wax around the wick using a Q-tip or tweezers, or by pouring. Then light the wick, and it should burn down like it used to. Let it burn for 30 minutes to establish a pool of melted wax around it.

Why is My Candle’s Glass Black?

This is an accumulation of soot, which can occur for a number of reasons. If your wax is paraffin, it’s probably that. The Harlem Candle Company reassures customers that all candles can produce soot, especially if they aren’t maintained and trimmed.

They explain, 'Incomplete combustion occurs if that balance is upset and wax is drawn into the flame faster than it can be burned. When this happens, the excess wax is released as soot instead. You might see soot being produced in the form of black smoke, which slowly settles on the sides and around the rim of your candle jar.’

It's nothing to worry about, but might be a little tricky to clean when it comes to removing the wax from your vessel for reusing around the house.

Why is My Candle Tunnelling?

Candle tunnelling is a real pain, but luckily it tends to be avoidable. If you have a draft, cheap wax, or don’t burn your candle until the whole surface is a liquid, it might not burn evenly.

Make sure that the first burn of your candle makes a pool of wax up to the edge of the container. Try to do this every time you use the candle and make sure to trim the wick. If you keep up your candle maintenance routine, you should be fine.

I've also put together a guide on the best essential oil diffusers on the market if you prefer flame-free scenting.