Best Scented Candles to Enhance Your Mood and Atmosphere [2020 Update]

If you have a signature scent, then why shouldn’t your home have one too? Our homes should smell as good as it looks. And if it doesn’t look that good, it’s nothing that a beautiful aroma can’t fix. More importantly, scents have a way of affecting our moods, boosting our productivity, and enhancing our atmosphere. Our sense of smell is so powerful that the smallest hint of it can already trigger strong emotions and memories in all of us. It’s why scented/smelling candles are so popular.

Aromatherapy is a real thing. If you’re on a journey of discovery into the world of scented candles, you’ve come to the right place. We can help you get started by providing you with a list of the most popular ones that offer the best scented candles.

If you already have a set of favorites, why not expand your candle collection with some of the best scented/smelling candles in the market today? Just like essential oils, you just might find the one scent that truly defines your space.

Top 10 Scented Candles Of 2020 Reviewed

1. Capri Blue Volcano Printed Travel Tin Candle

Scented Candles On A Budget

Yes, the name is funny and since we’re talking

The Aspen Bay Capri Blue Candle with its Volcano scent is very unique. Poured into a cute little blue printed travel tin or lovely blue jar, it certainly adds chic to your décor. The scent is a mix of tropical fruits and sugared citrus. We don’t know exactly what that’s supposed to smell like but it sure does remind us of a hot tropical beach. Good times. Anyway, most people do find this scent to be really pleasant.

The scent throw of the candle is pretty far considering it can fill up a small room with the fragrance after several minutes of getting lit. What we love about this candle is, aside from smelling great, it still emits that lovely fragrance after you stop burning it. The wax is a paraffin-soy blend. While we do love this scent, we dislike the fact that the candle doesn’t burn evenly. The price is a bit high (not as expensive as a Diptyque candle but relatively high), especially since these don’t seem to last very long.

2. Yankee Candle Large Jar Candle, Fresh Cut Roses

Scented Candle For Romance

Who doesn’t love smelling freshly cut roses? Yankee Candle’s Fresh Cut Roses is made out of premium-grade paraffin wax blended with fragrance oil and features a 100% natural fiber wick. It comes in several sizes and containers. We love Yankee Candle’s classic jar with its secure-fitting lid. This 22-oz candle has an estimated burn time of 110 hours so you won’t need to buy another one for quite a while. The scent is light, just like how smelling a rose would be with leaves and all.

It fills up a small room pretty quickly so the scent throw is decent enough. But for larger rooms, you may have trouble detecting the scent unless you’re a bit near it. For the price, you definitely get your money’s worth especially if you like feeling like you’re in an English rose garden. However, if you’re not sure that this will suit you, we recommend going with their sampler votive candle size which is less of a commitment.

3. Diptyque Baies Candle

Scented Candle For Romance

Diptyque has been making amazing scents since 1961 so it isn’t such a surprise that we have one of their scented candles as our number one pick. The Diptyque Baies candle is a blend of two scents – Bulgarian roses and black currant leaves. The fragrance is fruity and subtly floral, sensual yet fresh.

The wax is a blend of paraffin and vegetable wax while the wick is made out of cotton. It burns evenly and cleanly which is great because the price tag of Diptyque candles is pretty high. The 6.05 oz candle has an estimated burn time of 60 hours.

4. Our Own Candle Company’s Smell My Nuts

Scented Candles On A Budget

Yes, the name is funny and since we’re talking about a scented candle here, slightly off-putting. But don’t miss out on breathing in the delicious scents produced by this candle – banana nut bread, toasted coconut, and hazelnut. The fragrance is pretty strong which can be a plus or a minus depending on the user. The scents are layered so you get a strong whiff of each smell. On the downside, if one of these scents isn’t your thing, you’ll have to bear with it until you burn through that layer and reach the next one.

The wax is a proprietary blend of soy and paraffin wax with a lead-free wick that features the company’s patented straightener which ensures that the candle burns evenly. You will have to trim the wick before each burn but that’s just proper candle care. The jar itself looks very cool and since there’s no soot produced, it’s easy to repurpose it. The price is very reasonable so if you end up not liking it, you aren’t going to be that put out. But if you do love it, you’re going to get your money’s worth because this has an estimated burn time of 100 hours!

5. TYLER Diva Scented Candle

Scented Candles On A Budget

The Tyler Diva Scented Candle is one of our favorites and not just because of the scent. It comes in a really cute jar with a lid. The candle is made out of a soy-based wax and features two lead-free wicks. For 22 ounces, the price is just right for a great quality candle. However, some users have reported that their candles burned way faster than the estimated burn time given so you may find the price a bit higher when you can only enjoy the scent for a relatively shorter time.

The scent, though, is very decadent – fruits, floral, amber, and chocolate! All the things a diva will love. And when lit, the candle emits this warm glow inside the jar that’s great for setting the mood. Some owners have also reported that it produces soot and a bit of smoke when burning. Others recommend trimming the wick before each burn to reduce the likelihood of these things happening again.

6. NEST Fragrances Classic Candle – Grapefruit

Grapefruit Scented Candle

There’s a whole lot of things to love about the Nest Fragrances Classic Grapefruit Candle. The price definitely isn’t one of them. It’s pretty steep actually considering this is only an 8.1 oz. candle. But the price isn’t everything, right? When lit, this candle produces a blend of fragrances – pink pomelo grapefruit, lily of the valley, and coriander blossom. We must admit we’d never have thought these scents would mix together so well.

But the beautiful smell from this candle informs us that we know nothing about blending scents. It’s definitely refreshing and sweet at the same time. It’s not cloying or overpowering. It actually smells much like a fragrance that would be inside a spa or boutique hotel. It has a great scent throw and even if it’s not overpowering, it can mask residual odors such as that fish you just finished cooking.

The candle’s estimated burn rate of 50 to 60 hours is pretty accurate. And the burn is very clean and even. The glass container has modern stripe etching which will go well with any decor. It’s definitely a classic design though it’s not wow-worthy.  With this candle, you definitely get what you pay for. You may be out $40 but you’ll be in scent heaven for a good long while.

7. Old Factory Candles – Man Cave

Scented Candles For Guys

Who says scented candles are for women only? If you need to mask the residual odors in your man cave, then Old Factory Candles has got your back. The Man Cave set has three different scents, each of which is in 4-ounce candles. These are Straight Razor, Leather, and Mahogany. The scents are certainly unique and strong, though not overwhelming.

And you can even burn two or all three together to get a different kind of smell experience. And while these are manly scents, they can also be perfect for women who don’t like fruity or floral scents. The candles are made out of 100% natural soy wax (which is rare) and self-trimming cotton candle wicks. We love the fact that all materials used in creating the candles are natural and sustainable. The price may be a bit higher than other scented candles in this size but the quality you get is well worth it.

The burn rate is 25 to 30 hours, pretty decent for a small candle. The jars are designed specifically to blend in with your decor. The vintage-style labels look really cool. If the scent or look of the candles isn’t to your liking, Old Factory Candles offers a 100% money-back guarantee which includes covering the return shipping fee. How about that, right?

8. Wax and Oils Scented Candle Lavender

Scented Candle For Bedroom

This lavender-scented candle from Wax and Oils is another all-natural option. The candle is made from 100% biodegradable soy wax which is not toxic like paraffin wax. We like the fact that it comes in a beautiful tin can with a simple yet eye-catching label. The lavender scent is strong and fresh but some owners have reported that it’s not as strong as they would prefer. To each his own and all that. However, one thing that everyone agrees on is that it burns much faster compared to others of this size.

Its estimated burn rate is only 20 hours! Unfortunately for those of us who would love something bigger, the company only produces one size and this is it. It does burn cleanly and evenly. And it comes with a lid which makes it perfect for travel. Just imagine enjoying this lovely calming scent in your hotel room while on an out-of-town work trip or vacation with the kids. It’ll be a lifesaver. The scent throw is a bit lesser than what we’d like so it may take a while before its scent will fill a large room.

9. Bath & Body Works, Aromatherapy Stress Relief 3-Wick Candle

Scented Candle For Relaxation

Bath & Body Work’s Stress Relief Aromatherapy Candle is made out of soy and vegetable wax with three lead-free wicks. The scent is a blend of eucalyptus and spearmint which smells fresh and clean. It’s something that you may probably smell in a spa to ensure complete relaxation. The burn rate is 25 to 45 hours.

It is a bit pricier since we’ve found excellent quality 22-oz candles sold at this price. However, it does burn for a good long while and has a great scent throw, easily filling up a room within minutes. Also, it burns very evenly and produces no soot or smoke at all. As an added bonus, the smell lingers after you stop burning.

10. Trapp Signature Home Collection No. 8 Fresh Cut Scented Candle

Scented Candle Gifts

Trapp’s No. 8 scent candle is a 7-ounce poured soy wax blend candle that features the following scents: French tuberose, heady white floral, and fresh green notes. It actually smells a little bit like gardenia but slightly bolder. It’s tropical and summery as well as a little dark and sultry. The complexity of the scent of actual tuberose is hard to explain and while it may not be completely like a tuberose scent, this candle emits one that’s very near to it. The scent is subtle and not overpowering so don’t be afraid to try it if you’ve never experienced this smell before.

At the same time, it’s not faint that you’ll be burning your nose hairs just trying to catch a whiff. The candle itself burns evenly and cleanly. And the scent throw is awesome because you can fill your house with this scent. The packaging – a house-shaped box – is really elegant and already gift-worthy. The price, however, may raise a few eyebrows. It’s only 7 ounces but you’ll be paying for it as if it was a 22-ounce scented candle. However, as many have experienced, each breath you take in with this scent makes it worth every penny. It is that good.

Choosing The Best Scented Candles – The Ultimate  Buying Guide

We all know how scent can affect our mood and perception. It’s one of the reasons why scented candles are so popular. We often use them to help us de-stress in the comfort of our home. In fact, certain aromas have been scientifically proven to reduce stress-induced muscle tension. Burning scented candles can help evoke memories of happier times, increase concentration and productivity, and even promote sexual attraction.

Obviously, you’re already convinced enough to go buy yourself some candles because you’re already reading this guide. But because there are so many brands to choose from and numerous scents, it’s easy enough to feel overwhelmed. So, how does one navigate the world of scented/smelling candles? We’ve compiled tips and tricks from different candle experts to help you find the perfect scent for you plus a little bit of Candle 101 so you’re not in the dark about wicks and wax and so much more.

Types of Wax

For most of us, the wax is just wax. But candles can be made using different types of wax.

Soy Wax

Soy wax is made from soybean oil. It is biodegradable and sustainable, making it the perfect choice for those who are environmentally conscious. It also burns longer, cleaner, and more evenly than other types of wax (more on this later). However, since soy wax is too soft, these are usually sold in glass containers. You may not find some that can fit your candleholder (if you already own one). Some candles are a blend of soy and paraffin wax to make them harder.

Paraffin Wax

It is not typically used in luxury candles though it is used in making scented candles. It is the least expensive material but it also tends to burn much faster. Some paraffin candles have other ingredients mixed in, such as cyber, to help the candle burn longer. You should take note that it produces more soot compared to other types of wax. Paraffin wax has also been said to emit toxic chemicals such as benzene. In addition, paraffin is an allergen for some individuals.

Beeswax

Beeswax isn’t used much in scented candles because it already has a honey-like scent that doesn’t blend well with other fragrances. When lit, beeswax candles emit a beautiful warm glow that makes dyeing it unnecessary. It burns the slowest and is drip-free which makes it the most expensive material for candles.

Vegetable wax

This wax is similar to soy wax in both consistency and appearance. Made from hydrogenated vegetable oil, it is a sustainable alternative to paraffin wax. This wax has a very luxurious color. Compared to paraffin wax, this material is less likely to soot. However, paraffin wax has a better scent throw. Scent throw, in case you didn’t know, is how far the candle’s fragrance is dispersed.

Scent

The scent is a very personal thing. It is linked to our memories and emotions. What we perceive as delicious, sweet, or cozy may smell nauseating or trigger negative emotions/memories in others. As someone once said, beauty is in the nose of the beholder. That being said, if you’re not sure where to start, experts recommend that you ask yourself what scents make you happy.

From there, you can check out the different fragrance families to find out which other scents have a higher likelihood of suiting you. You can choose fruity fragrances because it reminds you of summer vacation. If you like the smell of sandalwood, you may also like other wooded fragrances such as cedar, moss, and patchouli. The spicy fragrance family includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and saffron. You can also choose scents based on your mood or the vibe you want to project.

If you want to feel invigorated, you can choose orange, mint, lemon, and grapefruit. For serenity, choose scents that contain extracts of bamboo, vanilla, and lavender. Chocolate, amber, and patchouli are great at helping set the mood for some romance while bergamot and chamomile help create a restorative atmosphere.

Size and Shape

Smelling candles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. What you choose will depend on your preference and space. Obviously, a small room will only need a small candle while a large room will need a large one. However, preference is still going to reign supreme here.

Our only recommendation is to try buying small candles for scents that you have never tried. This way, you can test the scent as well as the candle’s performance (scent throw, capture, burn rate, etc.) before committing to a higher price and a larger candle.

Wicks

Yes, the scent of a smelling candle is going to be the most important aspect of the product you buy. But wicks always matter. A quality wick is one made out of cotton or linen which burns evenly and produces a strong scent.

Burn Time

This means what it says. Burn time is the amount of time your candle burns. Obviously, you want to get your money’s worth. Why spend so much money on a candle that’ll only last for a short while, right? Now, a candle’s burn time is affected by several things such as the ingredients used to create the wax, the quality of the wick, and the concentration of the fragrance.

If a wick wasn’t placed in a good position, the candle may burn unevenly. The wick can get clogged if there are too many additives that were used in making the candle. Of course, the size of the candle also affects the burn time. Also, the proper care and maintenance of a candle can lengthen its burn time.

Oh, and here’s one more tip: experiment until you find the scents that suit your space. You can mix two or more scents together. And once you find the right scents for you, stick with it. In time, it will become your signature scent – something that will always remind family and friends of you and your home.

Conclusion

All in all, a scented candle can have adverse effects on your mood and the way other people perceive your home environment. Since most smells are subjective, what might you might find pleasant might not be so for the next guy. That said, we have tried to make our selection as broadly objective as possible.

Carefully curating each candle to make sure that any that you chose will leave your house with that gorgeous aroma. It’s also important to learn how best to use your candle to get the best lifespan out of it.