Scented candles have become incredibly popular home accessories and gifts over the past few decades. Walk into any home decor or gift shop and you’ll find dozens of options for scented candles in all shapes, sizes, colors and fragrances. But when it comes to choosing a scented candle, one of the most important factors is the actual scent itself. Certain scented candle fragrances tend to be more universally enjoyed than others. Here is an overview of some of the most popular scented candle fragrances on the market.
One of the classic and most popular scented candle fragrances is vanilla. The warm, sweet, soothing scent of vanilla is widely appealing to both men and women. Vanilla scented candles often evoke feelings of comfort and relaxation. They can make a home smell welcoming and cozy. Vanilla scented candles pair nicely with other scents as well, like mixing vanilla with lavender or jasmine for a more complex aroma. Some people love the nostalgia of vanilla scented candles, as the scent can remind them of baking cookies or other happy childhood memories.
Another top selling scent for scented candles is clean and fresh linen. These crisp and clean smelling candles evoke thoughts of freshly washed sheets drying in the summer breeze. Linen scented candles have an uplifting and calming effect. Lighting a linen scented candle in a bathroom or bedroom is especially nice. The fresh laundry scent helps mask unpleasant odors and gives any space a quick refresh. Linen scents also pair nicely with other fresh scents like lemongrass, sage or mint.
For a soothing and relaxing scent, lavender scented candles are a popular choice. Lavender scented candles are perfect for winding down at the end of a long day or setting the mood for rest and relaxation. The sedative properties of lavender can even help promote better sleep when enjoyed before bedtime. Lavender blends nicely with other florals like jasmine and rose as well as herbs like mint and chamomile.
Fruity scented candles have grown in popularity thanks to their sweet aromas. Scents like juicy mango, bright citrus, sweet berries, crisp apple and more appeal to those who enjoy fresh, sweet fragrance notes. Fruity candles tend to have an energizing and mood boosting effect. They infuse any space with a touch of summer regardless of the season. Popular fruity scent pairings include combinations like peach and mango, blackberry and mint, or pink grapefruit and vanilla.
For the ultimate fresh and invigorating scent, an ocean or beach themed scented candle is the way to go. These candles capture the crisp scent of an ocean breeze and salty sea air. Notes evoking beachwood, palm trees, coconut, sea moss and more create an immersive sensory experience. Beach scented candles are transportive, allowing you to feel momentarily whisked away to a tropical getaway. The fresh aquatic notes create an energizing and uplifting aroma perfect for any time of day.
Spicy and woody scents like cinnamon, clove, cedar and sandalwood are also in demand when it comes to scented candles. The warming aromas are cozy, inviting and complex. Scents like fir needle, pine and eucalyptus also fall into the woody category and are popular for creating an outdoorsy aroma. Woody scents pair well together as do combinations of woodsy and spicy notes.
For a luxurious and seductive scent, floral candles are a top choice. Classic floral scents like rose, jasmine, lilac, gardenia and magnolia are elegant and feminine. They fill a space with the vibrant aroma of fresh cut flowers. For some, floral scents may seem old fashioned, but modern floral scented candles tend to have a youthful, vibrant aroma rather than smelling like perfume for your grandmother. Floral notes pair beautifully with other florals as well as complementary scents like vanilla, sandalwood and light musk.
The candle industry has exploded with unique, exotic and trendy new fragrance options too. This includes scents like bamboo, cactus flower, pink peppercorn, crushed raspberry, whipped coffee and many more. While classic scents remain popular, consumers today often look for more unusual or complex fragrance notes and scent combinations. Scented candle brands keep things interesting by constantly innovating with new aromatic offerings.
At the end of the day, scent preference is highly personal. The fragrance that relaxes one person might give someone else a headache. When selecting a scented candle, you should consider where you plan to burn it. A bold, spicy aroma could be overpowering in a smaller space for instance. It also comes down to your individual scent inclinations and olfactory sensibilities. For candle newbies, it can be helpful to smell test a few options before committing to a large candle. That way you can personalize your home ambiance with a scented candle that caters to your unique nose. With so many fragrance possibilities out there, you’re sure to find a scented candle that fills any space with your perfect aromatic atmosphere.
