From Jo Malone London to Diptyque, welcome to your ultimate guide to the best luxury candles money can buy
“One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats,” wrote the novelist Iris Murdoch. And we can’t think of a littler treat with a bigger impact than one of the best luxury candles.
Great luxury candles (be that a designer perfume candle or an aroma candle) are incredibly versatile. They are a transformative interiors accessory. Whether you want to add some wintry ambience to your living room mantle, have a relaxing candlelit bath, or transform your house back into a cosy, relaxing sanctuary as the seasons change, it’s a jack of all trades. They’re a mood enhancer. And they also make the perfect gifts. Either for yourself in an act of self-care, as a birthday or Christmas present (we stand firm on the opinion that no one in this world could be disappointed when presented with a candle) and they make an ideal hostess gift to say thank you when you’ve stayed at someone’s house. Remember that this festive period.
In fact, we think having a luxe candle in your arsenal is as essential as having one of the best eye creams in your skincare routine. (Yes, really.) Because although they might be deemed a luxury, these days we need all the self-care treats we can get.
So we thought we’d go ahead and round up the best luxury candles money can buy – because let’s be honest, it’s a bit of a minefield out there. Whether you prefer the light fragrances of clean cotton, or the rich aromas of neroli and spices, we’ve got a divine-smelling candle for everyone. And if anyone asks: yes, you absolutely DO need another one.
Best luxury candles deals
Neom Happiness
Scented Candle (3 Wicks) – was £46, now £36.26 | Feelunique
One of the best luxury candle brands on the market and on sale – huzzah! Fill your room with happiness.
Miller Harris Mandarin Candle – was £50, now £40 | Miller Harris
This candle offering from the renowned perfumer is the ideal addition to your home this Christmas, introducing some bright, zesty cheer when its lit. And for a limited time only, Miller Harris is offering 20% off everything on site, saving you £10 on this candle and all the others in the range.
Maison Margiela Replica By The Fireplace Candle – was £48, now £40.80 | Lookfantastic
The perfect Autumn/Winter scent. If you haven’t got a fireplace in your home, fake it with this. Such a chic brand.
Urban Apothecary Notorious Neroli Luxury Candle – was £40, now £36 | Feelunique
This is a beautiful white blossom and citrus scent that we plan to buy in stock so that come Spring, we can put one in every room of our house.
Compagnie de Provence Green Verbena Scented Candle – was £38, now £30.40 | Lookfantastic
This is an uplifting zingy scent that will work well in a bathroom or a downstairs loo.
What to look for in a luxury scented candle
When splurging on a designer candle, you want to know that it will last. Aside from this ingenious candle hack that will ensure you burn your new candle properly (and thus ensure it has a long lifespan), there are a number of things to take into account when shopping for the best luxury candles out there. Here’s what to look out for if you want to make sure it will go the distance.
Wax: The three most common types of candle wax are paraffin, soy and tallow. Though a lot of candles are made with a combination of all three, luxury candles don’t tend to contain tallow – the beef industry byproduct common in budget picks.
Paraffin is an ingredient widely present in candles, and although it’s less environmentally friendly than, say, beeswax or soy, it’s great for diffusing scent throughout a room. Where burn time is concerned, soy candles are almost unrivalled – so ensure to read the make up of a candle’s wax before making the splurge.
Wicks: Wick count can intensify a candle’s scent – so if you’re a fragrance lover, try opting for a luxury candle with multiple wicks. Most wicks are made from braided cotton, but if you’re after a lovely, crackling sound (self-care ASMR, anyone?), look for a designer perfume candle or aroma candle with a wooden wick.
Luxury candles: the must-have accessories
True Grace Wick Trimmer, £18 | Anthropologie
Wick trimmers help candles burn for longer and brighter. And a long wick also create more soot, which in turn leaves black marks on walls. No candle connoisseur would be seen dead without a wick trimmer.
Soho Home Candle Snuffer, £30 | Soho Home
Blowing out your own candles is just not the done thing. Candle snuffers have been used for centuries, and nowadays they complete a candle collection.
With all that in mind, are you ready to shop some of our all-time favourite luxury candles? From cult-classics to coveted new releases, here are the designer candles you absolutely need in your home.
Don’t miss our guide to the best sustainable candles, while you’re here – and happy unwinding.
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