How to Choose Scented Candles

When selecting a scented candle there are a few different approaches to try.  Firstly, you can select by the colour so if you have red accents in your room, you can choose a red candle regardless of what the scent is.  If you have a favourite scent, then regardless of the colour you can stick with this.  But what about choosing a candle as a present if you are unsure what a person likes?  How then do you pick the right scent?

Scent basics

Candles comes in a bewildering array of scents, some of which will be immediately familiar such as vanilla or rose while others may be less do.  Some candles have a scent name because they are a combination of smells that release at different stages of burning.  To start, we will look at the popular single smell scents.

Vanilla is doubtless still one of the most popular scents for candles and because it tends to be creamy in colour when made into a candle, it also works in almost all décor themes.  Vanilla is soothing and warming and creates a sense of comfort and satisfaction.

Rose is another of the top favourite smells for candles with its traditional floral scent.  Roses smell a little sweet and bring to mind love and affection while being soothing and relaxing as well.  Though roses come in many colours, pink is the most common for rose coloured candles.

Lavender has been used in scented products for hundreds of years and is also popular with the men when they select a perfume for ladies.  Lavender is tranquil and peaceful, a little feminine and relaxing.  Due to its gentle purple colour, candles are often lilac or lavender coloured.

Sandalwood is another traditional scent that started being an incense scent.  It is a muskier smell and therefore more masculine as well as commonly paired with floral scents such as jasmine and patchouli. 

Modern Scents

Eucalyptus is known for its stress reducing properties and many people like it because it smells a bit like a real Christmas tree.  It is a clean and herby smell that is a touch woodsy and very fresh.  It often lends itself to green shades of candle.

Fresh cotton lives up to its name and smells like cotton bedsheet that have been dried on the washing line in the sun and gentle breeze.  It brings an element of freshness to any room without being too floral or woody and makes it a hit with men as well.  Cotton is white naturally so candles often tend to be white or cream too.

Chocolate is another scent that has come into candles in recent times and fill the air of the room with a sensuous smell but be warned, they are very likely to make you hungry!  Typically, these candles come in shades of brown and beige just like the food they are inspired by.

Conclusion

Whether you make your choice by scent, colour or another factor, a candle makes a great present.  Using a personalised candleholder is another way to add touch of uniqueness to the candle and means that the holder can be reused many times over.