How to use candles in your home

I am a candle nut! I love using them all over my house but when it comes to picking the right scents, I’m pretty clueless. So I called in the big guns to find out the best way to fragrance my home properly and take my candle obsession to the next level! I spoke to Glasshouse Fragrances Co-Founder Nicole Eckels and TÄNDA Modern Founder Alyson Sturley, who explain how to choose the best candles for each area of your home…

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Bedroom

Nicole says the bedroom is not the place to experiment with strong or intense fragrances but rather, “Look for relaxing scents with [a] mild intensity that blend with your surroundings.” She recommends looking for candles with hints of amber and musk, as these fragrances “create a romantic aura and also help [you] to wind down”. Alyson agrees that subtle scents should be used in the bedroom, “[Such as] lavender, rose, rose geranium and jasmine, which are all designed to induce a sense of calm and reduce stress.”

1) Glasshouse Fragrances Kyoto – Camellia & Lotus Triple Scented Candle 
2) TÄNDA Constellations Collection – ANDROMEDA candle
3) Jo Malone London Lavender & Lovage Home Candle

Bathroom

Whether you’re enjoying a long bath or have friends coming over, you want your bathroom to look and smell fresh and clean, which is why both Nicole and Alyson tell us airy, citrusy scents are perfect for this room. Think lime, coconut, tangerine, freesia and lily.

4) TÄNDA Tangerine & Guava candle
5) Glasshouse Fragrances Amalfi Coast – Sea Mist Triple Scented Candle 
6) Vanessa Megan Mint & Citrus Soy Wax Candle 

Entrance

Nicole says there are no rules when it comes to scenting the entrance to your home. “First impressions count and an entrance is a great place to define your style.” She suggests choosing a fragrance you personally love or one that compliments the theme of your decor. Nicole adds, “Oversized candles are really having a moment right now and are perfect for large entrances or lobbies.” As for Alyson, she always burns lavender, cucumber and sage in her front room, “It’s really fresh and welcoming and people are always commenting on it!”

7) Glasshouse Fragrances Rio De Janeiro – Passionfruit & Lime Triple Scented Candle 
8) Lyfestyled Thai Cinnamon & Patchouli Large 3kg Candle
9) ECOYA French Pear Madison Jar natural soy wax candle 

Lounge room

The lounge room is often where you spend most of your time, and where you relax and unwind after a long day. Alyson burns deeper scents in the lounge room such as ylang ylang, sweet orange and cardamom, as these fragrances are designed to combat fatigue and anxiety.

Nicole on the other hand believes as we head into winter, “It’s the perfect time to get reacquainted with the rich, sexy fragrances of the season.” She suggests choosing indulgent scents that linger, making them the perfect backdrop for “an intimate nocturnal mood or lazy days on the couch when it’s raining outside” such as musky, peppery notes.

10) Glasshouse Fragrances Persia - Jasmine Wood and Vanilla Triple Scented Candle
11) MOR Rosa Noir Deluxe Soy Candle
12) Circa Home 1965 Vanilla Bean & Allspice Classic Candle 

Kitchen

If you’re anything like me and LOVE to cook and bake, the kitchen is one of your favourite places in the home. For this area, Nicole suggests choosing “strong, vivid fragrances that open up your senses and create a burst of energy such as crisp citrus, zesty fruits, green leaves and cool aquatic notes”.

Alyson advises to base scents in your kitchen on what you’re cooking. “Sweet, food-like fragrances are great for after dinner or when you’re in the mood to bake something, but I don’t recommend burning sweet scents while you’re preparing or eating a savoury meal. For those occasions, I usually stick with more subtle choices such as a Japanese cherry blossom [scent].”

13) Glasshouse Fragrances Tahaa - Vanilla Caramel Triple Scented Candle
14) MOR Essentials Honey Nectar Fragrant Candle
15) Aveda Soy Wax Candle - Shampure

Which candle fragrances do you use in your home?