15 Spring Candles to Fancy Up Your Home, Tested by a Home Editor
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They say smell is the sense most closely tied to memory—and ICYMI, nostalgia is *the* trend of 2024. So, it makes sense that we’re seeing a revival of spring candles with scents from our youth, transporting us back to the era of carefree living. Think: Clinique’s ‘Happy’, Elizabeth Arden’s ‘Sunflowers’ and Ralph Lauren’s ‘Ralph.’ We can almost smell Neiman Marcus’ beauty department of 1995.
Still, while this year’s fragrance forecast may remind us of the past, we’re also seeing candles, diffusers and potpourri that have been updated with unexpected notes and full-bodied bouquets that represent the current moment. And as a home editor, I spend a lot of time sniffing candles—some of which are marketed as ‘floral’ (when they should be labeled as your great-grandmother’s perfume from 1942). So, in an effort to spare you from dated floral fragrances or cloying sweet scents—plus, splurging on candles that you can barely smell—I put together a list of every candle I’m loving for spring 2024. From Jenni Kayne’s Topanga Candle to Voluspa French Cade Lavender, here are 15 worth buying.
The Best Spring Candles at a Glance
How We Chose The Best Spring Candles
After testing candles from top-rated brands—including Voluspa, Jenni Kayne, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Diptyque—PureWow home editor Sydney Meister (that’s me!) made sure each scent had a) floral, fresh or invigorating notes that align with spring, b) a minimum of burn time of 20 hours and c) a throw that’s strong enough to fill a room.
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1. Voluspa French Cade Lavender Candle
Let me set the scene: you're wandering through a sun-kissed lavender field in Provence, making your way toward a sleepy hilltop village, passing by pine forests and zingy lemon verbena shrubs on the way. That's exactly what this candle smells like—and it’s as close as I’m getting to a French countryside getaway this spring. The blend of lush lavender, French cade wood and lemon verbena creates an elegant mix that's somehow calming and energizing at the same time. It also burns (without tunneling) for 50 hours, and despite its compact size, it fills an entire room without being overtly potent.
2. Jenni Kayne Topanga Candle
If there’s one candle I’d take with me on a desert island, it’s this one from Jenni Kayne. Mainly, because it's like taking a deep breath of fresh canyon air with a hint of sweet citrus to liven things up. The earthy notes of green leaves, eucalyptus and moss wood are punched up with a zesty kick of grapefruit—and a vanilla base offers just enough warmth without making it sugary. And aside from the scent—which evokes fond memories of hiking and horseback riding as a kid—I also appreciate how it has a clean burn every time, thanks to the natural blend of coconut, soy, apricot oil and paraffin wax. Bonus: it offers up to 70 hours of burn time, which helps to justify (the not-so-inexpensive) price.
3. P.F. Candle Co. Amber & Moss Candle
Housed in a chic amber jar with a brass lid, this rustic candle is my go-to budget pick (though the scent smells way more sophisticated than its $14 price tag). Sage, moss, and lavender come together to create an invigorating burn—and it almost reminds me of mountain air after a sun shower (perfect for spring). The ‘tree-hugger’ undertone also extends to the ingredient list, where the fragrances are never tested on animals and have a paraben- and phthalate-free blend. And of course, you can’t beat the $14 price for a 3.5-ounce jar, also available in larger sizes that offer up to 70 hours of burn time.
4. Maison Francis Kurkdjian Au 17 Candle
If you love Diptyque’s Baies candle, you’re going to be obsessed with this scent. The olfactory notes include amber accord, incense and firewood, but upon my first whiff, I was immediately reminded of Baises’ elegant rose and blackcurrant notes. It’s a somewhat sweeter, more European-inspired take—and the throw is ten times stronger. Not only is the scent evocative and heady—all without being sickly sweet—but it also lingers in my apartment for hours after I’ve blown the candle out. Basically, every time I light it, I have the sudden urge to host an intimate dinner party. (This makes sense, considering the candle was inspired by cozy, eclectic dinners in Paris.) It evokes that quintessential feeling of gathering with friends on a perfect spring night; endless bottles of wine, string-lit patios and Ray Lamontagne in the background.
5. Diptyque Roses Candle
Now for a candle that will make you want to stop and literally smell the roses. Its medley of fresh, blooming roses evokes the feeling of a romantic stroll in May through a lush English garden. The scent is floral-but-not-potpourri-ish, where its light, luxurious base creates a feminine atmosphere that’s layered instead of one-dimensional. Plus, if you’re unfamiliar with the brand, you should know that Diptyque is famous for its timeless, sophisticated scents and French-inspired designs (aka this candle is far from the sickly-sweet rose scents you’ve experienced in the drugstore).
6. Anthropologie Fresh Hibiscus & Pink Guava Candle
Anthropologie is known for its stunning candles, and this speckled vessel has made the perfect spring coffee table accessory. The tropical breeze of sun-ripened pineapple and passion fruit immediately fills the room while hibiscus, pink guava and juicy island nectars offer a playful punch. And while the large candle will set you back $98 (with a 210-hour burn time that might justify the cost), it’s also available in XS, M and L sizes that start at $18. Either way, its hot throw is strong enough to fill a living room or bedroom on its own.
7. Lafco Fresh Cut Gardenia Candle
The old-school floral that’s recently made a comeback? Gardenias. This candle from Lafco—aka the brand that was most beloved by every interior designer I’ve worked for—layers warm gardenia, mood-boosting orange blossom and relaxing ylang-ylang with subtle notes of pineapple, cedar and leafy greens. Essentially, if ‘spring’ were a candle, it’d be this guy. What’s more, it lasts forever (technically 50 hours but I’ve had Lafco candles that have lasted me 2+ months of frequent burning). The cherry on top is that it comes in a sage-tinted glass vessel that speaks to this year’s hottest color trends.
8. Apotheke Charcoal Signature Candle
When I saw reviewers comparing this candle to a “cozy woodburning fireplace,” I knew I had to gift it to my Dad. (I can confirm: It lived up to his cozy expectations). The scent features a blend of cedarwood, cinnamon, clove leaf and smoky embers that makes it feel like a warm hug. What makes it great for spring, however, are the hints of burnt maple, tomato and raspberry that add depth and complexity. It's the kind of fragrance that's familiar and inviting; perfect if your guy (also) sports vintage Ray-Bans while he’s washing the Jeep. And what really set this candle apart was the 60-70 hour burn time. Its sleek matte-black glass vessel has become a staple of my parent’s living room—and they’ve started calling it the candle that ‘doesn’t die.’ (Not that they want it to…)
9. Vacation Perfumed Candle
Developed in collaboration with Carlos Huber of ARQUISTE Parfumeur, this scent features the award-winning signature fragrance of "VACATION" by Vacation® in a candle. It fills the air with memories of sunscreen and poolside bliss, including notes of coconut water, coconut milk, and petitgrain essence mingling with bergamot, solar musk, banana, and pineapple. All of this is then grounded by base notes of pool water, swimsuit Lycra, and sea salt—and it’s the closest thing you’ll find to a Florida Keys getaway in a candle. Add to that the fact that it has a 50-hour burn time, so you'll have plenty of time to soak in the tropical vibes.
10. Voluspa Santal Vanille Candle
Every time I light this, I’m compelled to draw a bath, pour a glass of wine and get some smooth jazz going in the background. The veil of intoxicating vanilla, exotic oud and warm sandalwood swirls together in a creamy brulée. It's like indulging in your favorite dessert (without the calorie guilt). And aside from the fact that it boasts a 100-hour burn time, I also love its pearlescent glass jar that’s adorned with Japonica detailing. I’ve repurposed the vessel into everything from a makeup brush holder to a creative vase for flowers.
11. Neom Tranquillity Intensive Skin Treatment Candle
While I haven’t had a chance to try this candle, it scored 98 points out of 100 in a PureWow100 review for its relaxing fragrance and added beauty benefits. At first glance, it’s just a lightly scented vessel with notes of calming lavender, jasmine and Brazilian rosewood. But in actuality, the wax—which is composed of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, sweet almond oil and cocoa seed butter—is intended to be used as an at-home spa treatment that can nourish and hydrate stressed-out skin. “For the week since [I started using it], my heels have felt better, my skin’s not been as parched and I’ve been eyeing my schedule for my next little rub-and-nap self-spa,” writes PureWow editor Dana Dickey.
12. Soho Home Verona Candle
How gorgeous is this number from Soho Home? Yes, it’s a candle—the wax is hand-poured into a geometric vessel that’s handcrafted in India from brown Bidasar marble. Yet, aside from its unique design, its scent was inspired by the Soho Roc House in Mykonos and combines bright notes of hyacinth, mimosa and jasmine with a warm, inviting base of tonka bean. The design-fragrance-combo is totally worth the splurge—and it’s marked down from $165 to $116 right now.
13. Siblings No 04 Candle
Another candle I haven’t tried (but is on my list)? This creative option, which was beloved by former PureWow editor Dena Sliver. “I'm a sucker for anything DIY at this moment in time, so the thought of pouring my own musky candle? Obsessed,” she says. Indeed, this is a make-your-own option that’s fairly straightforward: You microwave the wax until it’s melted and thread the included wick through a suitable vessel. “It's also eco-friendly, since it comes in a plant-based bag and can be poured into any type of glass cup or empty candle jar,” Silver adds. As for the scent? It’s one of the brand’s best-sellers with top notes of eucalyptus, grapefruit—followed by a heart of balsam fir and pine—set atop a base of wild berries, aldehydic floral and oakmoss. Per the brand, it’s perfect for anyone who likes D.S. & Durga Big Sur After Rain or Loewe Cypress Balls (aka two designer candles that run upwards of $70).
14. Agraria Bitter Orange Potpourri
Is it just me or does potpourri get a bad rap? While a big basket of red and orange fall-scented matter on Grandma’s coffee table might come to mind, retailers like Agraria have reimagined our age-old fragrant friend to make it prettier and less potent, but in the best way. I love the luxurious mix of clove and rose with a zesty hint of bitter orange, all coming together with cinnamon sticks, orange slices and zinnias. Everything is made from fine botanicals with essential oils sourced from around the world, and each ingredient is carefully selected to ensure it packs an olfactory punch.
15. Archipelago Charcoal Rose Reed Diffuser
Another candle alternative that can leave a long-lasting scent? Reed diffusers (aka your guest bathroom’s best friend). This unique blend by Archipelago Botanicals combines bold mandarin peel, rose, peony, geranium and rich woods with a final surprising element: smoky charcoal. It’s delicate and floral, almost reminding me of a royal wedding-themed tea party (not that I’ve been to one). Bonus: I’ve had this guy in my bathroom for three months and the scent is still going strong.
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