Designers Share the Candles They Keep Buying, Year After Year

A candle has the power to instantly transform a space and set the scene, transporting you to a sun-soaked beach, a peaceful woodland forest, or a cozy library with just one whiff. The best ones aren't overpowering... Instead, they strike a mood gently and also look stylish and understated both while flickering and unlit. But those can be hard to come by (indeed, we'll be the first to point out that most scented candles are garbage).

To find the best candles, both scented and unscented, on the market, we decided to ask the ones who know both decorating and mood-setting best: interior designers. Specifically, we asked some of our favorite designers which candles they always keep at home and keep on buying year after year. So whether you have a go-to candle but are interested in branching out, you'd just like to do your research before investing, or you're looking for the perfect housewarming gift, you'll want to take note of the 20 candles ahead, all hand-picked by designers.