The best luxury candles are small yet mighty. No matter what scent you select or which room you put it in, candles just make every space feel—and smell—a little nicer. Remember: The right scent will set the right mood. And there are more high-end options than ever.
“Candles, by nature, are social comforts, whether we are sharing light in a dark space or the transportive elements of the fragrance,” says Michael Carby, senior perfumer at Givaudan. “They can be enjoyed amongst many or alone, providing a special moment of self-care and wellbeing. They also make for a thoughtful gift to enhance or contrast a living space, whether that be for someone else or yourself.” I couldn’t agree more. It’s an easy item to stash away and dip into when you need a last-minute housewarming gift or a present for your best friend.
- If You Need a StaycationHotel Lobby Candle Signature CandleRead more
- If You Like Intoxicating ScentsTom Ford Bitter Peach CandleRead more
- If You Can Never Have Too Many PrintsMissoni Scented CandleRead more
To offer you only the finest selection of luxury candles, I considered scent notes, customer reviews, burn time, wax type, and uniqueness. Ahead, find 20 of the finest luxury candles.
If You Need a Staycation
Hotel Lobby Candle Signature Candle
$58 at Hotel Lobby Candle$58 at Neiman Marcus
Pros
- Fan favorite
Cons
- Might be too strong for some
My sister tried to steal this candle from me, for whatever it’s worth. It’s a bold and strong scent that would work equally well in a kitchen, office, or man cave. This is one I will continue to repurchase.
Scent notes: Agarwood, vetiver, atlas cedar
Wax type: Natural soy
Burn time: 65 hours
Customer review: “I absolutely love this candle! It smells so luxurious without being too overpowering. Everyone who visits my home compliments it. I don’t think I’ll be able to go back to other candles.”
If You Like Intoxicating Scents
Tom Ford Bitter Peach Candle
$135 at Sephora$135 at Nordstrom$135 at Amazon
Pros
- Available in a matching perfume
- Sold on Amazon
Cons
- Might be too strong for small spaces
- Wax type is unknown
Tom Ford has an abundance of candle fragrances, all of which are unique and elegant. This one is sure to become a favorite.
Scent notes: Pêche de vigne, Sicilian blood orange, rum-infused Davana oil, patchouli
Wax type: N/A
Burn time: 40 hours
Customer review: “The scent is so luxurious and inviting. It instantly fills my space with a sense of opulence and warmth. Not only does it create a cozy atmosphere, but the quality of this candle is unmatched.”
If You Can Never Have Too Many Prints
Missoni Scented Candle
$97 at ShopBop$145 at Revolve$90 at Mytheresa
Pros
- Reusable vessel
Cons
- No information on wax type or burn time
I mostly stay away from prints and patterns, but there’s just something about Missoni’s signature motif that I can’t resist. If your home decor is a reflection of your fashion ethos, this one is for you
Scent notes: Violet, anise, lily-of-the-valley, white musk, tonka bean
Wax type: N/A
Burn time: N/A
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If You’re Manifesting Diamonds
Van Cleef & Arpels À L’Ombre des Figuiers Candle
$136 at Bergdorf Goodman$136 at Neiman Marcus
Pros
- High end
Cons
- Wax type is unknown
I’ll level with you. If I was handed a gift box from Van Cleef & Arpels, I would be disappointed to find a candle instead of a tennis necklace. But, that emotion would be short-lived because this is a damn good candle with intoxicating notes of fig leaves and vanilla.
Scent notes: Pear, fig tree leaves, musk, white woods, vanilla
Wax type: N/A
Burn time: 45 hours
If You Have a Taste for the Finer Things
Dior Eden-Roc Candle
Pros
- Natural wax
- Designer
Cons
- Burn time is unknown
Even if you’ve never stepped Dior-clad foot in the French Riviera hotel that inspired this fragrance, you’re going to want one of these for every room in your house. J’adore.
Scent notes: Sea salt, white flowers, pine
Wax type: Plant-based wax
Burn time: N/A
Customer review: “Absolutely one of my favorite candles of all time. Will purchase over and over!”
If You’re Hopelessly Romantic
Venus et Fleur Rose Blanche Porcelain Candle
Pros
- Natural wax
- Long burn time
Cons
In the words of Miley Cyrus, “I can buy myself flowers.” I can also buy myself candles and accoutrements from the same flower shop. Venus et Fleur does more than gorgeous preserved arrangements, including a beautiful collection of artisanal porcelain.
Scent notes: Damascena roses, pepper, geranium, cinnamon, freesia
Wax type: Soy
Burn time: 80-85 hours
Customer review: “The smell is amazing. My girlfriend loves and always uses it.”
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If You’re Looking For The Perfect Present
Assouline Travel From Home Candle Gift Set
$140 at ShopBop$140 at Bloomingdale’s$140 at Assouline
Pros
- Offers variety
- Makes a good gift
Cons
- Contains paraffin wax
You’re probably familiar with Assouline primarily for its famously aesthetic coffee table books, but you can also shop the coordinating candles. If you can’t decide which one to get, or if you’re looking for a great present, this set of three is perfect.
Scent notes: Mykonos Muse (almond, rhubarb, wild fig, tonka beans), Gstaad Glam (raspberry, cypress, black tobacco leaves, cedarwood), Ibiza Bohemia (bergamot, lemon, green apple, and patchouli)
Wax type: Soy and paraffin blend
Burn time: 18 hours per candle
If You Like Layered Notes
Liis Fragrances Temper Affectionate
$65 at Liis Fragrances$65 at Revolve$65 at Neiman Marcus
Pros
- Soy and coconut wax
Cons
I love when fragrance houses offer sophisticated note blends that venture away from the classic—if not overused—favorites. Liis, for example, offers candles with notes like clementine, key lime, and tea leaves.
Scent notes: Mandarin peel, ginger, nectarine, candied violet, amber, papyrus, sandalwood
Wax type: Soy and coconut
Burn time: 50 hours
If You Can’t Resist a Chic Vessel
Loewe Cucumber Scented Candle
$120 at NET-A-PORTER$110 at Bergdorf Goodman$120 at Loewe
Pros
- Designer
- Reusable container
- Natural wax
Cons
For fashion girls and anyone else who appreciates the luxe things in life, Loewe’s candles are a must. They’re sold in a variety of sizes and scents, but each comes in a beautiful handmade vessel.
Scent notes: Cucumber, fresh mint
Wax type: Vegetable wax
Burn time: 50 hours
Customer review: “The candle’s texture and dimensionality are reminiscent of how Loewe uses leather to pleat and fold in interesting ways.”
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If Your Friend Won’t Stop Talking About This Perfume
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 Scented Candle
$125 at Nordstrom$125 at Saks Fifth Avenue$90 at John Lewis
Pros
- Natural wax
- Viral scent
Cons
- Quite an investment
When did everyone become obsessed with the Baccarat Rouge perfume? I don’t know, but it’s all I’ve been hearing about lately. While the perfume is pretty pricey, you can snag the candle version with a slightly smaller price tag.
Scent notes: Florals, ambers, jasmine, saffron, cedar wood, gray amber
Wax type: Soy wax
Burn time: 55 hours
If You Like Fresh Florals
Maison Margiela Replica Springtime In The Park Candle
Pros
- Unique scent options
Cons
- Paraffin wax
A candle collection might not be what you’d expect from fashion house Maison Margiela, but Replica’s fragrances have been wildly successful for their niche themed offerings like “Jazz Club” and “On a Date.”
Scent notes: Lily of the Valley, jasmine, pea
Wax type: Paraffin
Burn time: 40 hours
Customer review: “This is my favorite candle. It’s worth the money.”
If You’re a Foodie
Snif Big Flirt
Pros
- Unique scents
- All natural and non-toxic
- Available in three sizes
Cons
Snif is known for its gourmand perfumes, which make you smell good enough to eat. Naturally, its candles are just as tantalizing. Can’t decide which one to choose? Snif offers a DIY bundle of any three scents of your choice.
Scent notes: Wild strawberry, champagne, chocolate ganache, jasmine, vanilla, patchouli
Wax type: Soy and vegetable
Burn time: 50+ (for 8.5 ounces)
Customer review: “Luxurious, sexy, yummy. When I burn this candle, I imagine myself in a plush robe at a 5-star hotel eating chocolate-covered strawberries. It’s perfectly balanced and not overly sweet.”
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If You Like Complex Fragrances
Trudon Abd El Kader Classic Candle
$125 at Neiman Marcus$125 at Nordstrom
Pros
- Elegant
- Natural wax
Cons
- Quite an investment
This French candle company doesn’t mess around. Mint, ginger, and clove are just a few of the glorious notes that will fill your home when this candle is lit.
Scent notes: Jasmine, spearmint, lemon, blackcurrant bud, apple, ginger, clove
Wax type: Vegetable wax
Burn time: 55–60 hours
Customer review: “I have one and feel it’s the best candle ever, amazing scent and so beautiful.”
If You Like Ripe Green Aromas
Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Deluxe Candle
$82 at Jo Malone London$52 at Amazon$82 at Nordstrom
Pros
- Variety of scent options
- Fan favorite
- Natural wax blend
Cons
Jo Malone candles are some of the most popular luxury candles on the market. Believe me, this is one buzzy brand that lives up to all the chatter. You can’t go wrong with any of the scents, but this one, in particular, is a crowd favorite.
Scent notes: Lime, mandarin orange, bergamot, basil, thyme, lilac, iris, vetiver, patchouli
Wax type: Beeswax, soy, and coconut blend
Burn time: 90 hours
Customer review: “This is Jo Malone’s best candle. It is uplifting, fresh, and also it has a sweet hint. Perfect for…anytime, really. The scent throw is fabulous.”
If You’re Chronically Online
Boy Smells Hinoki Fantome Magnum Candle
$89 at Friends NYC$96 at Amazon$96 at Boy Smells
Pros
- Unique scents
- Long burn time
- Natural wax blend
Cons
Boy Smells could be the official candle company of Instagram influencers. And if there’s anything we know about influencers, they should always be trusted, right? Jokes aside, all of my friends adore Boy Smells.
Scent notes: Japanese cypress, jasmine petals, spice notes, moss
Wax type: Coconut and beeswax blend
Burn time: 110 hours
Customer review: “This is a great candle. The scent is strong enough that I can smell it pretty well when it is not burning.”
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If You’re a Quality Snob
Le Labo Santal 26 Candle
$87 at Saks Fifth Avenue$87 at Nordstrom
Pros
- Cult following
- Natural wax
Cons
You know and love Le Labo’s body fragrances, so you can trust that the brand’s candles are equally covetable.
Scent notes: Amber, coco, vanilla, cedar, spices, musk, sandalwood
Wax type: Soy
Burn time: 60 hours
Customer review: “I absolutely love it! Smells wonderful.”
If You’re Treating Yourself
Diptyque Tubéreuse Classic Candle
$74 at Diptyque$74 at Nordstrom$87 at Amazon
Pros
- Popular scents
Cons
- Paraffin wax
While candle connoisseurs debate which Diptyque fragrance is best, this scent is a unanimous favorite.
Scent notes: Tuberose
Wax type: Paraffin wax
Burn time: 60 hours
Customer review: “The best scent from Diptyque. It is quite strong but not in a way that’s overpowering. When you breathe it in deeply, it’s simply gorgeous.”
If You’re Preppy
Ralph Lauren 888 Madison Flagship Candle
$75 at Ralph Lauren$75 at Perigold
Pros
- Reusable silver-plated vessel
- Made with premium soy wax
Cons
It’s a luxurious fragrance, no doubt, but it was the precious illustrated box and signature Ralph Lauren monogram that really sold me here.
Scent notes: Tuberose, magnolia, cashmere musk
Wax type: Soy
Burn time: 45 hours
Customer review: “I must like it because I’ve bought four already!”
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If You Prefer Petite Candles
Prada Infusion d’Iris Candle
Pros
- Designer
Cons
- Small
- Wax type is unknown
I’ll never turn down the chance to pick up something from Prada. The fashion house offers these infusion candles in cedar, vanilla, and ylang ylang iterations.
Scent notes: Neroli, mandarin, benzoin accord
Wax type: N/A
Burn time: 7-9 hours
Customer review: “The earthy mix of iris root and the freshness of neroli are the perfect blend of sexy and demure. It is suitable for any season.”
If The Vibes Are High
Jonathan Adler Hashish Three-Wick Candle
$148 at Jonathan Adler$125 at Paynes Gray
Pros
- Reusable jar vessel
- Customers tend to repurchase
Cons
- Not for everyone
- Contains paraffin wax
See here: Jonathan Adlers “most scandalous” scent. But before you make an assumption, you should know this fragrance has balancing notes like black currant and apples, so your house won’t smell like you just walked through a musical festival.
Scent notes: Black currant, green apple, wormwood, patchouli, moss
Wax type: Soy and paraffin blend
Burn time: 60 hours
Customer review: “By far, no comparison, the most aromatic fragrant candle ever! The whole house fills with an awesome aroma, and the scent lingers. I’ve already bought another eight as holiday gifts.”
If You Like Citrus (or the Mediterranean)
Dolce & Gabanna Casa Sicilian Neroli and Lemon Candle
Pros
- Designer
Cons
- Wax type is unknown
Mentally, you’re in southern Italy—me, too. This bright and coastal fragrance leads with notes of lemon and neroli, which is derived from orange blossoms. The more you know!
Scent notes: Neroli, lemon
Wax type: N/A
Burn time: 40 hours
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