The 8 Best Candles to Burn This Autumn
There is something about the crisp cool air of an Autumn’s Evening that makes us want to snuggles down, light a candle and bask in the warm cosy atmosphere of home.
The soft glow and inviting aroma of a scented candle has the power to transform our living space into aromatic sanctuary, but unlocking that potential requires knowledge and care.
To ensure you get the most out of your scented candles we asked the experts at Arran Sense of Scotland explain how to maximise the aroma and ensure safety requires more than just striking a match.
Proper Scent Diffusion
To achieve the most potent aroma, burn your candle until the melt pool (the circle of melted wax surrounding the wick) extends all the way to the edges of the jar. For most candles, this takes around 2-3 hours. Failing to do so can cause "tunnelling," where only the wax near the wick melts, diminishing the overall scent.
BURN TIME. It may seem counterintuitive, but shorter burn times can often provide the most powerful scent throw. Aim for 2-4 hours per session for best results.
LAYERING SCENTS. If you enjoy a specific scent profile, consider layering similar or complementary scents in different parts of your home. This creates a rich, multi-dimensional aromatic environment.
REFRESHING THE SCENT. To keep the scent strong over time, allow the candle to solidify completely between burns. This allows the oils to stabilise and offers a more potent scent during the next burn.
Candle Care Tips
WICK TRIMMING. Always trim your wick to 1/4 inch before each burn. This ensures a cleaner burn, minimising soot and smoke, and extends the life of your candle.
SNUFF, DON’T BLOW. Snuffing out the flame will reduce smoke and soot, preserving the integrity of your candle's fragrance. Use a wick snuffer or gently dip the wick into the melted wax to extinguish the flame.
COOL & COVER. After extinguishing your candle, let it cool and harden completely before covering it or moving it. Covering your candle helps keep dust and debris out, preserving the fragrance for future burns.
Where Not to Place Your Candles
NEAR FLAMMABLE MATERIALS. Never place candles near curtains, paper, or any other flammable materials. Make sure there's a clear radius of at least one foot around the candle.
DRAUGHT AREAS. Drafts can cause uneven burning and excessive smoke. Avoid placing candles near windows, fans, or air vents.
BATHROOMS. The excess moisture in bathrooms can affect how the candle burns and might dampen the scent. If you want to use candles in the bathroom, make sure it's well-ventilated.
DIRECT SUNLIGHT. Direct sunlight can cause candles to fade and warp, which may impact their performance. Keep them out of sunny windows to maintain their quality.
Now that you're well-equipped to get the most out of your scented candles it’s time to get shopping. Whether your looking for the warming scent of woods and smoke, the spice scent of pumpkin or something a little more fruit, the team at Editor’s Beauty have narrowed down our top 10 decadent candles to burn this Autumn. So go ahead, strike a match, and let the olfactory journey begin.