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.

OSTENS Illumination Rose Candle £65

Fill your home with the luxurious scent of hundreds of Turkish roses with Ostend elegant hand poured wax candle set in elegant mouth-blown scalloped glass to create the perfect burn. .

GINORI 1735 Profumi Luchino Rajathra Palace Scented Candle £140

Hand shaped in Italy by expert makers, Rajathra was created by Luke Edward in homage to Rajasthan. With notes of rose, patchouli and a hint of spice, this stunning candle comes with a whopping 65 hours of burn time.

DISCOTHEQUE Hacienda Candle £54

Hand poured in the UK using sustainable and fully traceable vegan wax, Hacienda offers the perfect amount of warms on a cold autumn’s evening.

D.S. & DURGA Portable Fireplace Candle £60.00

Who needs a fireplace when you have D.S. & Durga's smokey, woody, ode to that nostalgic fragrance that takes us back to simpler times..

DIPTIQUE Citrouille (PUMPKIN) Candle £56

This seasonal limited edition candle is an autumnal delights, featuring mouthwatering notes of chestnut and spices, inspired by traditional pumpkin pies, mingle with crisp green accents of fruit.

BRULER I am Fierce £24

Created in hour of Black History month, this fiery and invigorating candle blend the orange and Madeline tea with delicate floral notes, comforting vanilla, grounding sandalwood, and earthy patchouli.

For every candle sold £5 will be donated to the Black Minds Matter Charity.

LES SENTEURS Fire Pit Fortune Candle £48

Another nostalgic fire pit fragrance this time by London’s oldest independent perfumer. With top notes of Cherry pip, Cade, Hay alongside a heart of Immortelle, Cedar wood, Fir balsam, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a cosy night in.

NEVER GO ALONE Edition 01 Sandstone Candle £52

Set in a hand-blown glass vessel this richly scented candle features earthy, warm notes of sandalwood, cedar, and cardamom alongside the cooling notes eucalyptus and mint. While its hypnotic orange glow, meant to encourage creativity and positive vibes.