We hardly need an excuse to light candles, but there is something about striking a wick in winter that feels more satisfying than any other season.
Even though the flame itself might not provide much toasty warmth, the spicy, woody and delicious aromas that follow after a few minutes burn can feel as comforting as heading back to bed on a crisp, frosty morning.
And whether you’re more partial to a mulled wine mix or pine needle fix, the picture of a wintery paradise is easy to conjure with these cosy candles.
D.S. & DURGA Breakfast Highlands Candle
We say: Turn your inner-city apartment into a cosy Southern Highlands bed and breakfast. Featuring notes of tea, marmalade, honey, vanilla, and creamy oats, this candle has all the makings of a frosty winter morning.
$97, MECCA
Diptyque Feu De Bois
We say: We have it on good authority (AKA Instagram) that John Mayer’s house smells like this smokey, fireside delight. With notes of blazing embers and warm lapsang tea, this candle has been influenced by a walk in the countryside during the winter.
$95, MECCA
Glasshouse A Tahaa Affair Devotion
We say: Reasons you need this? Firstly, THE TIN. Secondly, THE TIN. Thirdly, the fact that this Tahitian-inspired candle has been infused with notes of butterscotch, Caribbean rum and dark amber. Plus, with only 5,000 of the 760g variation being created globally, this is a collector’s item you don’t want to sleep on.
$54.95, Glasshouse Fragrances
Circa Home Vanilla Bean & Allspice Classic Candle
We say: If you’re someone who wishes Christmas in Australia was cold and snowy so you could hit the winter markets with a warm spiced cider in hand, this is the candle for you. Cinnamon and cloves create a spicy opening punch, while the vanilla bean conjures memories of fresh-from-the-oven desserts.
You say: “We lit this most nights during the winter and it was devine! I’m so sad it has finally run out but I will definitely be getting another. Don’t skimp on candles, try Circa once and you won’t go back!” – Margaret759
Read Circa Home Vanilla Bean & Allspice Classic Candle more reviews…
$39.95, Adore Beauty
Sensori+ Air Detoxifying Aromatic Soy Candle Macedon Trail 3441
We say: Love nothing more than a crisp winter’s walk through dewy grass? This woody-green candle adds an earthy twist to hand-picked geranium, which will leave your home enveloped in a fresh, rain-soaked scent. Ideal for those who want to bring a sense of the outdoors, indoors. Not to mention the unique air-detoxifying technology sets this wick apart from others.
You say: “This smells just like real geranium that I’ve picked on my daily walk – geranium grows wild where I am and I often like to pick a bit and rub it on my skin – it smells just exactly like this!! The other two scents in this (the vetiver and Australian Sandalwood) are much more subtle and under-notes in this special Sensori scent.” –clearcrystalwater
Read Sensori+ Air Detoxifying Aromatic Soy Candle Macedon Trail 3441 reviews here…
$80, Sephora
Glasshouse Fragrances Arabian Nights – White Oud Soy Candle
We say: If you’re looking to venture outside your usual fresh and floral wheelhouse, this warm amber pick is prime for the winter picking. The notes of saffron and sandalwood keep it spicy and sensual, while the heart of jasmine will keep you coming back for whiff after whiff.
You say: “This candle is sooo amazing! This is a unisex candle, which is hard to find, and makes for a great gift. It almost smells like a men’s fragrance / perfume. It’s very warm with the undertones of sandlewood but pretty with the floral tones like jasmine.” –Cynful
$49.95, Adore Beauty
Buckley & Phillips Relaxing Artisan Candle
We say: Burn this while soaking in a steaming hot bath to melt away the stress of the day. Lavender, rose, geranium, cedarwood and frankincense essential oils evoke a calming effect on the body to relieve anxieties and promote peace of mind. Breathe in, breathe out.
Read Buckley & Phillips Relaxing Artisan Candle more reviews here…
$39.95, Buckley & Phillips
Palm Beach Clove & Sandalwood Candle
We say: This festive blend is a balanced mix of spice and musk, without being overpowering. The rich, woody base comes after an opening of jasmine and rosewood, to ease your space (and nose) into the warmth.
$42.95, Palm Beach Collection
Tom Ford Fucking Fabulous Candle
We say: ‘Scuse our French, but this candle is deserving of an in-shop sniff at the very least. The oriental blend of clary sage, lavender, orris root and leather is unlike any other and while it’s smell is often divisive, those that land on the ‘love’ side of the fence, really mean it.
$162, MECCA
*This article has been updated since its original publish date*
Have you got a favourite winter candle? Have you tried any of these ones?
My husband won't have Candles in the house unless it is a blackout but I do love the smell of scented candles.
Candle Boujie xD want this one
Only use candles to stare at them (practice called trataka). Anyways, better that they do not have scent (distraction)
I love Candles they really create a next level mood – perfect for romantic nights.
I have a few scented candles that I'm going to use this winter.
My favourite candle for all year round is A Tahaa Affair by Glasshouse. I would love to smell the Tom Ford one partly that it’s by Tom Ford, partly because I like the name lol
Haven't indulged in candles for awhile. The combination of frisky feline that knocks things over (fire hazard) and over sensitive smoke alarm (noise hazard). Exploring the intriguing Sensori + range at the moment so the Macedon Trail would be my pick. How it detoxifies air I don't understand. Such mysteries (or science) run too deep for me!
My husband think it is silly having candles.
No candles then!! Does she do it on purpose?
I love candles! They make the room smell really nice.
I would agree that the Tom Ford F’ing Fabulous candle scent is divisive. I was going to buy it for a friend’s birthday until I smelt it. I thought it smelt like cheap deodorant!!
It's the name of the Tom Ford candle that makes me want one 😀
Yes tahaa is such a nice one!
Me too, they’re great!
Arabian nights is a beautiful scent! I like the look of the relaxing candle as well. Love a warm scent.
anything moss scented where I can drift off to some imagery forest please
I prefer diffusers they last longer and are safer to have around.
I love candles! They are perfect for winter
I have a drawer in my kitchen thats filled with candles. I have candles all through the house. Sadly though I cant handle vanilla candles as they seem to cause me to have migraines 🙁
I love the smell of candles!
I couldn't imagine spending $155 on a candle no matter how good it smells.
I love candles, I'm looking to buy a new one soon, so this is a timely article!
I bought the Circa Home one for a friend for a housewarming present.
It's the name and price that puts me off wanting one.
Autumn/winter is the best time to light a candle. Please send them all over here.
I usually buy more budget friendly candles.
$155 for a candle is way too expensive for me. It would have been good to know the price of ll of these. I like the sound of the Sensori one.
My favorite scent is a sandalwood candle
Always wary of leaving candles burning even though I really like the scents
Rarely use them only during blackouts, unscented only
I love candles & I started burning them a couple of weeks ago. I'm intrigued about the scent of the Tom Ford one, but for that price, no f—ing way!
That's what the rewards room is missing! Lots of candle!
You would really want to it to be effing fabulous for that price!
I only use candles while I’m in the bath, L’Occitane at the moment. Who would pay $155 for a candle? And to be honest I wouldn’t want it on display with that name
Vanilla bean and allspice sounds positively delicious
OMG I want all of them they seem so luxurious and stunning
I looove candles, I always have one burning and I must say I've gone through quite a bit of them, I love the glow they give and the smell. The Circa is divine, I've tried that before. 😉
I love having candles on at night but the Tom Ford is way too expensive.
Not a fan of candles…. Sometimes the smell can be so overwhelming…
I don't burn candles inside. Small house – young children, too easy to knock over. I'm a little paranoid about it. But I do like burning the outdoor ones for preventing the dreadful mozzies. I have a gorgeous dusk one that changes colour. But I haven't seen it anywhere in ages.
I haven’t bought a new candle in quite some time so I think it’s time to treat myself!
I don't use candles regularly but I have some which I could pull out for the cooler months.
I love sweet scented candles like vanilla, coconut, caramel…yum!
Love having scented candles when i'm at home
I love having candles burning, mostly in autumn and winter. I got one as a Christmas present from Coles, Scentilla brand. It's gorgeous, I could smell it before I even open the gift wrapping and the box. Plum and Cassis scent, 260gms for around $13
I'm not a candle person, but some of these scents sound wonderful.
Cire Trudon, Diptyque and Le Labo are on my candle Wishlist.
I like travel candles , good size to trial different brands and scents
As much as I like candles , I can’t use them in the house unless for blackouts as some family members are sensitive to smells.
So many great suggestions. Will have to stock up on candles. I love the scents and the ambience they create.
I'm sure my house will smell fucking fabulous with he Tom Ford candle.