The best scented candles for a cosy home, tried and tested

The sheer range of candles on the market means that you need clear parameters to help you pick one. For Chikumbu, the decision comes down to “three S’s”: scent, style and strength.

Scent

“I like to match the scent to the mood or the season,” says Chikumbu. “I like vanilla or a crisp cedar for all seasons but for autumn and winter, I tend to go smokier and bolder with firewood scents.”

Style

Given candles are items we display, the way they look is just as important as how they smell. For style, Chikumbu likes “maximalist chic” candles. He likes Trudon for this, but if you prefer something more understated, Jo Malone’s Townhouse ceramic pots are elegant, while Pott specialises in refillable candles and holders designed to become part of the furniture.

Strength

“I want to feel the candle scent in the room, so I’m looking for something with a strong throw,” says Chikumbu. “I like a thicker cotton wick, because it burns stronger and throws the flame better.” A thinner wick is more likely to blacken and crumble, while a wooden wick might crackle.

It’s also worth thinking about wax types here: paraffin wax can hold a higher concentration of fragrance oil to make a stronger scent, but you might prefer the cleaner burn of natural waxes, including soy and rapeseed. For more information, consult our frequently asked questions.