9 Types Of Candle Scents [And Other Important Things To Know!]

Have you ever smelled something that immediately took you back to a place or time from your past? Scent has the power to recall emotions and memories. The area of our brains that processes smell also affects memory, emotions, and creativity. Because of this link, scents have the ability to influence how we think and feel. You can use candle scents in your home to create a pleasing environment and impact your emotional state. Let's discuss candle scents and when to choose each one.

1. Floral

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Floral scented candles are a great choice in the summer months. These scents freshen the air and can help you forget about the summer heat. If you love fresh flower arrangements burning a floral candle can be a good substitute. Floral scents are one of the most popular choices in candles. These are soft, relaxing, romantic, and calming to the mind. Floral candles work well on bedside tables, master bathrooms, and for special occasions such as anniversaries.

Signature notes you'll find in floral blends include:

Rose
Jasmine
Lavender
Geranium
Ylang-ylang
Lilac
Gardenia

Click here to see these floral candles on Amazon.

2. Citrus

Citrus scents are mood-lifting and energizing. Candles with citrus scents work well in kitchens, living areas, game rooms, home offices, and hallways. These scents are typically thought of in the summer months, but lighting a citrus candle in the winter can give you an instant mood boost and brighten your day.

Signature notes found in citrus blends include:

Lemon
Lime
Orange
Pineapple

Click here to see this citrus candle on Amazon.

3. Fruity

Fruity scents are very pleasing. These scents are associated with happiness and can stimulate the mood. Fruit sents work well in the kitchen of your home.

Signature notes found in fruity blends include:

Apple
Pear
Apricot
Peach
Cherry
Strawberry

Click here to see this fruity candle on Amazon.

4. Woody

Woody scents are similar to what you'd notice if you were outdoors. Smokey, woodland scents will make you feel grounded and at peace. These scents are warm and inviting. Woody scents are perfect for highlighting an intimate dinner or an evening or curling up with a good book.

Signature notes you'll find in woody blends include:

Patchouli
Cedarwood
Juniper
Sandalwood
Spruce
Fir
Cypress
Pine
Balsam

Click here to see this woody candle on Amazon.

5. Earthy

Earthy scents embody the feeling of walking outdoors in the forest or the smell after a rainstorm. These scents tend to be encouraging, balancing, strengthening, and centering. Choose an earthy scent when you feel the need for calm and grounding.

Signature notes of earthy blends include:

Cedarwood
Balsam
Cypress
Sandalwood
Frankincense
Ginger
Myrrh
Patchouli
Vetiver

Click here to see this earthy candle on Amazon.

6. Fresh

Fresh candle scents include herbal, citrus, and clean aromas. They will make you feel fresh and invigorated. These scents can create an uplifting and energizing environment. Fresh candles work well in bedrooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, and walk-in wardrobes.

Signature notes in fresh scents include:

Lime
Sage
Bergamot
Grapefruit
Lemongrass
Eucalyptus
Basil
Rosemary
Thyme

Click here to see this fresh candle on Amazon.

7. Sweet and Spicy

Sweet and spicy scents are reminiscent of fall. These scents provide a cozy warm atmosphere. These candles work well in your main living areas.

Signature notes in sweet and spicy blends include:

Vanilla
Cinnamon
Anise
Honey
Sugar cane
Clove
Cardamom
Pepper
Amber

Click here to see this sweet and spicy candle on Amazon.

8. Exotic

Exotic scents are warm and welcoming. These scents bring thoughts of indulgence and comfort. Candles that are exotically scented often contain fragrances associated with yummy foods such as vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel.

Signature exotic scent notes include:

Vanilla
Chai
Coffee
Cinnamon
Frankincense
Honey
Rosewood
Nutmeg
Clove
Balsam
Ginger
Caramel

Click here to see this exotic candle on Amazon.

9. Masculine

Masculine candles will have a bold, unique scent. They are perfect in a study or man cave. These scents may have unique scents like tobacco, campfire smells, or whiskey.

Signature notes in masculine scents include:

Cedarwood
Sandalwood
Fir
Pine
Patchouli
Bergamot
Musk
Vanilla
Amber
Tobacco

Click here to see this masculine candle on Amazon.

How Do You Pick The Right Candle Scent For Your Home?

There are several things to consider when selecting candle scents for your home. You'll find some scents naturally attractive and be drawn to them. Here are some other things to think about when choosing scents.

What is the size of your room? A strong smell will overpower small rooms. Light scents are better suited for small rooms.
What is the purpose of the candle? Are you trying to create a romantic environment? Floral or exotic scents will work well for this purpose. Do you want to feel focused and energized in your home office? Consider a citrus scent.
Consider choosing a signature scent. Just like choosing a perfume that others automatically associate with you, you can create a unique signature scent for your home. You can even choose a signature scent for each room of your home.

How Do You Know If A Candle Will Smell Good When Burning?

You can get a good idea of how strong a candle will smell by sniffing it in the store. If a candle smells good when you test sniff it, it will not smell stronger once it starts to burn. However, a very strong-smelling candle in the store will also smell very strongly when burning and could be overwhelming. Choosing candles made from high-quality wax and essential oils will ensure that the fragrance stays true while burning the candle.

It's easy to get overwhelmed with scents when smelling candles in the store. To clear the smell in between candles, try sniffing coffee beans. You'll be able to smell each scent again afterward clearly.

Create The Ambience You Crave In Your Home

Using candles in your home creates ambiance and invokes certain emotions. The flicker and glow of a candle make a room warm and welcoming. Candles are associated with a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Choosing scent adds to the effect.

Choose scents based on the desired effect. Whether you are creating an inspiring and invigorating home office, a romantic bedroom escape, or a relaxing spa-like bathroom, candles can help you create the effect. Enjoy trying different scents and see how your choice enhances your mood.

If you'd like even more inspiration on how to decorate your home using candles, check out a few more of our posts:

"How Do You Decorate A Living Room With Candles" will give you tips on creating an inviting living room using the glow and scent of candles.

"How Tall Should Pillar Candles Be? [Inc Suggestions On How To Display Them]" shows you how to create beautiful displays in your home using pillar candles.