How to Choose the Perfect Candle (Even If You Can’t Smell It First!)
Choosing a Candle Online: Why It’s Hard & How to Get It Right
Buying a candle in person is easy—you pick it up, take a sniff, and if you like it, you buy it. It’s a sensory, impulse-driven experience. But online? That’s a different story. You can’t smell through a screen, and most people don’t read scent descriptions in a way that helps them really understand how a candle will smell in their space.
The good news? You can shop for candles online with confidence! If you’re unsure about picking the right scent, here’s how to choose a candle you’ll love—even if you can’t smell it first.
Think About the Mood You Want to Create
Scents set the mood. The right candle can shift the atmosphere of your space, make a room feel more inviting, or give you a moment to slow down. Before you choose a candle, ask yourself: What do I want to feel when I light it?
| If you want to feel... | Look for scents like... |
|---|---|
| Cozy & Comforted | Vanilla, sandalwood, amber, warm spices |
| Relaxed & Grounded | Lavender, cedarwood, chamomile |
| Fresh & Energized | Citrus, eucalyptus, mint, green tea |
| Warm & Inviting | Cinnamon, clove, baked goods scents |
| Earthy & Outdoorsy | Pine, fir, moss, smoky wood |
Need help deciding?
Take our scent quiz! →
Learn What You Already Love
One of the best ways to figure out what kind of candle you’ll love is to look at what you already enjoy. Think about the candles you’ve burned in the past and check their scent descriptions—what notes are in them? Do you tend to gravitate toward fresh scents? Something warm and woodsy? Once you know what scent families you like, it’s much easier to branch out.
Understand Scent Notes & How They Work
A candle’s scent is made up of three layers:
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Top Notes → The first thing you smell, but fades quickly. (Think citrus, herbal, light florals.)
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Middle Notes → The “heart” of the candle, present throughout the burn. (Think woods, spices, rich florals.)
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Base Notes → The deep, lingering notes that stay in the air after the candle is blown out. (Think musks, ambers, resins.)
Example: Our Mountain Time candle starts with a bright burst of citrus (top note), then settles into fresh green matcha (middle note), and finally leaves behind a grounding, earthy finish (base note).
Choose the Right Strength (Throw & Longevity)
Not everyone wants a candle that fills an entire house with scent. Some people love bold, room-filling fragrances, while others prefer a scent that gently lingers in the background.
Light & Subtle: Best for small rooms, relaxation (herbal, linen, light florals)
Moderate & Balanced: Great for bedrooms, cozy spaces (vanilla, sandalwood, warm woods)
Strong & Bold: Ideal for open spaces, high ceilings (citrus, spices, deep resins)
All of our candles are crafted to complement your space—not overwhelm it. Browse our collection →
Match Your Candle to Your Space
Some scents naturally work better in certain spaces. If you’re unsure where to start, think about where you’ll be burning your candle most.
For Bedrooms & Relaxation Spaces → Soft, calming scents like lavender, chamomile, vanilla
For Living Rooms & Cozy Evenings → Warm, inviting scents like amber, sandalwood, spice
For Bathrooms & Spa Vibes → Fresh, clean scents like eucalyptus, mint, citrus
For Outdoor & Rustic Feels → Woodsy, smoky scents like cedar, pine, fir
Not sure what fits your space? Take our scent quiz! →
Finding a Candle That Feels Like You
Candles are personal. The right one should feel like an extension of your space—whether that’s cozy and nostalgic, fresh and uplifting, or grounding and earthy.
Still unsure? Reach out—I’d love to help you find your perfect scent. Or, let our scent quiz do the work for you!