17 Designer Candles That'll Make Your Home Feel (and Smell) So Expensive
There are candles, and then there are designer candles. I don't always subscribe to the notion "you get what you pay for," but sometimes, when it comes to candles, that's actually the case. I've bought more than my fair share of frugal candles, and while some have had surprisingly potent scents and impressive burn times, more often than not, I find myself disappointed in the quality. Over the past couple of years, I've treated myself to a handful of designer candles, and I can confirm that, if you can afford to do so, they're absolutely worth spending a little extra on.
But which designer candles are the best? I'd be lying if I said I'd burned all of the wicks on this list (my bank balance would have to be somewhat more flush for that to be the case), but I have tried some first-hand, and others come highly recommended to me by fellow editors, friends, and industry experts.
Whether you're looking for a tranquil candle to help you drift off into a blissful sleep or you fancy upgrading your mantelpiece with an instantly recognisable votive, scroll on to see the best designer candles to spend your hard-earned cash on.
SHOP DESIGNER CANDLES
1. Tom Ford Beauty Lost Cherry Scented Candle
2. Baobab Cream White Pearls Marble Candle
3. Bella Freud 1970 Candle
4. Loewe Small Honeysuckle Candle
5. Emma J Shipley Zambezi Bone China Vetiver and Demask Candle
6. Cire Trudon Ernesto Scented Candle
7. Dior Jardin d'Oranger Candle
8. Brunello Cucinelli Ebano Candle
9. Diptyque Roses Scented Candle
10. Fornasetti Losanghe Otto Scented Candle
11. Cire Trudon Madurai Scented Candle
12. Jo Malone London Lime and Basil Mandarin Candle
13. Loewe Medium Scent of Marihuana Candle
14. Tom Dixon London Medium Scented Candle
15. Sisley Tuberose Candle
16. Acqua di Parma Luce di Colonia Candle
17. Byredo Cotton Poplin Candle
Next Up: The Best-Smelling Candles to Add to Your Collection (I Know You Have One)
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
-
If You Haven't Found Your "New Year, New Me" Scent, These 16 Are 100% On-Brand
Smell good and feel good.
By Maya Thomas
-
The Under-$100 Things Fashion People Are Buying for Their Apartments
Chic.
By Natalie Cantell
-
How to Layer Your Favorite Candles Like Perfume for a Signature Home Scent
The dos and don'ts, according to an expert.
By Bianca Lambert
-
Can a Candle Be Eco-Friendly? How to Opt for a Cleaner Burn
Sustainable candles are gaining momentum.
By Katie Berohn
-
My Wish List Is Brimming With These Quiet Luxury–Inspired Beauty Finds
Take a look.
By Maya Thomas
-
Carrie Bradshaw's Apartment Is Full of the Candles Every Beauty Editor Hoards
She would have an immaculate taste in home fragrance.
By Katie Berohn
-
This New Scent Smells Like Falling in Love, Bottled—Here's Why It's Magic
I'm head over heels.
By Maya Thomas
-
5 Chic Fragrances Fashion People Fill Their Homes With
A treat for the eyes and nose.
By Caitlin Burnett