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11 candles that showcase the best home scents for summer
These are the freshest scents inspired by sunny days, fruitful gardens and long, hot nights
Candles aren’t just for cosy autumn and winter days. Some of our favourite home fragrances are designed to enhance that summery feeling – think notes of fresh linen blowing in warm breezes and plump tomatoes worthy of the finest caprese salad, as well as the zingiest citrus scents. There’s even a candle inspired by camp fires on the beach. This is sunshine in wax form. Even if you can’t book another holiday this year, this edit will bring the relaxation to you.
‘Citronelle’ candle, Diptyque
Lemongrass is the main aroma here, with notes of verbena and orange blossom. It’s a subtle scent that brings to mind long nights of conversation kept alive by the fresh-cut grass-like undertones of this candle’s key scent. £63, diptyqueparis.com
‘Green Tomato Vine’ candle, Jo Malone London
Vegetal scents are having a real moment this year, with this candle part of Jo Malone London’s ‘Veggies Edition’. It includes ‘Scarlet Beetroot’ and sweet ‘Carrot Blossom’, but the herbaceous aroma of fresh tomatoes cannot be beaten. £105, jomalone.co.uk
‘D’Orangerie’ candle, Verden
This may not be a new scent, but it is a summer classic for a reason. Launched back in 2021, Verden’s uplifting blend of orange blossom and citrus is the kind of gentle and natural aroma we’ve come to expect from the brand. £55, verden.world
‘Citrush’ candle, Boy Smells
For those who like their citrus scents a little less subtle, this candle from Boy Smells is the olfactory equivalent of sucking on a lemon. Paired with the aroma of pomelo and black pepper it is the ultimate pick-me-up fragrance that will energise any room. Approx £37, boysmells.com
‘Pistachio’ candle, Loewe
In a departure from fresh and citrus scents, there is also a trend in fragrance for creamier aromas that bring to mind the patisserie counter. This candle, which comes in one of Loewe’s iconic glazed terracotta vessels has a pistachio scent that suggests gourmet ice cream. From £92, perfumesloewe.com
‘Greenhouse’ candle, Earl of East
It’s back to the allotment we go with this candle, which combines the scents of vine tomato, herbs and lemon. It’s all the fresh produce of summer in one verdent aroma, hand-poured in east London. £50, earlofeast.com
‘London Stories’ candle, Byredo
London in the summer is a different city. One defined by sunbathing in the park, drinks on warmed streets and long evenings full of adventure. Those are the themes for this candle, with its raspberry and cinnamon aroma set against black pepper, vanilla and tonka bean. Complex, but irresistible. £80, byredo.com
‘Art Fabric’ candle, Liberty
Engraved with Liberty’s ‘Iphis’ print, this new collection of four candles looks beautiful on a fireplace or table. There are aromas that lean towards the more cosy (such as ‘Tudor Revival’ and ‘Chimney Twist’), but the top notes of lemon and mandarin oil in this version are summer appropriate. £79, libertylondon.com
‘Eye Rolls and Electric Souls’ candle, Boogie Bougie
Created in collaboration with Odette Lunettes, a sunglasses firm that like Boogie Bougie is based in Antwerp, this candle is especially summer-ready. It’s an intriguing scent, combining top notes of liquorice and rosemary. Earthier than many summer fragrances, it is one for chillouts. £35, boogiebougie.com
‘Perichor Air’ candle, Rains
Known for its waterproof clothing and accessories, this Danish brand may not be the first you think of for summer fragrances – not least because many may not be aware it creates candles. It’s one for those feeling the effects of the droughts, as it is inspired by the scent of the air after rain falls. With notes of cotton, fresh-cut grass and matcha, it’s a refreshing choice. £35, uk.rains.com
‘Remezzo’ candle, Discotheque
‘A tryst on the shores of the Aegean Sea’ is one of the images this playful fragrance brand wants to evoke with this candle – and if that doesn’t say summer we don’t know what does. It’s a scent that brings to mind sundowner cocktails in Mykonos. Want to complete the vibe? The brand even has a playlist to match. £54, discothequefragrances.com
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