How do you choose a scented candle?

You stand in front of a row of candles, smell the first, then the second, and after the fifth, you don't smell much of anything anymore. Sound familiar? Choosing a scented candle is trickier than it seems because scent is so personal. Nevertheless, there are a few standard questions that will help you find a candle you'll truly be happy with more quickly.

Where will the candle be placed?

Start with the room, because a lot depends on that.

• Living room: here, a scent can be a bit more noticeable, but don't forget that you sit there for hours at a time. Choose something that you won't get tired of.
• Bedroom: choose a calm scent, and always extinguish the candle before going to sleep.
• Kitchen and hallway: here, the scent mingles with cooking smells and outdoor air, so a fresh scent often works better than a heavy one.
• Bathroom: a small candle in a sturdy, dry spot is enough.

The rule of thumb is: a large room needs more scent than a small one. In doubt? It's better to choose something more subtle.

Which scent family suits you?

• Fresh and citrusy: bright and airy, often great in the kitchen and during the spring and summer.
• Floral: from soft and creamy to fresh and green, depending on the flower.
• Woody and spicy: warm and deep, fitting for autumn and winter.
• Sweet and gourmand: think of vanilla, caramel, or pastries. Cozy, but can quickly become heavy.
• Clean and powdery: the scent of washed linens and a tidy home.

Smell smart

• Don't smell too many candles in a row. After three or four scents, your nose becomes desensitized.
• A cold candle often smells different than when it's burning. Take your time in the store to compare, and feel free to ask for advice.
• Choose based on feeling, not on the name.

How to burn your candle beautifully and safely

1. Let the candle burn until the entire top layer is liquid the first time; this prevents tunneling in the candle.
2. Trim the wick to about half a centimeter before you light it.
3. Place the candle out of drafts and away from curtains, paper, or other flammable materials.
4. Never leave a burning candle unattended, especially with children and pets nearby.
5. Don't burn it for hours on end. A few hours at a time is fine.
6. Extinguish the candle when about a centimeter of wax remains.

A scented candle as a gift

Don't know the recipient's taste very well? Then fresh or clean scents are a safe choice. Looking for more ideas? Read our gift guide by budget, or put together a birthday gift or housewarming gift yourself.

Smell the most delicious scented candles at Wijdstraat 4

You choose a scent best with your nose. In our store in the heart of Gouda, scented candles from WoodWick and Bridgewater and fragrance diffusers from Millefiori Milano are ready for you. Take your time to smell, and we'll be happy to help you find your favorite. You are welcome from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Sunday from 12 PM to 5 PM.

Do you already know which scent you want? Then simply order online. We will wrap your candle for free, and you can pick it up in the store or we can send it to you; free shipping on orders over 50 euros. You can read more about the store on our visit us page.