The best scented candles and diffusers for homes this spring
The best scented candles and diffusers for homes this spring
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1/34 English pear and freesia candle, Jo Malone
£47
Fresh and fruity pear notes mix with distinctive white freesias and woody patchouli in this opulent scent. A classic, sensuous fragrance that's light enough to be used year-round. -
2/34 Arabian Oud candle, Lumira
£49
A deep floral scent, with rose notes, patchouli and sandalwood. Hints of citrus and orange soften the fragrance. It's the Australian brand Lumira's best-selling candle, available exclusively from Selfridges. -
3/34 Wild Mint candle, White Company
£24
Peppermint, spearmint and white tea blends are a refreshing alternative to fruity florals in this delicate scent. Just-crushed mint leaves are a calming, soothing addition and the stylish ceramic vessel has a white lid for keeping the wax dust-free. -
4/34 Tui and Kahili candle, Ashley & Co
£44
Lily, ginger, ylang ylang and sandalwood make for a delicate combination of floral and woody notes in this candle by Ashley & Co. All hand-poured in New Zealand, using 100% natural biodegradable wax and cotton wick, and set in a hand-blown glass jar. -
5/34 Tunisian mint tea candle, Lumira, Selfridges
£49
Sweet mint tea, lemon zest and rosemary combine with ginger and rich jasmine to capture the rich fragrances of an ancient bazaar in this invigorating scent. -
6/34 Otto candle, Malin + Goetz
£42
Packed with 20 garden extracts, this candle is a seasonal winner. Grapefruit, cardamom and geranium are among the top notes. Only light for two hours at a time, to make sure the wax burns evenly. -
7/34 Patchouli and Bergamot, Peppermint Grove
From £24.95
To help you transition to brighter days and (hopefully) warmer climes, this scent has patchouli and bergamot notes. More often associated with winter blends, the smell is light and refreshing, ideal for anyone in two minds as to which season we're in. -
8/34 Chewing gum diffuser, Anya Hindmarch
£99
For something a little quirky, accessories designer Anya Hindmarch's diffuser will certainly get guests talking. The ceramic reeds are shaped like pencils, helping to release a fresh mint scent combined with fruity raspberry notes. -
9/34 Verveine 32, Le Labo
£52
Lime, eucalyptus and violet combine to conjure a floral scent that's delicate and uplifting. -
10/34 Portobello Oud, Polkra x Katie Scott
£49
An alternative to traditional spring scents, and a good option for those who steer clear of florals. Spices and leather make a strong statement. -
11/34 Calm candle and room mist, Made by Coopers Apothecary
Candle, £22; room mist, £15
With essential oils such as frankincense, lavender and bergamot, this scent isn't just for spring. A relaxing fragrance, that soothes and helps you unwind. -
12/34 Spring candle, White Company
£60
One for floral fans, this large candle is a blend of honeysuckle, rose, jasmine and lilac - as well as earthy freshly mown grass. It makes a real impact, and looks chic in the signature White Company ribbed glass vessel, too. -
13/34 Spring meadow diffuser, Heal's
£30
Bring the nostalgic fragrance of fields and flowers indoors this spring, with an uplifting mix of green leaf, citrus and jasmine notes. -
14/34 Lys and Narguilé, Diptyque duo set
£94 for a set; or £47 each
The fresh-cut lilies of the Lys candle pair beautifully with the fruity and honeyed Narguilé in this duo. The flowers' sometimes spicy aromas are accented by the Narguilé candle's hint of tobacco. The candles are available separately, too. -
15/34 Feel Refreshed candle, Neom
£45
A blend of Sicilian lemon and fresh basil, for the ultimate refreshing scent. "We developed the Feel Refreshed candle with 100% natural fragrance which not only smells wonderful but provides an uplifting effect on your mind – great for communal and busy areas of the home," says Neom Founder Nicola Elliott. -
16/34 Neroli room spray, Lalique
£52
A burst of fragrance that's not overwhelming. Bitter orange and ylang-ylang are the refreshing top notes, with warming amber and vanilla as the base. -
17/34 Cutesy candle, Rory Dobner
£40
A wild fig scented candle in a stunning ceramic vessel by fine artist and designer Rory Dobner. Reuse the container as a jar for sugar, tea, trinkets or as an ornament. -
18/34 Tuberose candle, Feu de Beaumont
£59
A powerful fragrance of tuberose blossoms, ylang-ylang, jasmine and neroli. Will work best in a large room, as the heady mix of sweet notes could overwhelm a small space. It's ideal for those who like a burst of fragrance from the off. -
19/34 Parakeets & Pearls diffuser, Ashley and Co
£50
"A summer scent is light, potentially sweeter than a fragrance enjoyed in the depths of winter," says Jackie Ashley, founder of Ashley & Co, "Parakeets & Pearls has citrus notes which is an obvious choice." It's a lively fragrance, made with notes of white lily, cardamom, spice and green tea. -
20/34 Abd El Kader, Cire Trudon
£75
Think you don't want your home to smell like an expensive chilled pea soup? Turns out you're wrong. The balance of sweet jasmine, vanilla with the herbal green zing of spearmint in this luxuriously packaged Cire Trudon candle will bring the fresh scent of spring into your home, whatever the state of the weather outside. -
21/34 Bibliothèque candle, Byredo
£54
This is a conceptual library scent, rather than a literal recreation of the smell of a room full of musty books. Aiming to evoke a soft, warm, cosy old world charm, Byredo's Bibliothèque candle features top notes of peach and plum, which the brand says embodies "the velvety quality of the paper", with a patchouli "spine" and a base note of leather. -
22/34 English Garden, Matthew Williamson
£49
Be enveloped by the scents of an English garden: rose, bergamot, lemon, blackcurrant, orange blossom and Ceylon tea combine to zingy effect. -
23/34 Walnut and fig candle, Atelier Swarovski
£69
A walnut and fig scent designed exclusively for Atelier Swarovski, in a silver, glass votive that's a 'jewel for the home'. -
24/34 Earl Grey scented candle, Heal's
£25
A sophisticated blend of Earl Grey tea and lemon notes. Something a bit different for those unmoved by seasonal, floral scents and who may prefer something a little more subtle. -
25/34 Lavender Garden candle, Kenneth Turner
£20
Lavender, to spark thoughts of the English countryside, and eucalyptus work to great effect in this garden candle by Kenneth Turner. It's a soothing scent, added to by a hint of vanilla. -
26/34 Aramara diffuser, Culti
£65
Think warm summer's day in the Mediterranean. This Aramara Stile diffuser has bitter orange, sandalwood and bergamot notes. In the smoked glass holder, rattan reed sticks (included) release fragrance for up to six weeks. -
27/34 Baya room spray, Luxenoa
£22
A blend of sweet berry, blackcurrant and rose combine in this Baya room spray. One for guest rooms, landings or hallways, the bottle looks chic on any side table. -
28/34 Willow song diffuser, Noble Isle
£39
Rose petals and ivy combine to create a floral, fantastical fragrance that's remnant of a romantic walk on an early summer's afternoon. -
29/34 Signature candle, Katharine Pooley
£60
Interior designer Katharine Pooley's signature candle is a sweet blend of orange blossom, bergamot and neroli. -
30/34 Lime and amber candle, Monsoon
£15
A lovely gift, that won't break the bank, this frosted-glass jar is filled with natural wax containing hints of lime, amber and basil. A clean, fresh scent. -
31/34 Hmm, Alessi
£40
Part of the first home fragrance collection by Alessi, this Hmm candle is a warming, floral scent with woody undertones that envelops and soothes. Hints of fig and red fruits, as well as the Marcel Wanders designed vessel, make it one for any time of year. -
32/34 Turquoise Water, Max Benjamin
£24
Be transported to the seaside from the first time you light this candle until the last. Citrus notes make it particularly apt for the season. The wax is a natural soy, coconut and beeswax blend. -
33/34 Rosucro, Jonathan Ward
£40
A light fragrance, with prune, patchouli and honey. Hand-poured in Jonathan Ward's north London studio, the candles - available in seven scents - use a blend of coconut oil, beeswax and vegetable wax that's been certified as organic by the Soil Association. The wax burns evenly, with a total burn time of 40 to 45 hours. -
34/34 Bosk & Herb Garden, Philippa Craddock
£65
As a royal florist, Philippa Craddock knows a thing or two about perfuming the home. This delicate Bosk & Herb Garden candle is packed with rosemary, geranium, nutmeg, patchouli and tonka bean notes, as well as other fabulous combinations.
Mother's Day gifts come in many guises - vouchers, flowers, chocolates to name a few - but a candle is always a thoughtful choice even when time isn't on your side.
A subtle, luxurious home fragrance can provide the warmest welcome, create the perfect atmosphere or help you - or the lucky recipient - unwind after a busy day.
And, unlike any instantly-demolished edible treats, you can be certain that a candle is enjoyed and appreciated use after use.
Bitter orange, ylang ylang and sandalwood are among popular scents in home fragrances this year. Try this Tui and Kahili candle by Ashley & Co for a delicate combination of floral and woody notes.
"When buying for someone else, opt for a scent that isn’t polarising or too heady," says Jackie Ashley, founder of Ashley & Co.
"Keep in mind that scent is very subjective, a subtle, more neutral blend is a safe option, such as lighter florals and citrus notes."
The Lys and Narguilé set by Diptyque work well together or separately. The fresh-cut lilies of the Lys candle pair beautifully with the fruity and honeyed Narguilé.
Or, for those searching for less traditional spring fragrances, Heal's Earl Grey candle is a sophisticated blend of tea and lemon notes.
"Not only will fresh fragrances fill the home with a clean and revitalising energy," says Emily Dunstan, Home Buyer at Heal's, "They can quickly lift the atmosphere to create a relaxing sanctuary."
"Room sprays are great for spaces that need an instant lift, such as in the hallway before guests arrive, and can also be used on artificial foliage to mimic the notes of freshly picked flowers."
This wild fig scented candle sits in a stunning ceramic vessel by fine artist and designer Rory Dobner. Reuse the container as a jar for sugar, tea or as an ornament.
"Repurposing your candle vessels for outdoor situations with small tea lights or citronella blends is functional while creating ambiance," says Ashley.
