A flickering candle possesses a unique ability to transform a house into a haven. Beyond being a simple decorative element, a premium candle with its gentle illumination and, when fragranced, its subtle aroma, can instantly imbue a room with a sense of comfort and serenity. These elegant accessories not only provide a soft glow but also contribute significantly to the visual appeal of a space.
Those who truly grasp the profound impact of this everyday essential are interior designers. These experts were surveyed to uncover their preferred luxury candles. Their selections range widely, from the pure beeswax taper candle that a prominent designer considers indispensable for dinner gatherings to a beloved classic by Cire Trudon, frequently cited by numerous professionals as their top choice. The following provides a compilation of 21 interior designers sharing their most cherished candles, detailing the reasons behind their affection, and explaining how they skillfully manipulate light and scent to craft the desired mood within a room.
Tiffany Duggan expresses her fondness for the Cire Trudon Ernesto candle, describing its robust, smoky aroma as ideal for the colder months. She particularly appreciates its artisanal glass container, which boasts a charming, muted green hue. She consistently lights this candle in her home's entryway on weekends, allowing its captivating scent to gracefully permeate the entire residence. Kelly Wearstler highlights the Loewe Bronze Beeswax candleholder as her preferred choice for entertaining. Crafted entirely from natural beeswax, the candlestick exhibits a pleasingly tactile and slightly irregular texture. She enjoys arranging them in clusters along the center of a table, interspersing both new and partially used candles to create varying heights, which she believes adds a cinematic quality to the setting. The candle emits a warm, honeyed beeswax fragrance—soft, natural, and subtly earthy, ensuring it never overpowers the room. She finds it grounding and subtly luxurious, an item one wishes to keep, even when unlit. Marta de la Rica notes that fragrances often trigger memories, and Diptyque’s Feu de Bois is her perpetual favorite. It evokes recollections of her childhood winters in Switzerland and her years in New York City. Although typically seen as a strong winter scent, she lights it whenever she craves a sense of solace. Anne McDonald opts for Le Labo’s Laurier 62 in her newly renovated primary suite, appreciating its sophisticated and layered profile—not excessively sweet, nor dominated by oud, striking a perfect equilibrium. She lights it in the evenings as she prepares for bed, finding it a sensory signal to relax, enjoy a show, and sip tea. She intentionally reserves it for this specific ritual in this particular space, enhancing the uniqueness of the experience. Jake Arnold discovered the Hi Fire candle at the Shibui Spa in New York and was captivated by its soothing aroma, which instantly transports him to Japan. He lights it during meditation or baths, making his home feel like his favorite spa. Emma Sims Hilditch is drawn to Trudon’s Versailles Garden in Spring candle for its rich historical background, which she finds compelling to bring into her home. The fragrance is masterfully blended, conjuring images of a blooming countryside garden in spring—floral, fresh, and deeply evocative. She enjoys it during quiet moments, whether unwinding, preparing for guests, or reading. Chloe Willis prefers yellow beeswax dinner candles for their inherent color and subtle, pleasant scent. However, for a special indulgence, she chooses a Cire Trudon candle, especially Ernesto, for its masculine, smoky, and almost anti-floral character. She feels it makes the room smell of books and fireplaces, evoking a sense of wearing cashmere pajamas. It's a perfect scent for evenings or cozy autumn/winter Sundays. Max Rollitt consistently uses unscented dinner candles from Charles Farris, particularly enjoying their vibrant color selection for the kitchen. He lights them every evening, a ritual his children have also adopted, making them a cherished part of their daily routine. Rita Konig adores Perfumer H’s Rose with Insect candle for its uniquely beautiful and subtle fragrance that enhances a room without being distracting. She also appreciates its minimalist dark glass vessel with gold embossing, believing a candle should complement rather than dominate. Angelica Squire is captivated by Lumira’s Tuscan Fig candle, which resides on her desk in its elegant black jar. She finds its scent to be a delightful blend of sweetness and musky, masculine notes. Lighting it in the morning establishes a serene atmosphere in her office. She also values that it's made from coconut soy wax, avoiding the harsh chemicals often found in lower-quality paraffin candles. Blair Moore has a preference for Cire Trudon’s Madeleine candle, made from a natural wax blend and essential oils, making it suitable for those sensitive to synthetic fragrances. Its gentle aroma of leather, iris, and jasmine never overwhelms, and its hand-blown green glass vessel with a gold crest adds a classic touch. She uses it in bathrooms, on her bedside table, and in the kitchen to create a clean and tranquil environment. James Thurstan finds Perfumer H’s Moss candle, a blend of oak moss, herbs, and woods, reminiscent of his rural upbringing. He enjoys its immersive fragrance, especially in London, where it offers a moment of calm amidst the day's chaos. Maria Lindgren and Adele Lonergan favor Diptyque’s 34 Boulevard Saint Germain for its refillable, beautiful, and enveloping aroma. They also appreciate the dbCeramic x Verden Festivum candle, housed in a white porcelain vessel, which creates a festive winter mood with notes of cedarwood, pine, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. Rachel Chudley highly recommends Ffern’s Winter 26 Perfumer’s Candle, calling it the best scent. It evokes a Christmas seaside escape and has been noted by visitors for its festive aroma. Lauren Geremia loves Byredo’s Choco Mascarpone, which she buys from her local perfume store. She cherishes its subtle sweetness, a unique fragrance that everyone notices but can't quite identify. She typically lights it on weekends while drawing or hosting, as it fills her home with the comforting scents of baking and luxurious bathing.
These designers emphasize that the right candle can significantly impact the mood and sensory experience of a home. Whether through a smoky, masculine scent for winter coziness, a sweet and earthy aroma for sophisticated gatherings, or a fresh, floral note to evoke springtime, each chosen candle plays a role in defining and enhancing the character of a living space. The aesthetic appeal of the candle itself, from artisanal glass to minimalist designs, is also a crucial consideration, ensuring that the candle integrates seamlessly into the overall decor.
Ultimately, the selection of a candle is a deeply personal choice, intertwined with memory, desired ambiance, and even personal rituals. The insights from these interior design experts underscore the power of fragrance and light as tools for creating an atmosphere that is not only visually pleasing but also emotionally resonant and uniquely tailored to individual preferences and lifestyles.