Walking into a home that smells amazing changes your whole mood. Maybe you’ve experienced this at a friend’s house. You step through the door, and suddenly you feel calmer or happier, and you can’t quite put your finger on why. Usually, it’s the smell. Scent ties directly to memory and emotion, which is why picking the right fragrance matters so much.
But finding that perfect match isn't always easy. That’s why we put together your guide to choosing the right candle scent for your home. We want to help you navigate the sea of wax and wicks.
Think About the Vibe You Want
What kind of mood are you trying to set? Are you looking for something that helps you unwind after a long day? Or maybe you need a scent that wakes you up and gets you moving in the morning? Different scents can trigger different feelings.
For a relaxing space, like a bedroom or a cozy reading nook, you can’t go wrong with scents like lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood. These scents have calming effects thanks to compounds like linalool in lavender and apigenin in chamomile, which interact with neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce anxiety. If you need to de-stress after a long day or want to prepare your body and mind to get a restful night's sleep, these aromas can help soothe the nervous system.
If you want to feel more energized, especially in a home office or kitchen, try citrus scents! Lemon, grapefruit, and orange contain natural compounds like limonene, which stimulate the brain's production of serotonin to improve mood and focus while reducing fatigue. These bright, zesty aromas activate areas of the brain associated with alertness and help you stay sharp.
These are just a few examples of how you can use different scents to influence the atmosphere of your space and your state of mind.
Match the Scent to the Room
You wouldn't put the same furniture in your kitchen as you would in your bedroom, and the same idea applies to scents. Each room in your house has a different purpose, so it makes sense to choose a candle that complements it.
The Living Room: Your Social Hub
Your living room is where you entertain guests, watch movies, and just hang out. You want something welcoming and pleasant that won't overwhelm anybody. Warm and inviting scents like amber, vanilla, or even a soft floral like Moroccan Amber work really well here. They make the space feel comfortable and homey.
The Kitchen: The Heart of the Home
The kitchen is already full of smells, so you want a candle that complements them, not clashes with them. Fresh, clean, and herbal scents are perfect. Basil, rosemary, or citrus scents can cut through cooking odors and leave the room smelling fresh.
The Bedroom: Your Personal Sanctuary
This is your private space for rest and relaxation. Use soft, calming scents to help soothe your mind. Popular choices include lavender for its calming and stress-reducing properties, jasmine for its gentle floral aroma, sandalwood for its warm earthiness, and vanilla for its comforting sweetness.
The Bathroom: A Mini-Spa
You can turn your bathroom into a little escape with the right scent. Fresh, clean, and spa-like fragrances, like ocean breezes, clean cotton, and eucalyptus, work best in this space.
Consider the Season
Just like you swap out your wardrobe when the weather changes, you can do the same with your home's fragrance. Seasonal scents help you get into the spirit of the time of year.
Spring: As flowers begin to bloom, bring fresh floral scents like peony and rose inside.
Summer: For long, hot days, choose bright, energetic scents like tropical coconut or fresh-picked strawberries.
Fall: This is when everyone craves cozy. Warm and spicy scents are king. Pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, and chai are classic fall favorites
Winter: During the colder months, make your home feel cozy with rich, woody scents like pine and fir tree.
Think About Scent Strength
Not all candles are created equal when it comes to how strong they smell. This is often called the "scent throw." Some candles have a very subtle aroma that's perfect for a small space, while others can fill your entire house.
If you have a large, open-concept living area, you’ll want a candle with a strong scent throw. Otherwise, you might not even notice it. For smaller rooms, like a bathroom or a home office, a lighter scent is usually better. A powerful candle in a tiny room can be a bit much.
How do you know how strong a candle is before you buy it? Reading reviews can help. You can also look at the type of wax. Soy and coconut wax blends often have a good scent throw. Or sometimes, just taking the lid off in the store and giving it a sniff can give you a clue.
Test Before You Commit
Your nose is unique. A scent that your friend loves might not be your favorite, and that's okay. It’s always a good idea to test out a scent before you buy a giant, three-wick candle. Many brands offer smaller votive candles or wax melts. These are a great, low-cost way to try out a fragrance in your own home to see how you like it.
Pay attention to how the scent smells both when it's unlit (the "cold throw") and when it's burning (the "hot throw"). Sometimes they can be a little different. Live with it for a day or two and see how it makes you feel.
Your Signature Scent
Finding your signature home scent is a journey, but it’s a fun one. Don’t be afraid to experiment and mix things up. You might find you love floral scents in the winter or woodsy scents in the bathroom. There are no strict laws here, just guidelines to help you enjoy your space more. Trust your nose and have fun with it.
Now that you have a better idea of what to look for, you can start shopping! Our guide to choosing the right candle scent for your home should make the process a lot easier. At Decor Market, we carry a huge selection of high-quality, luxurious scents from Nest New York. From bright and citrusy to warm and woody, we’ve got something to make every room in your house smell incredible. See what we have available today.