The 10 Most Relaxing Candles That Turn My Apartment Into a Calming Oasis

Sidia’s Braless is the aromatic equivalent to stripping off your bra after a long day (hence the name)—in other words, it’s instantly relaxing, easing tensions and setting the tone for the ultimate unwind. Base notes of patchouli, vanilla cream, musk, and leather mix with black pepper, coconut, cedar, orris, black tea, spanish rosemary, and violet to set the mood. I love lighting it up on a lazy Sunday night.

I like to smell my candles, even when unlit. By the Fireplace does just that, offering a sweet smokiness that envelopes the room in warmth. Orange flower and vanilla are layered over classic woody notes and chestnut for a wholly unique scent experience. It’s the best-smelling version of a fireplace I’ve ever come across.

One of my all-time favorite candles, I’m constantly between hoarding Chai Milk candles and keeping one burning at all times. It smells like its namesake, amped up with creamy milk, brown sugar, and tonka. The result is a truly intoxicating candle that grounds me from the moment it lights up.

A true mood-maker, Cece is an instant hit with everyone it meets. Cedarwood smoke, sweet cardamon, cinnamon, and white leather make for a cozy burn that brings the warmth without overwhelming a space. To me, it transforms even the tensest moments into sweet serene release.

Balmy nights in the garden might not be the most obvious candle inspiration, but Flamingo Estate’s Tomato Leaf makes quite the argument for it. Sweet and green, with hints of sharpness and a subtle earthy warmth, this candle keeps tomato season going all year long. It’s herbaceous, ripe, and juicy without feeling saccharine or artificial.

Inspired by French culture in the 18th century, Versailles evokes the aroma of running through a beautiful garden in peak season. Notes of mint, peony, thyme, tulip blossom, rosemary, and tuberose are grounded with an oak and honeysuckle base. Floral and fresh, it’s France in the spring—what could be better?

A true classic, Diptyque’s Ambre is woody, earthy, floral, and, most important of all, spicy. It’s extra in the most indulgent way, a blend of balms, spices, and woods that circle around the air and warm any space. It’s rich without feeling pretentious; instantly elevating the night.

When Byredo reissued its Altar candle, its creative director and founder said it “reminded of the sanctity of home and family.” I have to agree—with clove buds, carnations, ylang ylang, papyrus, and vetiver, it smells like a warm fire in the dead of winter. It’s intensely spicy in a way that makes you lean in for more.

Given this candle is inspired by the world’s finest hotels, it’s no wonder it smells so luxurious. The profile is deep and sophisticated, rich and warm. It also has perhaps the best throw of any candle on this list. Even in the box, the clever blend of agarwood, vetiver, cedar, amber, and musk shines through.

Perhaps the Santal 26 legacy has something to do with it, but, in my mind, this candle embodies sophistication and class. Warm, leathery, and musky, it's downright aristocratic, with an underlying coolness that can’t be taught. There’s a reason this scent has stood the test of time; it’s just that good.