How to choose a candle
A practical buying guide covering wax, wick, jar, size, scent strength and price, so you can choose a candle that burns well and smells the way you want.
Start with the room and the mood
Before you think about a scent, think about where the candle will live. A small bedroom needs a gentle candle. A large living room needs a bigger candle or more than one wick. A dining table needs something light that will not clash with food. A bathroom suits fresh or clean scents.
Then think about mood. Do you want the room to feel calm, cozy, fresh or a little glamorous? The fragrance families guide explains which scent groups create which feeling.
Read the label
A good candle label tells you more than the scent name. Look for:
- Wax type: soy, coconut, beeswax, paraffin or a blend. See wax types compared.
- Weight: the net weight of wax, usually in grams or ounces. It is a better guide to value than the jar size.
- Burn time: usually given as an approximate number of hours.
- Wick type: cotton or wood, and how many wicks.
- Safety instructions: trimming length, maximum burn time and placement advice.
Size and burn time
| Approximate wax weight | Typical burn time | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 60 to 100 g | 15 to 25 hours | Trying a new scent, travel, gifts |
| 180 to 250 g | 35 to 50 hours | Bedrooms, offices, everyday use |
| 300 to 500 g | 50 to 80 hours | Living rooms, multi-wick jars |
These are rough guides. Real burn time depends on the wax, the wick and how you burn the candle. Long burns of many hours shorten a candle's life, while a regular trim and 2 to 4 hour sessions make it last.
How to test a candle in a shop
- Smell the cold throw, but remember it may differ from the hot throw. See cold throw and hot throw.
- Check the surface. Small frosting or a few air bubbles are normal on soy wax and do not affect the burn.
- Check that the wick is centered and straight.
- Check the jar: thick glass or ceramic with a smooth rim is a good sign.
Price and value
Price usually reflects the wax, the fragrance quality, hand pouring and the vessel. A high price does not guarantee a better candle, but very cheap candles often save money on fragrance oil and wick testing. A simple way to compare is price per burn hour.
Choosing a candle as a gift
- Pick a familiar, easy-to-love scent such as vanilla, a soft floral or a clean cotton scent.
- Avoid very strong or unusual scents unless you know the person loves them.
- A medium jar with a lid looks generous and is easy to use.
- Add a wick trimmer or a candle snuffer for a thoughtful extra.
If someone in the home is sensitive to fragrance, choose an unscented beeswax or soy candle, or a very light scent, and always burn it in a well-ventilated room.
Quick decision guide
- Strong scent for a big room: multi-wick coconut or soy blend.
- Calm bedroom candle: medium soy jar with a lavender or soft wood scent.
- Table centerpiece: unscented pillars or tapers.
- Gift: medium soy jar with a lid in a familiar scent.
Ready to light it? Start with first burn and the memory ring.
