Scented Candles

Soy wax is made from soybeans and burns cooler and cleaner than paraffin, which is a petroleum by-product. That means less soot on walls and glass, no petroleum-derived fumes, and a longer burn for the same size candle. Soy also holds and releases fragrance more evenly, so the scent stays consistent through the candle's life. Our Emery Home White Woods soy candle is a fresh everyday option.

Burn time depends on candle size and how long you light it each session. As a rough guide, a 380 g soy candle gives 40 to 50 hours of burn, about 8 to 10 evenings at four hours each. A 700 g candle like our Hoteluxe Vanilla Honey doubles that to roughly 80 to 90 hours, making it better value for everyday use in living areas.

Bedrooms suit soft, calming scents: vanilla, amber, lotus or jellybean wind down the evening. Living rooms and entrance halls handle warmer or more complex notes like woods and amber blush. Kitchens and bathrooms come alive with fresh, clean fragrances like citrus, garden florals or white woods cut through cooking and bathing odours. Our Emery Home Citrus soy candle is bright and clean for kitchens.

On the first burn, let the wax pool reach the edge of the jar, usually one to two hours, to prevent tunnelling and wasted wax. Trim the wick to about 5 mm before every burn so the flame stays small and smoke-free. Avoid burning longer than four hours at a time, and keep candles away from draughts so the flame stays upright and the scent throws evenly.

Group candles in odd numbers, three is the sweet spot, at varying heights for a styled rather than scattered look. Place them on a mirrored or wooden tray to anchor the grouping and protect the surface from wax. Pair candles with other decor pieces such as figurines, sculptures or a small vase. Browse our home decor and homewares range for trays and accent pieces that work alongside candles.

Candles give a stronger short burst of scent and a warm flicker when lit, but only release fragrance while they're burning. Reed diffusers scent a room continuously without flame or power, making them safer in bedrooms, hallways and rooms you leave unattended. Many people use both - diffusers for constant low-level scent, candles for evenings and moments. See our aroma diffuser range for the continuous-scent option.