:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/alisa-anton-u_z0X-yrJIE-unsplash-ae35900cdd954c39b91be242afdcbe35.jpg)
Alisa Anton/Unsplash
Winter can be an incredibly demanding season. The days are short, and gray, and freezing-cold—and the air always seems to be incredibly dry, no matter how much precipitation is in the forecast. But the season isn’t without its strengths. Sure, it’s a bummer that going outside is inherently unappetizing for a full three months. But that’s really just an excuse to make the inside incredibly lovely. Why not throw loads of snuggly blankets onto your couch? Why not make drinking hot chocolate a nightly ritual? Why not fill every room in your house with excessively cozy (and veritably pretty) candles?
Rooms don’t hit peak winter romance until they’re filled with as much hygge as possible. And the easiest way to step up the snuggle is to stock up on all kinds of winter candles. (Blankets and hot chocolate are great, too. But candles are chic and affordable—and we always need more excuses to buy them.)
Still, it’s not enough to buy candles that are merely warm and inviting in scent. The ideal winter candle doesn’t just smell great—it looks great, too. Because let’s be honest, there’s nothing cozy about an eyesore. And there’s nothing soothing about a piece of decor that feels decidedly out-of-place in an otherwise harmonious environment. You want your home to feel extra-snuggly, but you don’t want to get there by sacrificing your signature aesthetic.
It’s not enough to buy candles that are merely warm and inviting in scent. The ideal winter candle doesn’t just smell great—it looks great, too.
Thankfully, pretty winter candles abound. It’s incredibly easy to find candles that look as good as they smell (and that smell as good as they look). So go forth, and buy all the pretty, cozy candles your heart desires. (Because really, how else are you supposed to survive these frigid temperatures?)
Few things feel more romantic than lighting a candle that complements the moonlit sky. And don’t fret—if lavender doesn’t fit seamlessly into your home’s color scheme, surely the emerald green or black-and-white option will.
Can’t settle on a single scent to get you through the season? Opt for a set, instead. Bastide’s Signature Candle Collection offers fresh florals, crisp woodiness, and dreamy amber—so you’re sure to find something you love. (You can also buy the set and split it with your friends. Friendship candles, anyone?)
Those who prefer their cozy candles with a side of whimsy will surely appreciate this Areaware Goober Candle, which is on offer in three distinct shapes and colors.
Though winter candles tend to come in sweet, smoky, or spicy scents, these World Market jar candles prove fresh fragrances work during any season. Opt for lavender, eucalyptus, sweet orange—or all three.
Diptyque can do no wrong. Though this colorful candle breaks from the brand’s signature aesthetic, it’s still a statement piece fit for any home. (And rest assured knowing that this little beauty offers those classically balanced Diptyque aromas you know and love.)
Those with a more industrial aesthetic will surely appreciate these P.F. Candle Co. Jar Candles, which offer sleek, edgy appeal—without sacrificing any of their classic candle coziness.
Bring the night sky home with you with this celestial ceramic candle. Bold in print and subtle in palette, this Boho Celestial Candle is sure to play well with the rest of your decor—no matter your aesthetic.
Looking for a candle that won’t take up too much space? These Chloe Mini Glass Candles offer small doses of scent in a decidedly chic (and space-efficient) way.
The coolest thing about the Ban.do x Yield collaboration candles? They change colors as you burn them. Each candle is infused with colorful wax chips that melt alongside the candle, lending it a beautiful layer of color that matches its label.
It’s hard to top a classic. Diptyque’s Feu du Bois candle (which smells like a winter campfire) is a fan favorite for a reason. It smells great, it looks good, and it feels just a little bit like home.
Urban Outfitters’ Artist Print Tin Candles are perfect for mixing and matching—or standing on their own. Buy a few in complementary florals or opt for a singular statement piece. With colors this pretty, it’s hard to go wrong.