Niche candles to discover to make your home look and smell good — like PF Candle Co, Boy Smells and more
When it comes to scented candles, a few brands dominate that area. From the more accessible and affordable finds from Bath & Body Works and Yankee Candle to the more upscale bougie parfumée (that’s French for scented candle) like Jo Malone, Diptyque and Byredo, there’s plenty to choose from.
However in recent years, candle enthusiasts have witnessed a surge in popularity of niche candle brands, each offering a unique olfactory experience. Brands like Boy Smells, PF Candle Co, and Nest have become synonymous with artisanal craftsmanship, distinctive scents, and chic aesthetics, transforming the simple act of lighting a candle into a curated sensory journey.
To broaden your horizons, we’re introducing you to more niche brands that also have a following – and are heaps more interesting (with great copywriting) than the mainstream ones you know.
Anecdote Candles
If you are a sucker for good copywriting (like me), Anecdote Candles are all about encapsulating moments. With scents as good as the storytelling on the labels, immerse yourself in these curated experiences the brand has created – there’s sure to be one you resonate with from the get-go.
Got a friend who is into retrogrades and moon phases? Here’s the perfect candle for them – and it’s all on the label!
$44.76, Buy it from Amazon
Ah, an all too familiar feeling that everyone can relate to. Calm down with the notes of grapefruit and mint and let it all pass by.
$43.53, Buy it from Amazon
Finally trading up that Ikea chair for and Eames one and feeling mighty proud of yourself? Celebrate this life upgrade with this candle.
$53.27, Buy it from Amazon
L’or de Seraphine
L'or de Seraphine candles embody the epitome of luxury and elegance. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these candles blend artful design with enchanting fragrances to create a sensory experience. The brand takes inspiration from nature, infusing each candle with scents that transport you to serene landscapes. On top of that, the packaging is exquisite and fit for showing it off.
Sage, cedarwood and eucalyptus come together to create this woodsy and calming scent perfect for the living room.
$119.18, Buy it from Amazon
Not your typical rose scent, this layered and complex candle with blackcurrant notes lends it a fruity and fresh vibe.
$50.64, Buy it from AmazonMalin+Goetz
Known for its amazing haircare line and minimalist design, Malin+Goetz also have a range of candles that are as modern as their other products. The scents are mostly fresh, clean and vibrant – and inspired by unconventional elements of nature.
One of its most popular scents (it’s constantly sold out), this spicy and aromatic candle is the perfect scent for Christmas.
$55, Buy it from Amazon
Smells like muddled mint and lime, just like the cocktail, this herbaceous and fresh candle will definitely freshen up any room.
$91, Buy it from Sephora
Smells like a full garden in bloom, this geranium and rose candle will lift anyone’s mood.
$91, Buy it from Sephora
Bonita Fierce
Inspired by Latin culture and heritage, you’ll see that Bonita Fierce candles are made after specific food, memories and Latin icons.
Start the morning right with the right mood – the coffee-centric candle will make your home smell like a cafe.
$53.21, Buy it from Amazon
Despite the name, Spanish Moss is a type of air plant that is native to Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Central America and South America and is often associated with Mexican folklore. Find notes of sage, oakmoss, lavender and amber in this relaxing candle.
$49.55, Buy it from Amazon
Fill your home with the sweet smells of desserts and treats. Abuela’s Bakery has notes of coconut, caramelised sugar, vanilla, sandalwood and more.
$52.77, Buy it from Amazon
Boy Smells
In the realm of olfactory artistry, Boy Smells takes an avant-garde approach to fragrance. Each creation feels like an individual concept more than an inanimate object. They pride themselves on being “beyond the gender binary” and the interesting way they blend smells and notes for each candle is a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries.
Before you raise an eyebrow at the name – yup, it does have notes of cannabis flower BUT the brand has said that it contains zero cannabis-related ingredients, including CBD and THC and any mention of cannabis strictly denotes an olfactive accord. The signature scent and most popular from the brand is actually bright, lush and herbaceous.
$85, Buy it from Shopee
Continuing the green and herbaceous vibe, Gardener is also a fresh scent with dominant notes of tomato leaf, orange peel, dirt and oakmoss.
$85, Buy it from Shopee
LES – which stands for Lower East Side is a unique take on the popular and eclectic NYC bureau. You can pick up notes of rice powder, peach blossom, cardamom, cedar and Asian pear, just to name a few of its many notes.
$85, Buy it from Shopee
PF Candle Co
Celebrating that coastal and rustic vibe, PF Candle Co with its minimalist designs, captures the essence of Southern California through cosy and homey scents inspired by memories. Think bonfires on the beach, a stroll by the water at dusk or a road trip on the coast – these beautiful scents make you want to settle down and appreciate your personal space even more.
Think of scenic coastal road trips with the window down with this one accented with notes of palo santo, sage, sea salt, lavender and more.
$39, Buy it online
This woody candle is described as “barefoot walks through wild herb gardens, cool mountain stream baths, crisp morning air.” Sounds like the perfect life.
$39, Buy it online
