The Best Ways to Use Scented Candles This Summer

Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to refresh your home with the delightful scents and cozy ambiance of candles. Scented candles are not only about aroma but also about creating an atmosphere that enhances your living space. Here's how you can use scented candles this summer, keeping up with the latest design trends and practical applications around your home.

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Outdoor Entertaining Spaces

Scented candles aren't just for indoor spaces. The right fragrance will transform your patio, deck, or garden into a serene retreat you can enjoy all season long. The beauty of summer lies in the long, warm evenings that beckon for outdoor gatherings, and scented candles can play a pivotal role in enhancing this experience.

Citrus Candles: Freshness and Fragrance

Citrus candles like the Vida Paloma or the Limoncello scented candles are a fantastic choice for outdoor use, bringing a burst of freshness and energy to your gatherings. These candles feature invigorating scents with lemon, and grapefruit, which can uplift the mood and create a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. 

Lighting citrus candles can instantly refresh your outdoor space, making it feel more open and inviting. The zesty fragrances are perfect for energizing evening get-togethers, whether it's a casual barbecue or a sophisticated garden party.

Pine Scented Candles

Pine scented candle are also great for outdoor spaces in the summer. There aren't many pine trees near the Brooklyn Wax candle co in NYC. Lighting a Woodstock pine & patchouli scented candle instantly transports us to a mountain retreat.  

Design Tip: Incorporate natural elements such as wood and stone holders to blend seamlessly with your outdoor decor. Look for candles with bright colored labels to add a pop of summer vibrancy.

Creating Focal Points with Candles

Candles can be used to create stunning focal points in your outdoor spaces. Placing candles in hurricane lanterns or on decorative trays can draw attention to specific areas, such as dining tables, seating arrangements, or garden paths. These focal points not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also provide practical lighting solutions as the sun sets.

Design Tip: Use a mix of candle sizes and heights to create visual interest. Cluster a few large pillar candles with smaller votives or tea lights for a dynamic and layered look.

Enhancing Ambiance with Scented Candles

Scented candles can significantly enhance the ambiance of your outdoor entertaining areas. Opt for fragrances that evoke summer memories, such as tropical fruits, ocean breeze, or fresh florals. These scents can transport you and your guests to a tropical paradise, even if you're just in your backyard.

Design Tip: Experiment with scent combinations to create a unique atmosphere. Pairing scents like Honokohau coconut and Limoncello can create a more complex and inviting aroma.

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Bathroom Bliss

Create a spa-like experience in your bathroom with soothing scented candles. The bathroom is often a sanctuary where we go to relax and rejuvenate, and scented candles can amplify this experience by adding a layer of tranquility and luxury.

Selecting the Right Scents

Choose scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or chamomile to promote relaxation and wellness. Lavender is known for its calming properties, eucalyptus provides a refreshing and invigorating aroma, and powder is perfect for creating a serene environment. These scents can help you unwind after a long day and turn your bathroom into a personal spa.

Design Tip: Use candles with minimalist designs and pastel colors to maintain a clean and airy aesthetic. Glass jars or frosted holders can add an elegant touch.

Strategic Candle Placement

Placing candles around your bathtub, on countertops, or window sills can enhance your self-care routine. The soft glow of candlelight can create a soothing atmosphere that complements a relaxing bath or an evening skincare routine.

Design Tip: Arrange candles at different heights to create a layered lighting effect. Use candle holders or trays to keep surfaces organized and visually appealing.

Combining Scented Candles with Other Elements

Combine scented candles with other elements like essential oils, bath salts, and fresh flowers to create a multi-sensory experience. The combination of scents and textures can make your bathroom feel like a high-end spa.

Design Tip: Choose accessories that match the color scheme of your bathroom. For example, white and green candles can be paired with eucalyptus leaves for a cohesive look.

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Living Room Luxury

Enhance the coziness of your living room with candles that complement your summer decor. The living room is a central gathering place in the home, and scented candles can make it feel more inviting and comfortable.

Choosing the Right Scents

Scents like fresh linen, coconut, or eucalyptus can invigorate the space and make it feel more inviting. Fresh linen is perfect for creating a clean and airy atmosphere, while coconut and eucalyptus can add a tropical touch that feels perfect for summer.

Design Tip: Incorporate metallic or marble candle holders to add a touch of luxury and sophistication. Group candles in odd numbers for a balanced and visually pleasing arrangement.

Creating Visual Interest with Candle Arrangements

Arrange candles of varying heights on coffee tables, shelves, or mantels to create depth and interest. Using a mix of pillar candles, votives, and tea lights can add dimension to your decor.

Design Tip: Use a tray or decorative plate to group candles together. This not only keeps your arrangement neat but also makes it easy to move the candles if needed.

Combining Candles with Other Decor Elements

Combine scented candles with other decor elements like books, plants, and art pieces to create a cohesive look. This can make your living room feel more curated and stylish.

Design Tip: Choose candles with designs that complement your existing decor. For example, if you have a coastal-themed living room, look for candles with nautical elements like shells or rope.

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Dining Delight

Set the mood for summer dinners with beautifully scented candles on your dining table. Scented candles can enhance the dining experience by adding a pleasant aroma and a touch of elegance to your meals.

Selecting the Right Scents

Scents like oakmoss, sandalwood, or pear can make mealtime more enjoyable and add a pleasant aroma to the air. Oakmoss is a exotic choice that adds warmth, sandalwood provides a sophisticated touch, and pear offers a delicate fruit forward fragrance.

Design Tip: Choose candles in glass holders or elegant candelabras to complement your table setting. Mixing in fresh flowers or greenery can enhance the overall aesthetic.

Creating a Centerpiece with Candles

Use candles as part of your centerpiece to create a warm and intimate dining experience. A well-designed centerpiece can set the tone for your meal and make the table look more inviting.

Design Tip: Combine candles with seasonal elements like fresh fruits, flowers, or foliage to create a centerpiece that reflects the summer season.

Enhancing Special Occasions

For special occasions like dinner parties or family gatherings, scented candles can add an extra touch of elegance and sophistication. Choose scents and designs that match the theme of your event for a cohesive look.

Design Tip: Use taper candles in elegant holders for a formal dinner or tea lights in decorative votives for a casual gathering.

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Bedroom Serenity

Create a tranquil and restful environment in your bedroom with calming scented candles. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary where you can relax and recharge, and the right candles can help you achieve this.

Selecting Calming Scents

Scents like jasmine, lavender, or violet can help you unwind after a long day. Jasmine is known for its soothing properties, violet can promote relaxation, and violet adds a comforting aroma.

Design Tip: Opt for candles in soft, muted colors to maintain a peaceful ambiance. Incorporate candle holders with natural textures like rattan or bamboo for a boho-chic look.

Strategic Candle Placement

Place candles on bedside tables, dressers, or window sills to enhance the serene atmosphere. The soft glow of candlelight can create a calming environment that is perfect for winding down before bed.

Design Tip: Use candle holders that match the decor of your bedroom. For a cohesive look, choose holders that complement your bedding and furniture.

Combining Candles with Other Relaxing Elements

Combine scented candles with other relaxing elements like essential oil diffusers, soft blankets, and calming music to create a multi-sensory experience. This can make your bedroom feel like a true retreat.

Design Tip: Choose accessories that promote relaxation and comfort. For example, a soft throw blanket and a plush pillow can enhance the cozy ambiance created by scented candles.

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Practical Applications

Safety First

Always place candles on stable surfaces away from flammable objects and never leave them unattended. Safety should always be a priority when using candles in your home.

Design Tip: Use candle holders with a wide base to prevent tipping. Consider using flameless candles in areas where safety is a concern.

Layering Scents

Mix and match complementary scents in different rooms to create a cohesive aromatic experience throughout your home. Layering scents can add depth and complexity to the overall fragrance of your home.

Design Tip: Choose scents that complement each other and avoid mixing too many different fragrances. For example, pairing lavender with vanilla can create a soothing and harmonious aroma.

Seasonal Scents

Transition your candle scents with the seasons. Light, floral, and citrus scents are perfect for summer, while you can switch to warmer, spicier scents in the fall.

Design Tip: Keep a variety of candles on hand so you can easily switch up your scents with the changing seasons. This can help keep your home feeling fresh and inviting year-round.

Make The Most of Your Summer Scents

By incorporating these scented candle trends and practical tips, you can elevate your home’s ambiance this summer, creating inviting, stylish, and aromatic spaces that everyone will love. Whether you're hosting an outdoor gathering, enjoying a relaxing bath, or winding down in your bedroom, scented candles can enhance the experience and make your home feel more welcoming.

Enjoy the season with the perfect blend of fragrance and decor, and let the power of scented candles transform your living spaces into a summer haven.