One positive side of shorter, colder days is that they provide the perfect opportunity to make your home nice and cosy. And what's better at creating an atmosphere than a candle?
From scented candles to tea lights and wax melts, there are many options, but they can be surprisingly expensive. Luckily, there are ways to make sure your candle lasts as long as possible.
"If you love candles and want to make the most of yours, it's worth learning a few tips and tricks about how to care for them properly," says award-winning candle maker Jo Macfarlane of Jo Macfarlane Luxury Candles. "That will ensure they last longer and give you the most enjoyment possible."
How to make candles last longer
Choose the right candle
A paraffin candle may be the cheaper option, but it might actually be more cost effective to invest in a soy candle.
"Soy candles have a lower melting point than ones made from paraffin wax so they last up to 50% longer," says Anya Strafford, founder of IRUSU candles. "And if you select one with an appealing scent you can enjoy the fragrance even when it isn't lit."
Choose the right position for your candle
It's important not to place your candle on a mantelpiece over a fire, or by a radiator as the warmth can speed up the burn and shorten the lifespan, says Sargon Latchin of The Recycled Candle Company . "Also avoid draughty areas as it can lead to an uneven burn."
It's all about the first burn
The first time you light your candle will determine how long it lasts.
"If your candle is in a jar or vessel of some sort, rather than a pillar candle, it's really important to burn it for between 2-4 hours the first time," says Jo. "The wax needs to melt all across the surface of the candle, creating a 'memory pool' of wax. Then it will burn down evenly, rather than 'tunnelling' where wax is left at the sides of the vessel, which is wasteful and unsightly."
Trim the candle wick
"When you first get your candle, the wick will be just the right length," explains Jo. "But as a candle goes down sometimes it 'mushrooms' and curls round which means the candle will burn faster and create more soot. Trimming the wick will reduce the height of the flame ensuring that your candle burns more slowly and lasts longer.
"With a pillar candle you can use scissors but if the candle is in a vessel it's best to invest in a wick trimmer. This will ensure the wick is cut evenly, not at an angle, and the wick trimmer has a little cup to ensure the trimmings don't fall into the candle wax."
The right time to trim your wick is when it's dry, right before you go to light it again. You should trim your wick to about 6mm.
"To best extinguish your candle use a non-flammable utensil or wick dipper to push the wick into the pool of wax before standing the wick upright again," advises Sargon, "That way you extinguish the flame, avoiding any smoke and when you come to light it again there is already sufficient wax within the wick to ensure a nice start to the burn."
Removing candle wax
Candle wax can be tricky to deal with, so make sure you don't move your candle around while its lit or leave it unattended.
If you do need to remove candle wax, wait for the wax to harden as much as possible. For carpet, cover the area with an ice pack or frozen peas. On fabrics, place the entire item in the freezer for an hour. Once the wax is hard, you will be able to pick off most of it by hand or with a blunt knife.
Re-use your candle vessel
Once your candle has finally reached the end of its life, why not make your own using the vessel? Jo, who also runs online candle-making workshops, says: "It can save money and be an enjoyable and creative way to get your candle fix. Many candle vessels are attractive and I've seen ones repurposed as pen holders, pot plants or jewellery containers."
Team GH's favourite scented candles to burn right now
James Cunningham, Homes & Gardens Editor, says:
"The latest release from Jo Loves features rich notes of coffee and chocolate, as well as orange, ginger and cardamom. The candle itself looks beautiful, with the jar's gold detailing making it a brilliant gift for friends and family."
James also recommends:
"This season, I’ll also be burning Inspiritus – the spicy blend of cinnamon, cloves and sandalwood creates an instant sense of cosiness. St. Eval’s sustainable candles are handmade in their Cornwall workshop."
Anna Lao-Kaim, Beauty Editor, says:
"I’m a sucker for amber in anything and this warming, tropical island inspired candle mingles one of my favourite scents with coconut and vanilla for a ‘holiday in a jar’ effect that’s somehow not sickly (bergamot and green jasmine add freshness). It’s much duped, but for a bit of winter sun at the strike of a match, nothing beats it."
Simon Swift, Multiform Director, says:
"I recently switched from feu de Bois Diptyque to Cypres and I think it may be my new favourite. It smells like a beautiful pine forest at about 5pm in Italy."
Lynne Hyland, Beauty Editor, says:"With sweet orange, spice and cedar wood, this is the scent of sheer happiness. I love the body cream, foaming shower gel, bath oil, hand wash, well, everything from this range, so why would I not want to fill the air with it too?"
Christina Geggus, Junior Homes Writer, says:
"While I love Neom's Happiness candle all year round, their new Cosy Nights candle is taking top spot this autumn/winter. This candle is made from a rich blend of pure essential oils including sandalwood, frankincense and nutmeg, which is perfect as we head into the cosy, festive season and it isn't too overpoweringly festive! Also, it's trendy design will make it an eye-catching ornament in your home too."
Christina also recommends:
"This Calm candle from Marks & Spencer Apothecary range is one the best scented candles to buy on a budget. The Calm fragrance is one of my favourites from the collection, as it uses lavender and citrus cedarwood and sweet orange, to create a soothing scent to your home. What's even better is when I run out, I can just go online or to my local M&S and just get one of their CALM candle refills. Amazing!"
Bobbie Edsor, Social Media Editor, says:
"I love the androgynous scent of Hinoki Wood by Muji, which feels so warming, rich and luxurious. I especially love it in the autumn time - and it makes such a great gift, too, because it has an undertone of 'cologne' which people always seem to really love!"
Jo Finney, Consumer Affairs Director and Books Editor, says:
"I cannot get enough of The White Company's Winter candle. The mix of cinnamon, clove and orange is really warming and autumnal, without being too sweet. The scent lasts for ages even after I blow the candle out and really fills the whole room."
Bethan-Rose Jenkins, Deputy Features Editor, says:
“I was gifted my first Diptyque candle as a birthday present five years ago and now I always have one on the go. The roses fragrance is a beautiful, gentle scent for my bedroom and the black and white packaging looks so chic on my bedside table."
Melanie Giandzi, Senior Food and Drinks Writer, says:
"Le Labo candles are some of the highest quality I've used and its Santal 26 scented candle is so aromatic that you don't even have to light it! It's a heady mix of spice, leather and musk and makes you want to cosy up in an armchair with your favourite book. Nostalgic and comforting."
Grace Evans, Senior Cookery Writer, says:
"I was gifted this candle by my grandparents at Christmas, and i only allow myself to light it once a week in order to eek it out as look as possible. I will be devastated when it burns out! It's the best smelling candle I've ever had."
Corin Ripley, Fashion Assistant, says:
"As a long-time fan girl of Boy Smells, Hinoke Fantome was my gateway candle into their scent dynasty. As someone who is sensitive to strong smells i find its subtle yet sophisticated scent profile perfect for my home. With notes of pear, hinoki and smoked amber, its woody yet sweet scent is my go-to candle of all time."
Melanie Giandzi, Senior Food & Drink Writer says:
"I've recently discovered (and fallen deeply in love) with La Bougie's candles, specifically the brands scented candle called Mission Fig. You know when you're going for a walk in the late summer, deep in the countryside, and all of a sudden the most fragrant fig tree hits your nose? This is exactly that. With hints of coconut, peaches and blond wood, this candle evokes calmness instantly."
