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August 1, 2025 | IN Together Magazine | BY AVID | 4 min read 

Scents are powerful things. They can transport you back to baking cookies for a primary school play date, to a beach trip with your extended family, or just signal the comfort and safety of stepping through your own front door.

Great joy can come from creating a space that not only visually appeals to you, but also smells just the way you like it. 

In this article, we’re sharing our favourite scented candles and other aroma-creating techniques to take your home’s ambience to new heights. 

Safety first

Bringing smoke into the home can cause concern, especially if you’re worried about bringing harmful chemicals with it. The good news is the likelihood of harm from household candles is very low and there are a few simple things to keep in mind to enjoy stress-free candle lighting. 

Paraffin wax candles contain more chemicals than other wax varieties, so if you want to play it safe opt for a beeswax, soy wax, plant-based wax, or coconut wax option instead. For the wick itself, stick to cotton, hemp, or wood wick options. 

Beyond that, to keep smoke to a minimum remember these four tips:

• Ditch the draft: Don’t burn candles in drafty areas.
• Trim the wick: Keeping the wick between 5 and 10 millimetres is the optimal length.
• Snuff the candle: Avoid blowing it out and instead snuff it with the candle’s lid or a snuffer.
• Air it out: Once you’ve extinguished the flame make sure the room is ventilated.

Brands to smell by

For some ‘healthy home’ choices check out some of our favourite Australian candle brands below.  

Bare Body Beauty Co

Selling everything from body scrubs to doggy shampoos this label hailing from Bowral in NSW is focused on natural and organic products that leave customers feeling great. The Bare Burn candle comes in three size options and are made with soy wax, natural fragrance, essential oils, and cotton wicks. There are lots of divine scents on offer, but you can’t go past their calming (and rather unique) tobacco and hay option.   

Circa

Quickly becoming a household name, Circa’s soy candles are hand poured in Sydney and their packaging and gift sets make for perfect housewarming presents. Lots of their scents have a fresh coastal flair so they are a great option for light filled rooms or bathrooms. Our top picks? Oceanique or Coconut and Watermelon.  

Hut Woods 

If you’re looking to splurge, this is it. These Vogue-approved candles are made with natural coconut soy wax and wooden wicks which create an ambient and soothing crackling sound. Scent choices include everything from spiced orange, nutmeg and clove, to baked apple, cinnamon, and vanilla, so you’re bound to find something you like. 

Ivy & Wood

Brisbane founded Ivy & Wood offer coconut wax and cotton wick candles for every mood, room, and season. Working with a range of local artists they have a suite of beautifully illustrated candle jars each showcasing the unique scents available, most of which are inspired by native Australian flora. Their botanical collection isn’t to be missed with bamboo, fig, and vetiver scents right through to an orchid and ginger option. 

Hot tip: Add a different candle to each room in the house, matching the scent to the overall ambience you want that room to create. You’ll start to link the décor with those smells and so will your guests. 

No candle? No problem

If the idea of a candle isn’t for you, or you prefer some variation to your scent sources we’ve rounded up some great alternatives that will still add some aromatic wonder to your space. 

Diffusers: With wooden stick options and machine options these are a hassle-free choice if you want to set and forget but still enjoy some aromatherapy thanks to its gentle release of essential oils. There are so many different variations of diffusers, so do you research to pick the right one for you.  

Incense: Incense sticks are great options for an immediate scent release and are safer for forgetful folk who might not remember to snuff their candles. With scents that can help calm anxiety they can be a great choice after a day at work.