Another year, another set of *fantasic* candles and candle brands discovered. Last year I share this list of 32 small candles companies to support and I’m back sharing more of what I’ve discovered throughout the last year. As much as I love a classic Diptyque candle, there are so, so many small candle businesses across the country that equally fantastic. I shared a good mix here of prices, small brands and larger companies with the classic “you can’t go wrong here” candles, but a majority of the companies are local, female, and/or BIPOC-owned.
Here’s my personal criteria and questions I ask myself when making my candle selections:
- Scent: my favorite scents are the woodsy, cedar-ish with a hint of Christmas tree and old-school Abercrombie (lol) and leather books. So think Le Labo’s Santal if you’ve ever smelled that, but if you love similar scents then you’ll love my scent recommendations.
- Throw: the throw of a candle means the amount the scent distributes – so does the scent last? does the candle scent fill the room?
- Vessel: does it double as home decor (shades of neutral blacks and whites go best with our home palette so the candles here have to match) and can I repurpose the vessel?
- Wax: preferably a base of 100% soy, coconut, or beeswax
Again, I get zero commission from this so this is a just for those fellow candle lovers that love a *boujee* candle or two. And who doesn’t love getting a nice candle as a gift?
1) Ardor Bin
I’ve loved burning wood wick candles this year and these from the brand Ador Bin are so beautiful – hand poured and the fragrances are made with essential oils. Plus, the wood wicks are sourced from mills that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, a non-profit that supports ethical practices to protect forests. My favorites are the Botanic Forest, Sandalwood Night, and Apple Breeze.
*Female + BIPOC-owned
2) Manimo
Manimo is founded by a South Korean designer currently living in Chicago and I’m obsessed with this cute little Chicago candle, perfect for gifting! Can’t wait to order these fun bubble shaped candles. The candles are made from 100% soy and 100% organic cotton wicks.
*Chicago local, Female + BIPOC-owned
These candles are made in small batches in Charleston, South Carolina. I love the simple branding and if you love the smell of Christmas trees, you’ll love the Cedrus scent. The owner use to be a chandler at Candlefish (my favorite candles based out of Charleston) and also the creative director at Rewined Candles (candles from my previous candle list) so these candles definitely are high-quality and worth a spot on your candle shelf.
4) Hotel Lobby
There are few times where Instagram ads will get you and I do think that the Hotel Lobby candles are definitely worth it. The quality is exceptional – the wax burns super evenly and the throw (scent) is incredible, even when you’re not lighting it. And when you do light it, it has the most flawless scent without being overwhelming in the headache-inducing way. Currently, they’re out of stock in most of their scents but I recommend signing up for their email list to get the in-stock notifications for their next drop – it’s worth the wait!
*Female-owned
H & H is a neighborhood general store in the Chicago suburbs that sells a variety of home goods and accessories. And of course, there’s also a candle studio with their own line of scents, inspired by the owners’ love of literature and books. H & H donates a dollar from every sale from their Noble Collection towards organizations that support children’s literacy.
*Chicago local
These candles are inspired by National Parks and American Landmarks so this would make a fantastic gift for the nature or history/geography lovers in your life. These candles are also made in small-batches in the USA (Seattle, Washington) and the company advocates for and support public lands through annual donations to the National Park Foundation and Washington National Park Fund. All of their products are 100% vegan, 100% eco-friendly, and 100% recyclable.
*Female-owned
7) Ella B, Custom Chicago Candles
I found out about the Ella B candles when I was browsing the Fig Tree in the West Loop one day and I immediately bought the West Loop candle to try. Love the idea of a custom candle and I love supporting all of the local Chicago boutiques that carry their own custom version. My favorites are definitely the West Loop candle via the Fig Tree and the Chicago + Sweater Weather candle via All She Wrote (in Lincoln Park).
*Female-owned
This company is founded in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago and I love the chic, all black candle vessels they use because it will work with any home decor! Everything is still made in small batches and the scents are unisex so you can’t go wrong with gifting this one to anyone. I love the Black Mahogany and Cashmere scents.
*Chicago local, BIPOC-owned
AN candles are made in the PNW (I buy them locally in Chicago via the Fig Tree!) They’re also made from eco-friendly materials and these candles also have the wood wicks (made from cedar). You can find this Bookworm candle from the Fig Tree!
10) At*Humans
I heard about this Chicago candle brand via the local shop the Shudio in Pilsen and was immediately drawn to the branding. This House candle is a combination of all of the base scents I love – teakwood, leather, and patchouli – also all hand-poured here in small batches. Find the rest of the collection here.
*Chicago local, female + BIPOC-owned
You’ve probably seen these candles around somewhere and I’ve definitely mentioned them before, but I had to include these because their new holiday collection is just *chef’s kiss*. These candles are made in Brooklyn, New York and burns so evenly and smooth. Definitely check out the holiday trio – Prosecco, Fireplace, and Cypress are all worth an add to your collection.
If you are a sucker for aesthetic candles, the Skeem Designs Candles would be the perfect ones for you – the candle lid pops out and serves as a match holder with a striker at the bottom! The vessel is made from glass and they also have incense holders that are made from local artisans (based in Philly, PA). I buy them locally in Chicago via Smitten Boutique!
13) Tatine
I mentioned Tatine last year and had to come back around and say I’m still equally obsessed and if you’re looking to buy it locally, they carry it at Humboldt House! Obsessed with the moody branding and the scents are beautiful!
*Chicago local, female-owned
I love when companies make candles with sustainability in mind – both the candles and packaging here are made with recyclable materials. The shipping boxes can be upcycled and they take back old candle vessels once you’re finished burning the candles so that they can reuse or recycle. Again, if you love the smell of fir or pine, this candle would be for you. I have my eye on Embers and Oak candle, which is made using pottery from a woman-run pottery studio in the Catskills Mountains that uses green energy.
*Female, BIPOC-owned
15) FORVR Mood
Whenever I light a candle, the scent I pick is always based on what my mood I’m going for that day so it only makes sense that there’s finally a collection of candles where you can shop by “mood” if you’re at a lost of what scent to choose. Find my favorite “Fine Pine” candle here.
*Female, BIPOC-owned
16) Candlessentials
These LA-made candles are made with 100% compostable and recyclable labels and every package has flower seeds embedded into the box – so you can actually plant the box and turn it into a plant afterwards! An amazing way to use up all of the parts of the candle / packaging and reduce overall waste. Aesthetics + amazing scent + reduced waste = a dream combination and must-have!
*Female, BIPOC-owned
17) Detroit Rose
I found these DR candles at Asrai Garden here in Chicago and have been burning the “Moss” candle all fall long. A very simple and clean vessel and the fragrance oils are all sourced in the USA. Find it at Asrai Garden, here!
*Female-owned
18) Nette Candles
Nette Candles feel super luxe and chic and the package box is made from 100% recycle shoeboxes! The glass vessels are hand-made in Italy while their ceramic is made by a ceramics studio in Philadelphia. They’re currently working on getting their entire supply-chain to be plastic-free. I can’t get enough of this Suede Fringe scent!
*Female, BIPOC-owned
Okay but how cute are these candles from Homebody Candle Co?! Completely Chicago-based and the candle ingredient list is listed on every candle for transparency. In addition to candles, they also make soaps and perfumes. Can’t wait to try the room sprays!
*Chicago local, female-owned
20) Anecdote Candles
Anecdote is a furniture and decor store located in the suburbs of Chicago and they have their own line of signature candles. I love everything they curate and the candles are no exception – sleek, fragrant, and priced really well for the quality you get. Plus, the black / white vessel will go with any home decor!
Worth the Hype Candles:
Ever wondered what they burn at the Soho House? It’s this Cowshed candle and it’s absolutely divine.
The Soho Home Leather and Oud is what we are burning and diffusing right now in our entryway – everyone always asks what the scent is and it’s this! I love that the discovery kit comes with the candle, diffuser, and room spray all in one.
I loveeee these DS Durga candles – the vessels are so beautifully made and the scents are worth every penny. I buy them locally via Jayson Home here in Chicago. I love the Portable Fireplace and Portable Christmas Tree.
The Cire Trudon brand have existed for as long as it has (they’re one of the oldest candlemakers to still be active today) for a good reason: made in France in glass jars that are hand-blown in Italy. Expensive for sure, but if you’re in the market for a boujee candle that’s worth it, then the Cire Trudon candles are for you. You can also find them at Jayson Home in Chicago.
Here me out, these are classic for a reason because they burn really evenly and the scents are just perfect. The holiday collection is the perfect addition to the collection!
We have the Apotheke Charcoal diffuser running in our bathroom right now and every guest ALWAYS asks what the scent is. It’s the perfect combination of sandalwood and cedar and lasts forever!
I just can’t have a list and not include Le Labo because truly, it’s probably the reason I’m so scent-focused and picky when it comes to perfume and candles. The Santal 33 and Cade 26 (which was made for the Gramercy Park Hotel in NYC, designed to mimic their fireplace smell) will always be on rotation in our home.
The Fallen Fir candle has continually been one of my favorite winter / holiday scents. I love the smell of fresh fir! I also really like the Chandelier scent and the vessels are super easy to clean after you finish burning them. I always repurpose vessels!
Best Accessories:
If you are really into candles, you absolutely need a candle wick trimmer and candle snuffer. I love the ones from Candlefish and ILLUME (which you can buy at Crate and Barrel, here and here).
Best Taper Candles:
I’ve been growing my collection of candle holders this year so I’ve tried a handful of long, tapered candle combinations to see what burns and looks the best. While I recommend browsing Etsy for unique shapes, I’ve found that the standard long taper candles at Crate and Barrel are great for the standard burn / aesthetics and you can easily replace them for this price point. Comes in a pack of six! My favorite candle holders I’ve purchased from this year are these Flora Taper Candles from Anthropologie and this Asha Taper Holder from CB2.
