Best Candles from Around the World: A Journey of Scents and Traditions

Candles do more than light up a room – they fill our homes with warmth, aroma, and atmosphere. For home fragrance lovers, finding the best candles is a joyful journey that spans continents and cultures. From the gentle glow of a soy candle to the rich history of Japanese candle-making, each style has its own charm. In this article, we highlight what makes each type special and effective at creating a cosy, fragrant home.

Natural Wax Candles

Many modern candle enthusiasts now prefer natural waxes for their cleaner burn and long-lasting glow. Unlike paraffin (a petroleum byproduct), plant-based or beeswax candles produce less soot and often release more pleasant, subtle aromas. Below we highlight a few favourite natural wax varieties and what makes them shine:

Soy Wax Candles: Eco-Friendly and Long-Lasting

Soy candles have become incredibly popular worldwide for good reason. Made from hydrogenated soybean oil, soy wax is a renewable resource that offers a clean, slow burn. A well-made soy candle melts evenly and releases fragrance gradually, filling your space with a gentle, lasting scent. Home fragrance fans love soy wax because it holds scent well yet doesn’t produce much black smoke, so you can enjoy your favourite aroma without soot collecting on your walls or ceiling.

Beeswax Candles: Nature’s Oldest Luxury

Beeswax candles are a timeless classic, treasured since ancient times. This wax is produced by honeybees and has a natural golden hue with a subtle honeyed aroma even without added fragrance. When lit, beeswax candles emit a bright, warm flame that burns slowly and tends not to drip, providing hours of soft illumination. Many people consider beeswax among the best candles for creating a pure, cosy atmosphere. While beeswax candles are often more expensive, their long burn time and charming natural scent make them a worthwhile indulgence for special occasions or relaxing evenings.

Coconut Wax Candles: A Luxurious Newcomer

Coconut wax is a newer star in the candle world, bringing a touch of luxury to home fragrance. Made from coconut oil, this wax burns very cleanly and melts at a leisurely pace, meaning your candle lasts longer. Often, coconut wax is blended with other plant waxes to give it a sturdier form while retaining an excellent scent throw. When lit, the flame dances steadily and the wax pool releases fragrance evenly across the room. This indulgent wax has quickly earned a reputation for its stellar scent performance and long burn time, making it a favourite for those who crave a high-end candle experience.

Rapeseed Wax Candles: Sustainable and Slow-Burning

Rapeseed wax candles are an eco-conscious choice that’s especially popular in Europe. Rapeseed (also known as canola) is grown abundantly in the UK and its oil can be hydrogenated into an excellent candle wax. Candles made from rapeseed wax burn with a steady flame and minimal soot, often outlasting even soy candles for many cosy evenings of use. A big plus is its sustainability: rapeseed can be grown locally, reducing the carbon footprint and supporting local farmers. For anyone looking to try a new natural option, rapeseed wax produces some of the best candles when it comes to combining performance with earth-friendly credentials.

Candle Traditions Around the World

Different cultures have developed their own special candle traditions, showing that the art of candle-making is truly global. Two stand-out examples are the refined craft of Japanese candles and the cosy culture of Scandinavian candlelight. These traditions prove that some of the best candles are deeply rooted in heritage and lifestyle.

Traditional Japanese Candles (Warosoku)

Japan’s candle-making heritage offers a beautiful departure from Western styles. Traditional Japanese candles, known as warosoku, are typically made from natural plant wax harvested from trees like the Japanese sumac. They often use a thick washi paper wick, which makes the flame burn larger and steadier than a cotton wick. When you light a warosoku candle, you’ll notice a tall, bright flame that flickers gently without much smoke. These candles have been used in temples and tea ceremonies for centuries, cherished for their calming glow and clean burn.

For a home fragrance lover seeking something different, Japanese candles provide not only light and subtle natural scent, but also a meditative ambiance. Their unique materials and craftsmanship rank them among the world’s best candles for those who appreciate tradition and artistry.

Scandinavian Hygge Candles: Cosy Ambiance from the Far North

In Scandinavia, candles are more than decor – they’re a way of life, central to the concept of hygge, which is all about cosiness and contentment during long winters. The best candles in a hygge home are usually unscented or lightly scented and made of high-quality wax that burns cleanly, creating a warm glow without polluting the indoor air. Many Scandinavian candles are made from pure stearin (a plant-based wax) or beeswax, chosen for their slow, steady burn and low soot. Imagine a winter evening in a Nordic home with a few candles flickering and filling the room with a warm glow – that’s hygge in a nutshell.

Scandinavian traditions show how simply lighting a few clean-burning candles can make everyday moments feel special. It’s no wonder décor enthusiasts worldwide consider hygge candles among the best for creating a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Matty’s Candles: Embracing Coconut and Rapeseed Wax for Excellence

Matty’s Candles exemplify these ideals by blending two outstanding natural waxes – coconut and rapeseed. By using a custom mix of these sustainable waxes, Matty’s Candles achieve a beautiful balance of long burn times and excellent scent throw. This plant-based blend is completely free of paraffin, soy, and palm wax, aligning with eco-friendly values and making each candle vegan-friendly. Home fragrance lovers also appreciate that every Matty’s candle is hand-poured with care, ensuring a smooth, even burn and a rich fragrance in every room.

With elegant designs and recyclable packaging, Matty’s Candles deliver a cosy glow and delightful scent along with peace of mind that you’re choosing a natural product. Matty’s offers a wonderful option that marries time-honoured candle traditions with modern sustainability – truly a bright addition to any home.