The Common Types of Fragrance Families for Candle Scents

Scented candles have the power to take us back in time and remind us of special memories, loved ones and beautiful places we've been. Close your eyes and imagine the happy and fresh aroma of freshly cut lemons or chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. Yum! What does it make you feel? A family holiday? A sweet childhood memory of grandma's kitchen? Ever wondered why the aroma of orange takes you on a journey to your family's garden?

Nothing says "cozy" like a scented candle. The best scented candles have the power to instantly fill your home with fragrance and lift your mood. They're the perfect backdrop to a hot bubble bath or a cozy night in or intimate dinner. That’s why candles make great gifts. When choosing a scented candle gift set, there's a variety of options. The good news is, whether you're looking to enhance your home décor or improve the mood in a gathering, you’ll always find a scent you'll love.

Here are the basic scent categories in scented candles:

Woody

As the name suggests, woody fragrances have an opulent woody and vegetal notes. Characterized by citrus or aromatic headnotes, they add warmth, richness, elegance, and depth to a candle. For a warm fragrance, candles dominated by woody scents typically contain Pine, Oudh, Sandalwood, Patchouli, and Sandalwood.

Aromatique

Distinguished by notes of wild herbs such as thyme, sage, and rosemary and slightly spicy notes, aromatic scented candles evoke sensuality. They are typically complemented by spicy and citrus notes.

Oriental

These are more of exotic fragrances like patchouli, sandalwood, amber, incense, and cinnamon, with hints of exotic flowers like jasmine, orchid and orange blossom. Oriental fragrances are beautifully indulgent and luxurious.

Floral

Think jasmine, rose, violet, lily, tuberose, magnolia and more. This is the most popular of all fragrance families and one you'd probably easily recognize at first sniff. Florals conjure up images of spring blossoms, weddings, garden parties. Florals blend well with aa touch of spice or fruity scents.

Citrus

Citrusy notes represent lightness and freshness par excellence. They come in zesty fragrances of lemon, orange, tangerine, bergamot, and grapefruit, among others. Candles with citrusy notes typically blend well with florals like lavender, minty notes like peppermint, and spicy fragrances like cinnamon.

Ready to Indulge in Sweet Scents of our Handpicked Candles?

Besides coming in beautiful designs, candles add warmth and a source of ambient light to any gathering, from celebrations to religious ceremonies. Candles can evoke memories of the warmth of home, family, and comfort. In addition, scented candles can help relax the mind and body. Handpicked House offers a variety of scented candle gift sets to brighten up your day or that of a loved one.

Browse our Candle Collection to find beautiful candle sets.