The Danes consistently top global happiness indexes. Denmark is also the biggest consumer of candles, with each Dane burning through about 6kg of candle wax each year, according to the European Candle Association. Coincidence? Maybe.
But with the lovely scents and warm glow they radiate, scented candles are certainly one way to bring more hygge – a Danish term referring to a sense of cosiness and comfort – into a home. Not a bad thing, especially now that we’re spending more time in our abodes. Here’s what’s been perfuming the air around us.
We’re not surprised to hear that the Loewe boutique at Paragon is unable to keep its recently introduced home scents in stock. Reflecting the brand’s quirky and artsy DNA, the 11 created by Loewe’s in-house perfumer Nuria Cruelles are inspired by a vegetable garden.
It’s not just the verdant scents, which include unusual notes such as Tomato Leaves, Ivy and Luscious Pea, that make an impression. The range’s artsy touches include the brightly coloured terracotta pots holding the candles; some people choose the candles based on container colour, rather than how they smell. Either way, they’ll improve your living space.
Price unavailable, at Loewe, Paragon.
If you don’t like the hassle of having to light and subsequently snuff out a candle each time you want to hygge up your home, a reed diffuser offers a subtle-smelling, fuss-free alternative.
Housed in Jo Malone’s minimalist glass bottle and emitted stylishly by 10 black rattan reeds, the Wild Bluebell room fragrance layers the delicate sweetness of bluebells with lily of the valley and eglantine, as well as a refreshing touch of persimmon. Once you begin using the diffuser, it will last for about three to four months. And if you prefer candles, it has those, too.
Price unavailable, at Jo Malone. Visit its website for more information.
Imbue your home with the refreshing and delicate scent of Shanghai Tang’s iconic Ginger Flower home fragrance; its iconic bouquet includes ginger flower, white jasmine, lily, violet, lilac and ylang-ylang
The range of candles, room sprays, reed diffusers are all adorned the brand’s iconic Ginger Flower motif in a vivid red hue that’ll make a statement in any room.
The Ginger Flower home fragrance range is priced from $186 to $527, available at Shanghai Tang. Visit its website for more info.
Having just opened its flagship boutique in Singapore earlier this year, cult favourite Le Labo is renowned for its hand-poured soy wax-based artisanal candles that use pure cotton wicks. Its signature Santal 26 is a gorgeous sandlewood scent that is altogether gentle, smoky and leathery.
French contemporary artist Jean-Michel Othoniel has a long-standing passion for flowers. Aside from his floral-inspired paintings and sculptures, his book L’Herbier Merveilleux features his notes on the symbolism of different blooms.
He also has a rose – a simple bloom with relatively few petals – named after him. The Othoniel rose, which features in this new fragrance by Diptyque, has peppery undertones. Including a candle and an eau de toilette, the Othoniel Rosa collection sees the Othoniel rose scent complemented by notes of pink peppercorn, ambrette seeds and patchouli-like Akigalawood.
Price unavailable, at Diptyque.
Miss travelling? Bring the Mediterranean summer into your home with the Arancia di Capri candle, which will fill a room with notes of orange, mandarin, lemon, petitgrain and cardamom.
It is part of the Acqua di Parma by La DoubleJ capsule collection, which also includes a body scrub and body lotion. For this collaboration, Milan-based fashion brand La DoubleJ created vibrant prints for the packaging, including that of the Arancia di Capri candle. The bright blue glass jar is alluring and can, with some imagination, conjure images of the Mediterranean Sea.
Text: Stephanie Yeo/The Peak. Additional reporting: Michelle Lee
Read Next