Your ultimate candle guide

In which our heroine lights your path to coziness

Welcome back to the cottage, my friend!

If you ask me, nothing says cozy like a flickering candle. Taper, pillar, scented, birthday… I’m obsessed with them all. There’s something about that little warm glow that just seems to make everything feel a little softer. Maybe the fire takes us back to our time in the caves or maybe you’re like me and lighting a candle makes you feel like a Victorian ghost haunting a manor house on the moors. 

But I think it’s probably the act of lighting the candle that means the most. Lighting a candle says, “I am doing something to make this moment feel more special. I am choosing to add a bit of romance. My power is out but I’m still going to have a great time reading by candlelight as if I am a servant in season one of Downton Abbey.”

It has come to my attention that many people are not, in fact, like me, and do not own an alarming collection of candles, candle holders, and increasingly niche scented candles. Never fear, my cozy friends. I am here to help you on your way to candle greatness with everything you need to achieve peak cozy.

Before we get into it, a quick note on links. Throughout these newsletters, I’ll make recommendations for products I love that I think you might love too. These are just suggestions and by no means is it required to spend a lot of money in order to live a cozy life. I will always strive to send you to small and/or woman owned businesses. Multi billion dollar corporations don’t need my help and often have business practices I certainly would not describe as cozy.

one of my two beloved swan candle holders

Part one: the holder

I recently learned while admiring some ribbed taper candles at a local shop that my friend did not own a single candle holder. I had never related to anything less. I was shaking in my boots. I had to fix this hole in her life immediately. I pulled out one of my thrifted candle holders and repainted it for her to give it a fresh life.

Speaking of thrifted finds, my favorite candle holders I own, that take pride of place in every table scape I put together, are the swans (pictured above) that I got at the thrift store for $1.50 each. Anthropologie, who??

Starting with finding your perfect holder will open up the wide world of candles and give you the perfect starting point for your table, reading nook, and windowsill.

Here are a few options I think could become your version of my beloved swans:

• Let’s start simple with these Hawkins New York basic candle holders. These will work truly anywhere in your home, no matter your style. Plus they come in tons of colors.

• Add a little more whimsy while still keeping these calm with this sweet ceramic flower holder. I have a vintage one very similar to this that I adore.

• I love these curved, wooden holders to add a more earthy vibe, especially in Autumn and Winter.

• For a feminine, ultra-romantic touch that will pair excellently with period drama watching, go for this bow holder by Love Ally. I am lusting hard for this beauty!!

• However, it must be said that if you’re just starting your collection, you’ll find so many incredible secondhand options, whether at your local thrift store or antique mall or online. I’ve found many a vintage candle holder at one of my favorite local stores, Dune.

a quartet of colorful taper candles in a vintage holder

Part two: the taper

Now for the candle itself. You can, of course, keep it extremely simple with the classic white taper candle. I think that can be beautiful, especially when you have either just one candle or when you create a display with several. 

But there’s a wide world out there - here are a few ideas:

• The classic white. You can find these in a set at most home decor or kitchen stores.

• Personally, I like to bring some color into the equation. I have a whole bucket full of these colored taper candles from my favorite shop, Good Day Shop, that I mix and match with the seasons, my table settings, or just what mood I’m in that day.

• There are lots of fun things happening with candle texture right now, from ribbed to swirled to geometric. I love them all!

• The painted candle. These are so sweet and add the perfect seasonal touch to any experience. I like these a lot but you can also easily DIY these, just use non-toxic paint if you plan to burn them. This is such a fun girls’ night activity!

• Finally, if you have littles or pets or just don’t want to light things on fire, you can get the glow with battery operated tapers, too!

my all time favorite scented candle, “Through the Brambles” by Mythologie Candles

Part three: the scented candle

Here’s where things get interesting. A good scented candle can transport you to a magical world, remind you of a loved one, or just make your home feel fresh. I have a dangerous addiction to scented candles and have an entire drawer full of them in my sitting room. If you’re just getting started, my number one piece of advice is to look for candles made in small batches with soy or coconut wax (this helps make sure your candle is as safe as possible to burn, limiting the soot in your home!).

I love candles that are subtle, but layered and tend to gravitate towards scents that evoke a forest, rain, or woodsmoke. I’m not a sugar cookie candle girl, but if you are, amazing! As you go around to your local shops and smell more candles, you’ll get a better sense of what your signature scent profile is.

Here are my favorite brands, but I encourage you to explore!

• Mythologie Candles will always have the number one place in my heart. Their candles are fantasy inspired and some of the most layered, immersive scents I’ve ever experienced. My favorite ever candle is Through the Brambles from the cottagecore collection.

• Another great option for bookish candles is Library Lights Candle Co. where you’ll find candles inspired by your favorite books like Anne of Green Gables, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Pride & Prejudice, and more.

• I love Roen candles for their fresh and cozy scents. Ojai Nuit is one of my favorite candles of all time, I’ve burned through several of them! I’m also eyeing their new Mexico City inspired collection.

• If you’re not sure what type of scents you like, sample packs are a great way to get an idea. The Mini Set from Otherland is a wonderful option. And if you don’t like any of them, you have an easy gift for a friend!

• Finally, I can’t actually speak to the scents, but I have been lusting after these candles from Auden Lueur. The vessels are truly beautiful and are designed to be repurposed. These are a bit more luxe on the price point.

Part four: the accessories (optional, but encouraged)

Whew, we made it to the end! One last thing before we snuff out our candles… accessories!

• A rechargeable, electric lighter. Trust me, this will change your life. No more struggling with the gas lighter or desperately trying to find matches.

• A snuffer to put out your candles, especially tapers. These are so fun to find vintage!

• A wick trimmer. It’s important to keep your wicks short so the flame doesn’t become dangerously large!

There you go, cozy friends. Go forth and light your candles.

Finally, your cozy moment for the spirit this week:

This week, I’m coming at you with a book recommendation! Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree is probably the coziest story I have ever read. It’s a story about Viv, an orc who decides her fighting days are done and it’s time to follow her dream of opening a coffee shop. It’s heartwarming AND mouthwatering. I’d recommend pairing it with this candle for the ultimate reading experience.

Wishing you a cozy day,

Kylin Anne