Meet: The Artsy Candles You’ve Been Seeing on Instagram

We’re spending more time than ever in our homes, so it’s little wonder that we’re also spending more money and energy to make them places we want to be. We’re upgrading furniture, adopting pets and hanging art in an effort to create a sanctuary to escape the mess that is the real world.

One of the home accessories we’ve been splashing big money on is luxury candles. Sculpted, painterly, bejewelled… These are not your grandmother’s plain taper candles. These are statement pieces that look incredible and add a subtle fragrance as they sit on display in your house. Some are so pretty you’ll never want to burn them, but that’s no reason not to stock up immediately.

The 8 Best Luxury Candles

Fornasetti, Antipatico Scented Candle

FORNASETTI ANTIPATICO CANDLE — FORNASETTI, ANTIPATICO SCENTED CANDLE ($323)

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This candle is fragranced with Fornasetti’s signature Otto scent—notes of thyme, lavender and cedarwood—but its selling point is the arty ceramic vessel depicting the many faces of the designer's muse, Italian opera singer Lina Cavalieri. The other candles in the range are just as attractive, with more faces, flowers, monkeys and graphic patterns.

Manara Home, Bubble Cube Candle

These super-cute ’80s-inspired candles are hand-poured in Melbourne and come in five pretty colours with mouthwatering flavours. Think creme caramel; black fig and guava; Balinese mango; lime and coconut; and jasmine and lily. At this price, you could pick up a few and create an olfactory cocktail for your living room.

Vela Designs, Sophia Candle

This voluptuous candle is named for Sophia Loren who once famously said, "I'd much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero." Honestly, same, and putting this candle front and centre on the mantelpiece would serve as a daily reminder. This one definitely falls into the “too pretty to burn” category.

NÉOS Candle Studio, David Bust Candle

neos candle studio, david bust candle — NÉOS Candle Studio, David Bust Candle ($52)

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NÉOS candles are designed, handmade and poured with 100% pure soy wax in California. Their six-inch tall David Bust candles are a fun juxtaposition of high and low art and come in ten colours ranging from noir and ivory to vivid yellow, green and pink.

Tom Dixon, Elements Water Candle

TOM DISCON WATER CANDLE — TOM DIXON, ELEMENTS CANDLE WATER ($350)

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This ultra-luxe candle offers a maritime saltiness with hints of watermelon, cedarwood and amber musk, and the blue glass vessel that houses it is attractive enough to live on your shelf long after it’s burnt down—just pop the lid back on, no one will know.

Cleanse & Co., Pink Opal Crystal Candle

This natural soy and coconut wax candle promises a citrus fragrance and a feeling of being supported and worthy. Sounds pretty extreme, but regardless, the pink opals embedded in the wax are a real drawcard. They will add a boho-chic look to a room and, once the candle is burned, you can keep the opals forever.

Diptyque Ambre Scented Candle

Fun fact: Diptyque's candle labels have remained largely unchanged since their inception in 1963. The distinct oval shape is reminiscent of the Pretorian shield, found in one of the original diptyque fabrics beloved by the founders of the brand. The packaging is minimalist and très French. The candle itself smells like vetiver and patchouli with spices and tonka bean. If you don’t already own a Diptyque candle, remedy this immediately.

Arty Hearts, Botanica Candle

arty hands botanica candle — arty hands, botanica candle ($60)

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These arty candles are poured into hand-blown, reusable glass vessels that have been painted with watercolour and ink so they can be used again and again after you’ve burned the candle. The cork lid doubles as a heatproof base and the pretty packaging can also be used again for storage—as sustainable as it is attractive.

Searching for other ways to make your home smell great? Check out these luxe diffusers.

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