I’ve tested hundreds of candles, and these 18 winter candles are the very best for surviving cold-weather blues

• Scent: Spicy and warming combination of cinnamon, rich clove, and fresh, zesty orange

• Burn time: Up to 40 hours

• Wax type: High-quality mineral wax

• Weight: 210g

This classic, luxurious-sized candle is the season’s signature scent, and I buy it every year without fail. When poured into a sleek glass vessel with two wicks, it creates the most comfortable and nostalgic winter atmosphere, even in large open-plan spaces.

• Scent: Warming blend of sweet orange, clove, cinnamon, and spicy cardamom

• Burn time: Up to 40 hours

• Wax type: 100% natural soy wax blend

• Weight: 240g

Housed in a frosted white glass jar, this is the ultimate sanctuary scent for freezing evenings. Packed with pure essential oils, the rich spice and citrus aromatherapy notes instantly melt away winter stress.

• Scent: Atmospheric notes of clove, ylang-ylang, carnation, papyrus, and Haitian vetiver

• Burn time: Up to 60 hours

• Wax type: Signature black mineral wax

• Weight: 240g

I light this stylish black-wax marvel when I want to impress guests because it’s moody, deep, and completely captivating. Without ever coming across as overbearing, it conveys the serene, sacred warmth of ancient resins and burning woods.

• Scent: Smoky chestnut accord, red berries, clove oil, and sweet vanilla

• Burn time: Up to 40 hours

• Wax type: High-quality mineral wax blend

• Weight: 165g

This is really the best option if you don’t have a real open hearth. It makes chilly nights indoors feel like a complete luxury by enveloping your space in the enticing, smoky crackle of roasting chestnuts and rich woodfire.

• Scent: Deep, soothing blend of black pepper, clove, cedarwood, and rich myrrh

• Burn time: Up to 40 hours

• Wax type: Hand-poured 100% natural wax

• Weight: 220g

A secret weapon for dark, rainy Sunday afternoons. Blended with grounding essential oils, its peppery-sweet signature creates an effortlessly calm, centred atmosphere across your living space.

• Scent: Crisp morning pine, refreshing eucalyptus, and aromatic cypress

• Burn time: Up to 45 hours

• Wax type: Custom wax blend

• Weight: 200g

To bring that fresh-cut evergreen aroma to life, I love lighting this on chilly winter mornings. It clears the air and brightens a drowsy morning thanks to the eucalyptus’s brilliant, energising lift. And who can resist that cute bow-topped lid?

• Scent: Deep, earthy woods, birch, smoke, and warm amber resin

• Burn time: Up to 50 hours

• Wax type: 100% natural wax

• Weight: 230g

This candle, poured into a rustic glass jar, instantly transports me to a quaint Cotswolds country pub. It produces that genuine, nostalgic woodsmoke scent that we all yearn for in the winter while burning exquisitely slowly.

• Scent: Glazed chestnut, birch wood, cashmere wood, moss, and musk

• Burn time: Up to 60 hours

• Wax type: 100% natural vegetable wax

• Weight: 270g

This is pure decadence, wrapped in Trudon’s exquisite hand-blown green glass. On special winter nights, the decadent scent of candied chestnuts over a birch wood fire makes for a sumptuous centrepiece.

• Scent: Opulent blend of grapefruit, bergamot, green notes, black rose, cumin, and dark oud

• Burn time: Up to 45 hours

• Wax type: Premium mineral wax blend

• Weight: 200g

Halfeti is unparalleled if you enjoy strong, eye-catching fragrances as much as I do. Long after the wick is extinguished, it envelops your house in an opulent velvet blanket of dark rose, spices, and luxurious oud.

• Scent: Rich blend of frankincense, nutmeg, smoky firewood, and smooth sandalwood

• Burn time: Up to 50 hours

• Wax type: 100% natural wax blend

• Weight: 420g

This 100% natural candle, designed with three wicks for a generous pool of fragrance, transforms any space into a peaceful, firelit haven created especially to soothe the body and mind.

• Scent: Evergreen foliage, winter berries, sweet orange, and subtle spice

• Burn time: Up to 35 hours

• Wax type: 100% natural wax

• Weight: 140g

Capturing the crisp fragrance of fresh botanical displays, this lightweight jar balances zesty winter berries with fresh pine foliage for a delicate, natural burst of seasonal cheer.

• Scent: Aromatic thyme, winter spice, crisp rosemary, and earthy oakmoss

• Burn time: Up to 45 hours

• Wax type: Mineral wax blend

• Weight: 220g

This Cornwall-made gem, housed in a charming illustrated tin, offers something delightfully distinctive. Traditional cold-weather fragrances are given a light, outdoor twist by the herbal blend of thyme and rosemary combined with a subtle winter spice.

• Scent: Ruby-rich pomegranate, raspberry, pink pepper, Casablanca lily, and smoky guaiacwood

• Burn time: Up to 45 hours

• Wax type: Custom wax blend

• Weight: 200g

When the sun sets early, this is my favourite candle for the evening because it is dark, fruity, and delightfully dramatic. Its notes of smoky wood and rich pomegranate create a seductive, alluring atmosphere that feels incredibly sophisticated.

• Scent: Warm roasted chestnut, soft cashmere woods, sweet vanilla, and delicate spice

• Burn time: Up to 40 hours

• Wax type: 100% organic soy and natural wax

• Weight: 150g

This velvety blend offers an enticing softness similar to putting on your favourite cashmere jumper. The room is softly warmed by the delicate notes of sweet vanilla and roasted chestnut, which never take over.

• Scent: Rich leather, aged parchment, polished mahogany wood, and gentle amber

• Burn time: Up to 40 hours

• Wax type: Mineral and soy natural wax blend

• Weight: 220g

Lighting this instantly transforms any living area into a cosy, grand estate library. Rich notes of leather and polished mahogany evoke the timeless comfort of curling up with a great book by a crackling fire.

• Scent: Smoky cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, and rich pine needles

• Burn time: Up to 60 hours

• Wax type: 100% natural soy wax

• Weight: 200g

Packed with pure essential oils, this candle turns your space into a secluded mountain cabin. The warm cinnamon and clove blend seamlessly with rustic cedarwood to deliver a deep, comforting hug of a fragrance.

• Scent: Fresh pine branches, winter berries, rich frankincense, and warm spices

• Burn time: Up to 50 hours

• Wax type: Mineral wax blend

• Weight: 220g

This candle was designed in collaboration with expert florists and is akin to bringing the winter decor of a stately country hall into your living room. Berries, fresh pine, and rich frankincense combine to create an incredibly opulent scent.

• Scent: Golden pomander, spiced cardamom, holly berries, and Japanese hinoki wood

• Burn time: Up to 100 hours

• Wax type: Proprietary coconut wax blend

• Weight: 510g

Aside from its incredible 100-hour burn time, the embossed glass jar glows like a jewel once lit. The blend of spiced pomander citrus and sacred hinoki wood creates an unforgettable, warming winter ambience.