The best scented candles for summer
It’s sweltering sunshine one minute and thundery downpours the next – it must be the Northern European summer! And with that in mind, I’m continuing my seasonal guides to the best scented candles by rounding up my favourites for the warmer months. I’m always amazed by the power of scent to transform the ambiance of a space, spark distant memories or transport us to other places, and at this time of year I tend to find myself drawn towards heady fragrances that evoke sun-drenched days in the garden and balmy evenings under the stars. I’m also yearning for a bit of escapism in the form of fresh, coastal-inspired fragrances and scents that conjure up the Mediterranean and beyond. After a lot of deliberation I’ve narrowed my 2026 selection down to the 21 below, with some old favourites alongside a few new discoveries. I’ve tried and tested many of them myself, and most are produced by small brands and independent makers using natural in...