As someone who lights a candle daily, take it from me, these home fragrance formats are better off with a lid. It's not necessarily the be-all end-all, but if you're spending good money on curating a collection that looks and smells wonderful, then your candle deserves a helping hand to do its best.
And the lack of a lid or a decorative cover is a faux pas that could be costing you some precious notes. It's not among your typical candle-burning mistakes, but it's worth going the extra mile and listening to the experts on this one.
But first, let's dissect why your scented candle needs a lid. And then, let me show you some of my favorite stylish candle covers to help accessorize yours.
Why Do Scented Candles Need Lids?
Karen Larochelle, founder of Fig & Fire, tells me that a candle lid is a great idea because wax tends to act like a sponge by nature. "A lid keeps out dust, humidity, and any nearby smells so your candle stays fresh and smells exactly the way it is meant to," she notes.
"Fragrance naturally softens over time when it’s exposed to air. And so, a lid acts as a seal, holding onto those delicate scent notes until you’re ready to light up. If you rotate scents with the seasons or enjoy a slow-burn lifestyle, a lid helps keep everything fresh between uses."
Don't let your best candles work at half rate just because they're missing a protective cover. But, of course, no tacky cover will do. So, here are the ones that will keep your scented candle in tip-top shape, while styling it up, too.
Color: Silver
If you're into fashion candles, this Candle Cover from Dior is beloved as a gift, as per several reviews fawning over the quality and packaging.
Finish: Distressed Metal
Lend your scented candles a slight edge with this Candle Lid from Le Labo, made for the label's 240 g candles.
Color: Tan
I'm not the biggest fan of open branding, especially since the rise of visual decluttering, but this Loewe-embossed lid is an exception.
Color: White
AUGUST&PIERS' Candle Lid is crafted from ceramic and can be used as a lid or a coaster when your candle is alight.
Material: Bakelite and Metal
Diptyque's candle covers might be some of my favorites of late, and this sweet Berry Lid is one that's caught my eye.
Size: 90 x 90 x 42 mm
Assouline's Library Pebble Brass Candle Lid makes a solid statement. But if the tag is a little too heavy, they have a Brass Logo-Embossed Candle Lid, too.
Color: Black + White
Suited to medium candles, Diptyque's Landscape Lid looks best when sat atop the iconic Tubéreuse Candle.
Size: ⌀ 8 cm
I love the look of this Antique Marble Candle Lid from Diptyque, both atop and below a minimalist glass candle.
Lidded Scented Candles
Burn Time: 50 Hours
If you'd rather just add a lidded scented candle to make your home smell good, this number from Dolce & Gabbana is just iconic.
Burn Time: 70 Hours
This Green Tomato Vine Townhouse Candle from Jo Malone comes with a matching lid to bring your tomato scent dreams to life.
Burn Time: 30 Hours
Keep it cute and simple with this Book Boxed Woody Salted Moss & Lavender Glass Candle from Anthropologie.
If you prefer a more minimalist finish to your candles, you can always look to charming cloches instead. Let me leave you with this Astier de Villatte Glass Cloche and this Glass Dome Bell Jar from Tell Me More for now.
