Christmas may be over, but the long, icy nights are far from behind us. The fire is roaring, the sofa is calling, and the right candle can turn even the bleakest January evening into something wonderfully comforting. As someone who spends entirely too much time sniffing candles, I can say with confidence that a well-chosen home fragrance can make winter feel almost glamorous.
I’ve selected the best home fragrances to see you through the grey weeks ahead. These aren’t festive scents in disguise – they’re sophisticated, comforting, and surprisingly invigorating, the kind of aromas that make a home feel cocooning while the wind lashes against the windows and the heating does its valiant best.
January need not be joyless. Traditionally, it was a month of rest and reflection, when people hunkered down after the harvest, tended the hearth, and planned for the year ahead. Consider this your gentle nudge to order one of these candles now – and when it arrives, light it every day for a small, luxurious pocket of joy. Think of it as my personal guide to surviving January, one glowing wick at a time.
I have the Daylesford Kindling candle burning in my kitchen from September through to March, and I can’t recommend it enough – its warm, comforting scent is one to fall in love with.
For me, January isn’t about a frantic reset; it’s about living seasonally and intentionally. I keep only what brings joy and warmth, and each candle I light becomes part of that carefully curated, comforting rhythm.
Our Favourite Scents for Long January Evenings
Perhaps the ideal candle for a January reset. Unlike other Diptyque scents, this special infusion is formulated with technology that targets and neutralizes the molecules responsible for unpleasant odours. If you’re planning a January clear-out, I’d order this now – you’ll be grateful when the month arrives.
A wonderfully earthy fragrance that brings a touch of greenery indoors when the garden is bare. Inspired by the traditional use of sage as a cleansing and restorative herb, this candle is perfect for those moments when you need a little extra January R&R.
The Cornish brand St Eval has long been my favourite for scented candles, and in my view, nothing quite compares to their Bergamot & Nettle fragrance. With a subtle, warm hint of aniseed, it fills the entire house with a divine, lingering aroma that feels effortlessly luxurious.
True to its name, this candle captures the deeply comforting and nostalgic aroma of woodsmoke. Its rich, intoxicating fragrance evokes the warmth of charred birch logs, hints of incense, and a subtle touch of leather, creating an enveloping, cozy ambience throughout your home.
Austin & Austin is a brand worth discovering if you haven’t already. Their candles not only smell exquisite but also look stunning, and when the wax has burned down, you can clean out the remaining residue to reveal a beautiful sculptural vessel – a lasting piece of art for your home.
August & Piers is a brand I’ve recently fallen in love with. This set features three of their signature scents, allowing you to discover your favourite, though ‘Saint’ – infused with cassis – fills the room with a delectably spiced, utterly inviting aroma.
Richly woody and deeply warming, this is a candle you’ll want burning from morning through to evening. One of The White Company’s best-selling home scents, it evokes a cozy winter atmosphere without feeling overtly Christmassy.
Geranium is one of those universally adored scents. Perfect for bringing a clean, fresh, and uplifting atmosphere to your home, it evokes the optimism of spring and summer. Inspired by the pelargonium plant, this fragrance carries a subtle, almost minty note, adding a crisp, invigorating freshness that fills the space beautifully.
This candle exudes a distinctly summery aroma, reminiscent of a sun-warmed greenhouse brimming with ripe tomatoes. Yet it works beautifully in a garden room or kitchen during the colder months, offering a bright, uplifting touch when you need it most. The jar itself is equally charming and can be repurposed once the candle has burned down.
January has long been a month for slowness rather than self-improvement. Historically, it was a time of slumber, quiet routines, and staying close to the hearth, and I think there is something to be said for honouring that pace at home.
January decluttering is gentle and intentional, editing just enough to let beautiful things breathe. A well-placed wool throw, a ceramic bowl for evening rituals, or a considered storage piece can bring a sense of order without disrupting the softness of the season. Winter still has its hold, and the home should reflect that, calm, comforting, and made for lingering.
