Can't Smell Your Candle?
It's probably because you're buying the wrong size for the space that you're trying to fill. Use the following guide to learn how to buy the proper-sized candle for your space, as well as to learn tips to maximize fragrance on a budget (no budget candles needed!).
When it comes to getting a strong candle scent throughout your home, size matters. A candle that works beautifully in a bathroom or bedroom may struggle to fill a large living room or open-concept floor plan.
And while bigger isn’t always better, choosing the right candle size for your room can make a huge difference in how much fragrance you actually experience.
Here’s a practical guide to choosing the best candle size for your space — whether you're shopping with Martini Candle Company or somewhere else.
What Sizes Should I Buy for Which Rooms?
There isn't a perfect candle-size formula that works for every home, because ceiling height, airflow and floor plan all affect how fragrance travels. But these ranges are a useful starting point.
For a bedroom or average-sized living area, look for a candle around 8–12 oz. These candles provide
If your candle seems to have little or no scent after it's been burning, don't immediately assume something is wrong with it.
Consider the space first.
A candle that's simply too small for the room may be producing fragrance — there's just too much airspace for you to experience it at the intensity you expected.
Before giving up on a candle, ask yourself:
Is the candle appropriately sized for the room?
Is the room open to other areas of the house?
Are high ceilings increasing the amount of space being scented?
Is strong airflow carrying fragrance away from the area?
Has the candle had enough time to develop a proper melt pool?
Is the candle itself producing a good hot throw?
That last question matters, too.
Sometimes the problem really is the candle.
Two candles of the same size won't necessarily perform the same way. The candle's formulation, wick, fragrance and overall construction affect how well it throws scent.
"But My Space Size Doesn't Match my Budget!"
You don't necessarily need to buy a huge candle every time you want fragrance in a larger room.
One option is to pair smaller candles or wax melts with a candle warmer or wax warmer.
Wax warmers use heat to release fragrance without relying on a traditional flame, and they can be particularly useful when you're trying to maximize fragrance.
One Way to Trick the System: Smaller Candles with Wax/Candle Warmers
For example, you might love a smaller 3.5 oz candle but want to use that fragrance in your living room. Rather than expecting the small candle to scent the entire space on its own, you could use the fragrance in wax-melt form with a warmer.
That gives you another way to enjoy the scent without simply buying the biggest candle available.
Shop Best Wax Melters: On a Budget
Top Down Lamp, Our Choice Because:
The art deco style adds instant style to any living space, and ambiance still when not being used.
The bar slider allows the lamp height to be adjusted for a wide range of candle sizes.
And, at $16, you can't beat the price.
Wax Melt and Small Candle, Our Choice Because:
The style adds a soothing element to any living space.
The top piece is removable
And, at $20, you can't beat the price.
Bottom line; size is important, but also equally important is how you use it.
Maximize your fragrance by burning candles in an appropriate-sized space, investing in quality, and having a wax melter for when you need it.
But What if I STILL Can't Smell It?
Unfortunately, some large, open-concept spaces just need a bigger candle.
Or, if you think the candle is the problem--
you could be right.
Discount candles at places like TJMAXX are usually there for a reason...
Follow for more candle tips + tricks.
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