The best affordable scented candles, according to high-end designers

"P.F. Candle Co. candles have the best scents," says Leigh Jendrusina, owner of Salthouse Collective. Alexis Vitale, owner of Vitale Design Group, agrees, calling out the company's relaxing Amber & Moss fragrance as her favorite: "This scent is like being in the mountains with the sun shining down on you. It brings a sense of warmth to the room," she says. "The amber and moss is strong, yet the hints of lavender and sage ground it just enough. This candle will help you start your day off just right."

Golden Coast, which smells of sage, eucalyptus, sea salt and palo santo, is Jendrusina's favorite because "not only is it great from a scent standpoint, it fits the vibe of the California Casual spaces I like to design." She also points out that the jars are "minimalist-cool and can go anywhere from a kitchen to a coffee table to a bathroom." 

This scent is one of the brand's most popular and tends to sell out, but you can also score it as a room spray ($25) and reed diffuser ($32).

Burning candles when you're cooking can be tricky — you don't want something that conflicts with the aroma of your food. Molly Schoneveld, CEO of The Storied Group, says this freshly fragranced Paddywax pick, which has notes of lemon leaf, thyme and patchouli, is the perfect solution: "I love this candle for the kitchen. The scent isn't too overpowering against food, and it makes your home smell welcoming. I get so many compliments on it, and it's such a good price."

Vitale likes to keep the festive winter vibes going with this aptly named candle, which smells of snow, mint, fir, pine, cedar and amber. "During the holiday season I love this candle — it reminds me of being outdoors sledding, with hints of spruce in the air," she says.

She likes to stash it in her bedroom or living room. "Get tucked under your favorite blanket and enjoy the nostalgia this candle brings. In 30 minutes your entire room will be filled with warmth."

(Psst, right now there's a 10% off coupon on Amazon, making this pick even more wallet-friendly!)

Designer Jami Supsic always turns to Paddywax's Moroccan-inspired A Dopo line when styling a home. "For $30, you get a nice-smelling candle in a cool footed ceramic vessel, which is even partially hand painted," she says. "Bonus: Once you've burned through the candle, you can pop another into the vessel, which looks great styled on top of a stack of coffee table books, on a bedside or next to a catchall on a console."

Each of the seven scents comes in its own unique jar; this one features a snake and lemons to complement the notes of green olive leaves, meyer lemon and fig.

Admittedly this is not a candle, but a very affordable scent that Balanis swears by, adding that she goes for anything with patchouli, amber or sandalwood. "My favorite home scents are those of deep notes, earthy textures and rooted beginnings," she explains.

In her bathroom, she always keeps Nag Champa incense burning. "I once had a well-known artist in my home who described it as sexy to have that aroma lingering," she says. "You can find the incense sticks on Amazon and in local gas stations. It's very accessible — yet very exotic." 

HGTV star Galey Alix considers this candle, from fellow celeb designer Shea McGee, a must-have in her home as soon as temperatures drop, thank to its floral-meets-woodsy fragrance. "There’s something undeniably inviting and cozy about an authentic birch scent wafting through your home as the weather is getting crisper and the leaves are changing colors," Alix says. "Every holiday season this candle lives in my foyer so that guests experience it the moment they enter my home."

When burning a candle with multiple wicks, like this one, remember this tip: "Just make sure to cut your wicks short before each light to maximize your burn time; we want this beauty to last all holiday season!"

"I love this scent because it's an instant mood booster!" says Studio Shaolin founder Shaolin Low of this playful pick that smells like a creamsicle, with notes of mandarin, peach, grapefruit and vanilla. "I light it whenever I need a little extra motivation or just want to vibe out. It's perfect for morning routines, setting the tone for a productive day, or unwinding in the evening."

Between the cheeky label and glitter top (don't worry — it's biodegradable and candle-safe), this cutie would also make a fun gift, Low says.

"This is a candle you light to be indulgent. It's romantic and intoxicating!" says Marina Campbell, project manager at Blakely Interior Design. She'd use it in the bath or during a candlelit dinner, all the better to enjoy its earthy-yet-refreshing notes of cedar, sandalwood, cinnamon and vetiver.

"This company's scents are also used in their personal fragrances, so they are quite layered and sophisticated," she adds. 

Jendrusina is also a big fan of Craft + Foster, which was started by a San Diego mom of four and military veteran about 10 years ago. "Lost Coast is such a good scent," she says of this beachy-smelling candle. 

"I love lighting candles in the morning when I’m having coffee and making breakfast for my family. And also if I’m having a dinner party and want to have a good scent carrying throughout my great room."

On the hunt for a dreamy bedroom candle? This one, with its light floral fragrance featuring linen, white musk and lily of the valley, might be just the ticket. "I love this scent because it has a crisp linen freshness to it," says Abby Gruman, owner of Abby Leigh Designs. "The smell evokes an understated elegance perfect for creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere in any space."

At more than 10 ounces, this candle will give you at least 60 hours of burn time. It typically costs $44, but right now you can save 10% with code APOTHB3G10.