Scent is powerful. It changes the ambiance in a room and can even alter your state of mind. The scent of your home can soothe, energize, and make you feel nostalgic. But when choosing a fragrance for your home, is it better to use candles or incense sticks?
Candles give off soft, cozy light and gentle, lasting scents, while incense sticks provide a powerful, soul-soothing aroma that fills a space quickly. Each of these has its pros and cons, so let’s look more closely to find the best fit for your space.
Both candles and incense sticks enhance the vibe of a room, but in different ways.
Candles create scent by gradually melting wax gradually, giving off warm, relaxing light. The cozy ambiance is perfect for:
Romance
Calming an overstimulated mind
Preparing your mind for sleep
Dinner parties
Intentional relaxation
Incense sticks don’t use wax. Instead, they consist of thin bamboo sticks wrapped in a fragrant resin and herb paste. When lit, incense burns slowly, releasing twirling clouds of smoke that quickly fill the room with scent. The faster dispersing of fragrance makes incense a great choice for:
Meditation and
Spiritual cleansing and smudging
Improving your mood
Quickly refreshing a space
Removing bad smells
Prayer and intentional work
To help you choose between candles and incense, you must understand the pros and cons of each.
Candles can have advantages over incense, including:
Candlelight is and always will be, soothing to our souls. Soft, warm flickering lights, set the scene for reading, relaxing, and hosting friends. Sitting by the flicker of a flame was one of the first ways we enjoyed downtime as early humans.
Candle makers have become artists, crafting scents for every imaginable season and emotion. Change candles frequently to match your mood or the season. Or find your signature scent and enjoy the smell of “home” every time you walk through the door.
Quality candles burn for hours, evenly releasing their scent as the wax melts. Slow, steady, and long-lasting scents are ideal for regular use, melting slowly as the hours pass by.
The color and design of a candle can even match your personal style, with decorative holders, rustic jars, and lanterns turning candles into permanent and stylish pieces, without cluttering your space.
Sometimes, scented candles might not be the best match for your space. The downsides include:
Even if a candle seems peaceful, safety is important to prevent a sudden fire. Long burning candles need supervision and should be kept away from curtains, paper, and pets.
Premium candles made with high-quality wax and oils are a worthy investment for their quality and burn time. However, they can be more expensive than incense.
A candle takes a few minutes to melt and release enough scent to fill the air . For quick fragrance, incense is a better choice.
When scented candles won’t work in the moment, incense is here for you.
Incense fills the air fast. Within seconds of lighting, your space smells divine. It’s ideal for fast relaxation, quick meditations and yoga, or refreshing the room when guests arrive unexpectedly.
Incense has been used for centuries in temples and meditation rooms, and for good reason. Its aroma quickly helps clear the mind, reduce stress, and promote mindfulness during meditation.
Incense sticks are budget-friendly. A single box can last weeks, making them a cost-effective way to keep your home smelling fresh.
Traditional incense is made from real herbs, flowers, and resins. Each scent connects you to nature and ancient traditions, adding a spiritual layer to your home’s energy.
Let's explore the disadvantages of incense vs candles.
People with allergies or respiratory issues may find incense smoke bothersome. Always burn incense in a well-ventilated space.
Only a little ash remains after burning incense, but it still requires attention. An incense holder can help maintain cleanliness and reduce cleanup time.
Incense sticks burn for approximately 30-45 minutes. This is ideal for a short period of relaxation but not for all-day ambiance.
Like candles, incense needs supervision while burning, but it burns for a shorter time. Never leave it burning unattended and ensure it’s secure in its holder.
Read more: Are Scented Candles Bad for Dogs? Understanding the Risks
Let’s now look at some of our bestselling candles and incense for quality aroma, and long-lasting satisfaction.
The world’s most famous incense, hand-rolled in India using the traditional masala method. Satya Nag Champa blends sweet, floral Champa flowers with creamy sandalwood for a soothing, earthy aroma. Loved for meditation and relaxation, it burns cleanly for a calming, balanced atmosphere that eases stress and enhances focus.
Take a tropical getaway without leaving your home. This enzyme-infused candle doesn’t mask odors; it eliminates them! Juicy pineapple and creamy coconut fill your room with sweet island vibes. Long-lasting and clean-burning, this USA-made candle delivers up to 70 hours of fresh, fruity, vacation-inspired fragrance for a warm, welcoming home.
Wild Berry creates romantic, hand-dipped fragrances. Jasmine Wild Berry incense fuses floral jasmine with orange blossom, lily, and warm, sugary vanilla for a lush and soothing experience. Every stick burns evenly to optimally layer your space. Every burn offers comfort, positivity, and a timeless floral aroma.
The essence of autumn in a jar! This cozy candle fuses buttery pumpkin with your favorite fall blend of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger. Not only does it fill your home with seasonal magic, it also removes smoke and pet odors! Poured in North Carolina, it burns for up to 70 hours of comforting, festive warmth.
Hand-rolled Satya incense, known as “holy wood”, has a sweet, woody fragrance with hints of mint and citrus. It spiritually cleanses space, harmonizes positive energies, and smells like calming optimism. Palo Santo also improves concentration during meditation, making it perfect for relaxation and yoga practice. High quality rolling provides a soft, long-lasting burn.
Besides its delicious aroma, the Salted Caramel candle is one of our top sellers for a reason. This candle is made with a special enzyme formula to remove tough odors from your home. A blend of caramel, vanilla, and sea salt notes burn for 70 hours, filling your home with the scent of sweet dessert.
Tranquility Wild Berry incense is your best bet for unlocking calm. This hand-dipped incense combines the tartness of lemon and lime with earthy sandalwood and amber. Perfect for quiet moments and meditation, this soothing and uplifting scent lingers in the air long after the incense is extinguished.
The crisp scent of luxury clean sheets in a jar. This popular, long-lasting candle has a unique enzyme formula for odor control and smoke elimination. The light, clean scent burns for 70 hours and freshens any room no matter what the season. Bright, welcoming, and comforting, greet your guests with upscale hotel vibes.
A best seller and classic scent, Satya Lavender incense creates a calming, restorative, and herbal fragrance. Hand-rolled in India, Satya incense provides a consistent, long-lasting burn, and delicate wisps of smoke. Feel your mind relax after a hectic day with the ancient aromatherapy benefits of lavender incense.
The clean and uplifting scent of tropical rain and waterfalls, Island Rain is a refreshing blend of eucalyptus, lavender, and cedarwood. Wonderful and cleansing, it smells as good as rain. This best selling, USA-made candle eliminates household odors and smoke for up to 70 hours of burn time. Escape to paradise without leaving the house.
Read more: 8 Incense Scents That Smell Like Sweet Treats
So which one wins? Candles or incense sticks? That’s easy, they both have their place.
Candles provide soft lighting and ambient warmth, changing the aura of any space. The comforting, slow-releasing fragrance keeps your home smelling good long after they go out. On the other hand, incense has a stronger scent that fills the space faster for quick refreshing and intentional meditation.
With no need to decide, burn incense for a quick boost and a candle for a relaxing end to the day. Your perfect scents await at Nothing But Scents, explore new incense, candles, and room spray aromas today.
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