1. PICKING SOMETHING WITH AN ARTIFICIAL SMELL
Come fall, our home fragrance preferences typically lean towards candles that omit a warming and cozy scent with associations of winter. For a welcoming and long lasting home scent, cinnamon, baked goods, sweet vanilla, spiced orange and citrus. But there is a balance, and getting something too sickly sweet and artificial smelling detracts from the atmosphere.
2. FORGETTING TO LAYER SCENTS
Layering the best home fragrances can create a well-rounded scentscape that feels considered and cozy. Sometimes, the best way to create a warming room is to use the power of mixing your scents. 'For us layered candles in a living room can create a warm and inviting ambiance, making the space feel cozy and comfortable,' says Jimena Orvañanos.
3. NOT CHOOSING SCENTS THAT MAKE SENSE FOR THE SPACE
While you want to make a room feel layered and warming, there is a balance. Don't go too far with your layering that you have too many candles burning at once. Similarly, take note of the footprint of your room and plan your fragrances accordingly. If you have an airflow or draught and it's a larger open plan living room, you can afford to have more, say, than a small bedroom with no ventilation. 'Another offputting error is to burn too many candles, I have seen eight different scented candles burning in a small living room,' says Linda. 'It’s really far too many in one go as you can’t really appreciate any of them, the effect is quite overpowering and your olfactory system is simply overwhelmed. It’s just never a good idea.'
4. USING CANDLES TO MASK ODORS
Masking cooking smells with home fragrance is another mistake the home fragrance experts agree on. So when you have a lingering strong odor, it’s important to get rid of that smell first before trying to layer on another smell. 'The only way is ventilation, otherwise you just have a perfumer’s nightmare formula - top notes of rose and jasmine expertly blended with a cooking smell,' says Linda.
5. NOT CREATING A SCENTSCAPE THAT MIMICS THE SEASON
Think about the season and reflect that in your choice of candles and diffusers. Home fragrances can evoke feelings and emotions, so reflecting the weather outside can create an atmosphere. The smell of washed linen is best suited to spring, while warmer spiced scents that create a festive scentscape work to get us excited for the winter months.
6. NOT LOOKING AFTER THE CANDLE
Finally, remember to give your candles a bit of TLC, say the fragrance experts at Penhaligon's. 'The main mistake we notice is not properly looking after candles - the best performance of the candle is always up to four hours of the burn at the time where the scent will be the most intensely released into the room. 'Anything over 4 hours burn will result in the wick becoming shaped like a mushroom - which is when carbon collects on the wick and the flame starts releasing the black smoke which can be unpleasant in both scent and appearance.' There are some simple hacks to make your candle last longer though, such as using a wick trimmer will help prolong the healthy burn time of a candle. A candlewick should be around 1cm.