Candles are a perfect way to unwind, relax and set the mood any time of the year. But when it comes to Valentine’s Day, they can inspire romance, help you set aside time for yourself or serve as a sweet, thoughtful gift for anyone who deserves some love this holiday. So whether you’re on the hunt for a seductive date night scent or a floral, refreshing candle perfect for a night in, we’ve got you covered.
If you’re wondering what types of scented candles are considered romantic, know that it’s largely a matter of personal preference. Something that may be warm and nostalgic to one person may not be to another — though there are a few similarities amongst the most popular romantic candles.
Soft floral scents like rose, jasmine and lily of the valley are commonly used in romantic candles and can be balanced with more masculine, earthy scents — like sandalwood, musk or tobacco — for a warm, sultry effect. You’ll also find a lot of gourmand elements (think vanilla, chocolate and romantic fruits) in Valentine’s Day candles for that ultimate indulgence of the senses.
Keep reading to discover 30 of our favorite Valentine’s Day candles. For more Valentine’s Day ideas, check out our favorite gifts for him, gifts for her and home decor.
This passion-fruit-scented candle — which comes in a gorgeous, fluted glass jar that looks a lot pricier than it actually is — balances a sweet yet tart fruity scent with floral peony, smooth vanilla and sandalwood. With 70-80 hours of burn time, the value is near unbeatable.
Maude’s massage candles are some of the most popular on the market, and this gift set is perfect for trying out the brand’s range of scents. Each candle is made with jojoba and soybean oils that melt into a rich and skin-softening massage oil.
If you want the warm ambiance of a candle but are sensitive to smell, try opting for an unscented option. This bright red heart-shaped candle doubles as a small piece of art and is absolutely perfect for gifting.
This aptly named 100% soy wax candle is packaged in a chic glass jar perfect for any minimalist. With notes of jasmine and lavender alongside bright mandarin, it’s romantically floral, citrusy, and sweet.
Bold, rich and irresistible, this luxe and all-consuming candle packs everything we love about indulging into one scent: ripe strawberries, sparkling Champagne and chocolate ganache.
A delicious twist on the classic rose-scented candle, this gourmand option pays homage to all the flavors anyone with a sweet tooth loves: vanilla ice cream, creamy marshmallow and rich almond mixed with sweet rose petals and tart raspberry.
We’re big fans of Byredo’s wonderfully complex fragrances, so it’s no surprise the brand’s candles boast equally fascinating profiles. Inspired by a velvety lipstick imprint, this vintage-inspired scent features notes of rose, violet, Morello cherry, iris root and rice powder.
Smoky, leathery and yet still delightfully gentle, this luxurious candle from Le Labo has been brought back in a gorgeous coral pink color that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Take a bouquet of roses to the next level with this stunning candle. The clean, classic rose scent is perfect for Valentine’s Day, and the gorgeous pink vessel can easily be repurposed into a gorgeous piece of decor.
You can’t go wrong with magnolia scents — they’re the perfect balance of sweet and floral, and they’re often a bit deeper than something rose- or lavender-scented. This luxe option is made from a premium soy wax blend and perfume-grade fragrance oils.
Floral, sweet and of course a little spicy, this romance-inspired candle was developed with top perfumers for a wonderfully layered scent that helps set the mood like no other.
This 100% vegetable wax candle combines two classic Valentine’s Day gifts — candles and chocolate. Handmade in Lithuania, each candle looks and smells like a piece of chocolate, edibility not included.
A perfect centerpiece to any Valentine’s Day celebration, this ceramic berry- and rose-scented candle can easily be repurposed into a charming catch-all container.
For anyone in a newer relationship, this candle could be a fun way to come clean about how you really feel. With notes of Mediterranean fig and white peach, its sweetness is perfectly balanced with warmth and depth from the sandalwood.
For anyone whose love language is baked goods, this chic candle smells pretty much exactly like a croissant — one so buttery and perfect that it transports you to Paris, where the air is filled with love and the corner bakery holds romantic promise.
Inspired by the brand’s bestselling skin-scent-enhancing fragrance of the same name, this candle is meant to smell soft, warm and, most importantly, familiar. Notes include pink pepper, fresh iris and woody ambrette.
Get straight to the point this Valentine’s Day, courtesy of Sweet Water Decor’s warm, floral-scented candle. We love the chic glass jar, which is perfect for putting on display so you can remember your admirer all day long.
With notes of lush peonies and roses alongside berries and just a touch of powdery musk, this candle from Lafco is a beautiful floral dream without being overpowering. Each of the vessels is made from hand-blown glass, which enhances the burning experience (and your decor).
For those in search of a candle that looks perfect for Valentine’s Day, you can’t go wrong with this heart-shaped take on the popular bubble candle trend.
Known for its dual-note fragrance profiles, Boy Smells crafted this fruity and floral candle that's perfect if you want to embrace traditionally Valentine's Day-esque smells without going overly sweet. Though the candle is named for New York's Lower East Side, "les" is coincidentally also the plural article for both masculine and feminine nouns in French.
Choose from 14 different cup colors, candle colors and eight scents — which include irresistible beverage-inspired scents like French Vanilla and Hazelnut Coffee — to create your very own mug-shaped soy blend wax candle, hand-poured in Texas.
Equal parts home décor and candle, BlueMe's candles come in stunning handcrafted ceramic vessels, each of which can be reused alongside their refillable candles. The brand’s romance scent features notes of pink pepper, oak moss and sandalwood.
Well-loved for its nostalgia-invoking scents, Homesick is all about transporting you to another place or time through smell alone. The brand’s love-letter-inspired candle features floral top notes alongside sandalwood, bright lemon and juicy red plum.
For those who can’t resist flowers on Valentine’s Day, Otherland’s Garden Party Collection features a range of gorgeously designed, elevated floral scents. This pretty-in-pink option features southern magnolia, lily of the valley and white amber.
For when you just want to let someone know just how appreciated they are this Valentine’s Day, this candle definitely gets the job done. It’s vibrant and impactful to really make a statement.
These intricately designed, unscented candles are perfect for celebrating one-of-a-kind love, and perhaps a nerdy giftee. Each is inspired by a real gemstone, with amethyst, rose quartz, opal and ruby options available.
If you’re on the hunt for a Valentine this year, this candle can help you do the talking. Choose from a range of the brand’s fruity, musky or floral scents — whichever screams romance to you. All options come packaged in a striking reusable black glass vessel.
For anyone who can’t resist a sweet treat, this strawberry pound cake candle evokes all the smells of the classic dessert: juicy strawberries, delectable shortcake and sweet whipped cream.
Pineapple rum might not be the first scent that comes to mind when you think of Valentine's Day, but there’s nothing like a fan-fave massage candle to get you in the mood. This option is made with skin-friendly ingredients like shea butter and jojoba and coconut oils.
Whether you’re cozying up for a personal self-care day or in search of a relaxing scent that’ll perfectly complement some crisp bedding, Pillow Talk’s candle with notes of lavender, sandalwood and ginger is perfect for melting any stress away.