These Summer Candles Will Make Your Home Smell Like a Luxurious Beachside Resort

I know what you're thinking, aren't candles more of a winter thing? I used to think this as well, until I went round to my friend's house one day and spotted her & Other Stories Perle De Coco candle burning in the hallway. Trust me when I saw that her home smelt like a luxury beachside resort. As we moved into her garden, I then got a whiff of Diptyque's Citronnelle candle and immediately made a mental note to pop to the shops the next day so I could buy the exact same one.

Although I always like to switch up my home for the new season with brightly-coloured cushions and fun tableware, I didn't realise just how much of a difference a summer-scented candle could make. These escapist scents have a way of making you feel like you're on holiday, even if (like me) you are sat on your balcony listening to the sound of London traffic below.

Trust me, even if it's pouring with rain (which isn't a rare occurrence in the UK), a candle is an easy way to elevate your space and help you pretend that it's bright sunshine outside. So, whether you're entertaining friends this summer or having a chilled one in the garden by yourself, I highly recommend checking out my edit of the chicest summer candles that not only look great, but smell great, too...

The Best Candles to Try This Summer

1. Best candle for outdoors: Diptyque Citronelle
2. Best candle for days at home: Byredo Summer Rain
3. Best candle for dinner parties: Carrière Frères Tomato
4. Best high street candle: & Other Stories Perle de Coco
5. Best candle for summer drinks: Phlur Tangerine Boy
6. Best candle for the garden: Maison Margiela Replica From The Garden
7. Best candle overall: Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia
8. Best escapist candle: Space NK Mykonos Blue
9. Best candle for any occasion: Malin + Goetz Strawberry
10. Best candle for a hot day: Floral Street X Van Gogh Museum Sunflower Pop
11. Best White Company candle: The White Company Summer
12. Best candle for endless compliments: Granado Bossa

Shop My Edit of Summer Candles

1. Diptyque Citronnelle

Diptyque

Citronnelle Candle

£56

Key notes: Lemongrass, verbena, neroli and orange blossom

Burn time: Approximately 60 hours

It's no secret that Diptyque do some of the chicest candles out there. Not only does the brand's citronnelle candle have the benefit of deterring mosquitos, but the bright, citrusy scent is perfect for those hot summer nights spent outside in the garden.

2. Byredo Summer Rain

Byredo

Summer Rain Candle

£70

Key notes: Basil, spearmint, fig, ginger, tonka beans and sandalwood

Burn time: Approximately 60 hours

I don't know how Byredo have done it, but they have perfectly captured that smell of fresh rain on a warm summer's day. This candle is crisp and invigorating but also comforting, perfect for those chilled out days spent at home. Oh, and the packaging gets a 10 out of 10 from me.

3. Carrière Frères Tomato

Carrière Frères

Tomato Scented Candle

£54

Key notes: Tomato

Burn time: 40 to 45 hours

I love burning this candle in my kitchen during the warmer months. There's something so clean and juicy about a tomato scent. Whenever I burn it, it makes me feel as if I'm in the middle of Italy enjoying a plate of bruschetta in the summer sun.

4. & Other Stories Perle de Coco

& Other Stories

Perle De Coco Candle

£23

Key notes: Coconut, vanilla, red apple, caramel, bamboo, jasmine and sandalwood

Burn time: 38 hours

I am a huge fan of the & Other Stories Perle De Coco perfume, so it's no surprise that I love the candle as well. This is definitely a sweeter scent than the options above, but it's so delicious and really does transport you to a sandy beach with a pina colada in hand.

5. Phlur Tangerine Boy

Phlur

Tangerine Boy Candle

£45

Key notes: Ginger, black pepper, lemon, tangerine, jasmine, apple, amber and moss

Burn time: 70+ hours

This is the kind of candle I would get out when I'm having friends round for drinks. The spicy, citrusy, sexy scent is bound to earn you endless compliments. Think black pepper, lemon, ginger and tangerine to captivate the senses.

6. Maison Margiela Replica From The Garden

Maison Margiela

Replica From The Garden Candle

£55

Key notes: Tomato leaf, green mandarin, patchouli and geranium

Burn time: 40+ hours

As the name suggests, this candle smells just like spending the day in the garden while the sun shines above. Notes of tomato leaf and green mandarin remind me of planting fruit and vegetables with my parents while patchouli adds an earthy edge.

7. Jo Malone London English Pear & Freesia

Jo Malone London

English Pear & Freesia Candle

£50

Key notes: Pear, white freesia, amber, patchouli and wood

Burn time: 45 hours

This is one of my favourite summer scents. In fact, I love it so much that I have the candle, diffuser, perfume and body lotion. It's definitely more on the sweet side thanks to hints of juicy pear, but freesia, patchouli and wood help to ground the scent and make it feel a little more earthy.

8. Space NK Mykonos Blue

Space NK

Mykonos Blue Candle

£35

Key notes: Sea salt, seaweed and basil

Bring Mykonos to you this summer with Space NK's Mykonos Blue candle. This scent was inspired by the popular destination and will transport you to the sandy beaches of Greece thanks to notes of fresh, crisp sea salt.

9. Malin + Goetz Strawberry

Malin + Goetz

Strawberry Candle

£54

Key notes: Strawberry, pink pepper, bergamot, jasmine petals, woodland greens and musk

When I was younger I'd go strawberry picking with my parents every summer, and this candle takes me back to those very days. It's sweet yet comforting thanks to notes of musk and jasmine, and would make a gorgeous addition to any home.

10. Floral Street X Van Gogh Museum Sunflower Pop

Floral Street

X Van Gogh Museum Sunflower Pop Candle

£38

Key notes: Bergamot, spearmint, bellini accord, green matcha, vanilla and tonka bean

Burn time: Up to 40 hours

I've used the Sunflower Pop fragrance for years, so I was delighted to see that you could also get the scent in a candle form. To me, this is the epitome of summer thanks to fresh, citrusy, zingy notes. It's truly invigorating and was inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

11. The White Company Summer

The White Company

Summer Signature Candle

£22

Key notes: Sea salt, bay and samphire

Burn time: Approximately 33 hours

I couldn't do this roundup without including a candle from The White Company. This is another fresh, invigorating scent that reminds me of being windswept by the Cornish sea.

12. Granado Bossa

Granado

Bossa Candle

£39

Key notes: Lemon, mandarin, frangipani, coconut milk, tiaré, musk and cashmere

Where do I start with this candle? It's so delicious that I am almost lost for words. This is a true tropical, holiday scent with notes of coconut milk and tiaré. Trust me when I say that everyone will be complimenting your home when you burn this.