It’s just about spring, in what might be the hellish year… well, ever. If you’re anything like me, you’re looking for little things to make the mundane just a bit better—and a great way to do that is by having your home smelling good. Here are some of my top picks for home scents this spring, though I’ll always favor a candle and fresh flowers. Flowers just know how to liven up a space and bring some much-needed beauty. Anyway, here are my picks.
*This list includes affiliate links for some products, I may earn a commission from them.
Architects Daughter Candle and Home Mist by The New Savant
I recently got The New Savant’s newest product, Architects Daughter. It’s the brand’s first time making a mist, though it also comes in candle form. With notes of cedarwood shavings, bergamot, salty tears, and grapefruit juice, this scent is inspired by the co-founder’s childhood memories of spending hours in her father’s (an architect’s) office.
It’s definitely a compelling woodsy-paper scent, but what makes it more interesting is the grapefruit—it wakes it up and keeps things lively. I really like this for transitioning from winter to spring when you aren’t quite sure if we’ve actually hit spring or if it’s just a false start. That said, I do prefer the brand’s candle formulations since I think they have better projection. But that’s just a personal preference—I don’t particularly care for room sprays in general. I like the added atmosphere and glow a candle provides.
Lobby by Vacation
I don’t think I love a brand quite as much as I love Vacation. Their attention to detail? Stunning. The stuff of absolute brand beauty.
I’ve tried all their candles, and Lobby is by far my favorite. It’s strong, burns evenly, and has great projection. With notes of fresh-cut flowers, high-gloss magazines, and an air-conditioned ocean breeze, it definitely leans floral—particularly fresh, dewy calla lilies. I love this scent in my bathroom. In all honesty, this is, in some ways, how I imagine Miranda Priestly’s office smells in The Devil Wears Prada—especially given the time frame of the movie.
Black Cedar & Fig by Paddywax
If spring had a scent, this would be it. It’s earthy and woody but still fresh.
With notes of bergamot, fig, vetiver, green tea, pink pepper, cedar, and musk, it has a very lived-in feel. It projects beautifully, and the wax mostly burns evenly. But let’s be real—the ceramic packaging is the real star. It’s reusable, and I repurpose mine as a tiny vase for small floral arrangements. It’d also be perfect for perfume samples or Q-tips. The fig in this is so well done—elevated and sweet but in a delicate, blossoming way, not in a cloying, sugary way.
Matcha Bes-teas by FORVR Mood
What’s a candle guide without something from Jackie Aina? Exactly.
Personally, this is my favorite candle from her line—it’s so earthy and grounding. Dare I say… the official scent of Taurus season? With notes of lemongrass, parsley seed, and matcha, it strikes a perfect balance. That parsley seed note is unexpected but keeps things grounded, while the lemongrass adds a bright pop. This is ideal for burning on days when you want to spoil yourself. It has a great pull and is made with a coconut wax blend.
Crushed Mint by KOBO
If you want something that transitions nicely into summer, I think herbaceous candles are the way to go. Crushed Mint is my top pick because of its crisp freshness.
With notes of mint, carnation, and tonka bean, it’s super well-balanced. The tonka bean keeps it from smelling too much like a straight-up herb candle—so if you’re looking for something that smells like you just stepped into a garden, this might not be it. But if you want something fresh, crisp, and versatile, this one’s a winner. I especially love burning it in the morning when I want to feel productive.
Verdant Verve by Otherland
This candle makes me feel like I’m running through a giant green maze behind a beautiful turn-of-the-century mansion. It’s lush and vibrant but also just a little luxurious.
With notes of oakmoss, neroli blossom, and fresh thyme, it’s a perfect background scent—clean, fresh, and not overpowering. If you like strong projection, this might not be for you, but it perfectly captures that fresh newness of spring.
Cherubim's Candle Spring Edition by Candier
Full disclosure: I haven’t tried this brand yet, but I will be, because unfortunately, I am highly susceptible to good packaging. And this one checks all my boxes.
This spring edition features notes of pear, agave, rose, cherry blossom, amber, and musk—and I better feel like a heavenly cherub while burning it. The pear note is particularly intriguing, so I’m excited to see how it plays out.
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