Candles are a year-round boon to your room—just light one up and instantly transform your space into a sweet-smelling wonderland. Candles come in many shapes, sizes, and fragrances, so sifting through a seemingly endless variety of options may seem daunting. One thing that makes the process easier? A candle purchase that's easy on the wallet.
It may seem like a challenge, but you can find plenty of inexpensive candles, ranging from earthy, fruity, chocolate-y, and herbal, that range from travel size tins to jars larger than 11 ounces. The key is to know where to look.
Here, we found the best candles under $20 that'll help you build your collection without breaking the bank.
P.F. Candle Co. Sandalwood Rose Candle
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All of P.F. Candle Co.'s candles are made from domestically-grown soy wax, fine fragrance oils, and cotton-core wicks, so you really can't go wrong with any of their scents. For a New York-meets-Los Angeles vibe, go for the Sandalwood Rose scent, which combines cashmere rose, oud, and sandalwood into one intoxicatingly good candle.
Allswell Vanilla Tonka Noir Candle
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You don’t need to take a trip to the spa to get your fill of fresh, massage room scents. The Coconut Wax Blend Candle by Allswell has a mixture of vanilla bean and smoked incense that will immediately transport you to a dreamy state. The 11 oz. jar not only has a great value, it’s also residue-free so you can upcycle with trinkets or dried flowers.
Grove Co. Sanctuary Soy Candle with Lavender, Blue Sage and Clove
This candle from Grove Co. isn't just sustainably-made with natural ingredients—it'll also make you feel a little more serene thanks to the combination of lavender, blue sage, and clove. It's vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, plus it burns clean with no synthetic fragrances. In fact, it's so good that photo editor Amy Cooper named it her favorite product of January 2021.
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Joya Studio Central Park Track Club Candle
Inspired by the nature that committed runners encounter, this 3-ounce travel-sized candle by Joya Studio smells like wet leaves, branches, and soil. Sound a bit too earthy? Don't worry—there are also notes of jasmine and lavender to balance out the experience.
Farmtrue Meditation Ghee Candle
We could all use a bit more zen time, and the Meditation Ghee Candle by Farmtrue provides a welcome respite from the busy world. This candle is made from ghee (AKA clarified butter) as a base oil mixed with beeswax to provide a sensual and calming fragrance. The brand recommends gazing at the flame with both eyes without blinking until tears form to get the best meditative experience.
Natural Annie Essentials Brown Sugar Rum Candle
Looking for something sweet? Check out this candle from Etsy shop Natural Annie Essentials, which smells like a delicious combination of caramelized sugar, coconut, custard, rum, vanilla, and maple. Burn time is 30-35 hours for the 4-ounce candle, making it the perfect thing to add to your kitchen when you want it to smell extra nice.
Mrs. Meyer's Honeysuckle Candle
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You probably know Mrs. Meyer's best for cleaning supplies, but the brand also has a range of inexpensive candles in all their popular scents. Each 4.9-ounce candle is made with soy and vegetable wax and has a 25-hour burn time, plus comes in a recycled glass jar that can easily be repurposed once the candle's burnt out.
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Fontana Candle Company Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil Candle
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Using selective cold-pressed pink grapefruit essential oils, this candle from the the Fontana Candle Company packs a lot of citrus might in a small package. The 6-ounce tin is the only size under $20, but it has a burn time of 20-25 hours and a strong aroma that will fill your space with just the right amount of zest.
Finn Naturals Lemongrass + Tea Soy Scented Candle
With an impressive burn time of 55-60 hours, this 9-ounce lemongrass and tea scented candle is a great value for being under $20. The candle is hand poured with premium American-grown soy wax and scented with premium fragrance/essential oil blends, plus it's finished with a lead- and zinc-free wick for a clean burn.
Pet's Favorite Calming Lavender Candle
For those with pets, having a candle that eliminates dog and cat smells from the air is golden. The Pet’s Favorite company has a lavender candle said to remove 99 percent of pet odors from the air, beating out sprays and air fresheners. For under $15, this purchase is a great value—especially considering that the candle has a 70-hour burn time.
Paddywax Spark Candle - Honey Patchouli Tonka Bean
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Pretty in pink and sure to light up the room, Paddywax's Spark candle has a modern, clear glass vessel inspired by prayer candles. The scents are different depending on what stage of burning the candle is in: The top notes feature eucalyptus and nutmeg, while the base notes take on smoked cedar and spiced musk scents.
Willamette Candle Co. Love Spell Candle
The woman-owned Willamette Candle Company sells their Love Spell candle for under $20 in both 4-ounce and 8-ounce sizes. The candle's fragrance is a mixture of floral and fruity, including notes of apple, peach, and grapefruit as well as blossom and hydrangea. Give it to your significant other to stir up a little more romance.
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Bixby & Co. Dark Chocolate Scented Candle
If you’re like millions of other chocolate lovers in the world, having your space smell like your favorite treat will help you relax. The Bixby & Co. chocolate company created this 9-ounce candle that gives off notes of dark chocolate in a fun glass container. Hint: This also makes a great gift for your favorite chocolate-loving person.
Broken Top Candle Company Sea Salt Turf Travel Candle
Ocean lovers will enjoy breathing in this 100% soy bean wax candle that smells of the crispest ocean breeze. the Sea Salt Turf Travel Candle was created by the Broken Top Candle Company and comes in a cute, rustic looking 4 oz. jar.
Why Trust MyDomaine
Adrienne Jordan writes about home design and commerce for MyDomaine. She uses candles practically every day for various tasks, from working and studying to yoga and meditation. She believes candles are a great way to incorporate a spa and relaxation experience from your own home.