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The best outdoor candles to get your garden glowing
And keep the mosquitos at bay!
Summer is finally within reach, and with it comes the joy of al fresco dining, garden parties, and long evenings spent lazing in your outdoor space — so what better way to set the mood than with a few outdoor candles?
Best wooden wick outdoor candle
Etsy Citronella Essential Oil Wooden Wick Soy Cement Candle
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Best statement outdoor candle
Dunelm Lemon Shaped Citronella and Eucalyptus Oil Muti Wick Candle
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Less harsh than typical wall lights and less fiddly than fairy lights, outdoor candles provide a unique and cost-effective way to illuminate your garden in a cosy and inviting way. With the line between outdoor and indoor living being blurred with every passing summer, there’s no better time than now to invest in outdoor candles to match your new outdoor rug and mirrors too!
Not only do outdoor candles provide a needed glow to dusky evenings, some candles also use citronella oil helping to repel mosquitos which is always welcomed. With your guests full of good food, basking in a flickering glow and not being eaten alive by small insects, you can be content knowing you are the ultimate host with very minimal effort.
The best outdoor candles to add a glow to your garden
Etsy Citronella Essential Oil Wooden Wick Soy Cement Candle
The wood in this three-wick candle provides ultimate stability even if it’s blowing a gale in the garden. The cement holder will also blend seamlessly for lovers of typical plant pots and no-fuss garden decor.
Dunelm Lemon Shaped Citronella and Eucalyptus Oil Muti Wick Candle
The Range Large Outdoor Battery Powered Candles
Don’t fancy keeping your eye on a flame? No worries, this pair of LED candles from The Range takes all the stress out of candle care. The battery-powered duo even has an in-built timer of six hours, so you don’t have to worry about turning the candles on and off each evening.
Housing a lemongrass-scented candle, this rust-coloured urn is ideal for lovers of earthy tones and rich Moroccan gardens. The worn look of the terracotta means it won’t look out of place sat amongst planters and raised beds.
Diptyque Large Indoor & Outdoor Feu de Bois Scented Candle
For those looking for a touch of luxe in their outdoor space, there’s no better option than Diptyque. Known for its decadent scents and elegant packaging, Diptyque’s woody-scented candle can be used both indoors and outdoors to add cohesion to your inside and garden spaces.
Dunelm Floral Citronella and Eucalyptus Oil Urn Candle
Combining citronella and eucalyptus, Dunelm’s floral-embossed urn is a cost-effective way to keep insects at bay. Its stony hue also means it can fit into gardens of all schemes, whether you're a lover of colour or opt for neutrals.
Looking to keep things simple on your garden table? This small, cream number from Wilko is a surefire way to set the mood while deterring mozzies.
Not all candles have to sit at eye level or below. A lantern is a great way to add depth and interest to a garden and the blue tone of this citronella torch will add a touch of vibrancy that’s usually only reserved for hanging baskets at that height!
Another hassle-free alternative, M&S’ trio of LED candles are a great way to add dimension to a garden path without having to light and blow out each candle every evening. The classic pillar shape and cream colour also make them an ideal addition to gardens of all themes and schemes.
La Redoute Citronella Terracotta Pot Candle
La Redoute’s terracotta pot will be a seamless and classic addition to gardens lined with brick walls and plant pots. This double-wick citronella candle is ideal for both ambience and citrusy scents.
How to care for outdoor candles
Much the same as indoor candles, the outdoor variety should ideally be burnt until they melt edge to edge on first use. This prevents pesky tunnelling in the middle (that all candles are known for) which can be fiddly to reverse. With each use after this, we would suggest leaving the candle burning for no more than four hours at a time.
Often, outdoor candles come with lids, so be sure to use them when the candles aren’t lit. This will preserve their fragrance and protect the surface from dust and dirt, for a clean burn the next time around.
Can you light outdoor candles indoors?
Most outdoor candles should be safe to burn indoors, but always check the product guidelines as one rule does not apply to all. As outdoor candles tend to be on the larger side, it’s always advisable to not leave them burning unattended and to blow them out if you leave the area.
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