Scented Candles & Incense

At Vallgatan 12, a curated selection of scented candles and incense from established and contemporary brands brings fragrance and atmosphere to the home’s various spaces. The range extends from scented candles in glass, ceramic and other decorative containers to incense sticks and other forms of incense, with fragrance compositions ranging from woody, spicy, floral, fresh and aromatic profiles. In addition to their function, containers, packaging and incense holders often become an integrated part of the interior.

Scented candles and incense are used to spread fragrance in a room, but work through different methods. In a scented candle, fragrance compounds are released as the wax is heated and melts around the wick. Incense instead spreads fragrance through the slow burning of aromatic materials, leaving smoke and ash behind. The choice between the different product types therefore affects both how the fragrance is experienced and how it spreads through the room.

Scented candles come in several sizes and constructions, from smaller candles with a single wick to larger models with multiple wicks. The container’s diameter, the amount of wax and the number of wicks affect how the wax melts and how the fragrance spreads. Multiple wicks are often used in wider candles to create a more even melt pool across the surface. Burn time varies between products and is affected, among other things, by the candle’s size, wax blend, wick construction and how the candle is used.

Incense comes in several forms, with incense sticks being one of the most common. They may consist of aromatic raw materials formed around a core or a homogeneous blend without a separate wooden core, depending on the production tradition and product. Incense may also come as cones and other pressed or shaped variants. Burning time and fragrance intensity vary depending on the format, composition and size.

Wax is a central part of a scented candle’s construction and acts as a carrier for the fragrance composition. Paraffin, vegetable waxes such as soy and rapeseed wax, and various wax blends are used depending on the manufacturer and desired properties. Different waxes have distinct melting points and burning properties, which, together with the wick’s dimensions, affect how the candle burns. Wicks are usually made of cotton or other fibres, while some scented candles use wooden wicks.

The fragrance composition may consist of natural and synthetically produced fragrance compounds combined to create a specific character. As in perfumery, a fragrance can be built from different notes that develop and interact during use. Citrus, herbs and aromatic notes often create a fresher profile, while woods, spices, resins, flowers, musk and ambery notes are used to create other types of compositions. How the fragrance is experienced is also affected by the size of the room, ventilation and how long the product is used.

Incense is traditionally made from blends that may contain wood powder, bark, resins, herbs, spices and other aromatic ingredients. Sandalwood, cedarwood, agarwood, patchouli and various resins are examples of raw materials used in incense, but the composition varies between manufacturers and traditions. Perfume and fragrance compounds may also be added to create a specific fragrance profile.

The container is also an important part of a scented candle’s function and visual expression. Glassware is common because the material withstands heat and makes it possible to monitor the wax consumption, while ceramic and metal are used in more decorative constructions. Surfaces may be clear, frosted, glazed, matt or textured. Once the candle has been used up, some containers can be cleaned and reused, provided that the manufacturer’s recommendations allow this.

Incense needs to be placed in a holder suited to the product’s format. The holder stabilises the incense and collects ash during burning. Models range from smaller holders with a simple hole for an incense stick to longer trays, bowls and more sculptural objects made of, for example, ceramic, metal or stone. The construction should provide sufficient support for the incense and catch the ash produced.

Scented candles and incense can be used all year round, while the choice of fragrance often changes with the season and setting. Lighter citrus, herbal and floral notes are often used in spring and summer, while woody, spicy, smoky and ambery compositions are often associated with autumn and winter. Fragrance is also individual and does not need to follow the seasons, meaning that the same composition can be used throughout the year depending on the room and desired expression.

Correct use is important for a scented candle to burn evenly. The wick should be kept at the length recommended by the manufacturer, and the candle should be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface protected from drafts. During the first use, it is common to let the wax melt out to the edges of the container before extinguishing the candle, if the product’s instructions permit this. This can contribute to more even wax consumption and reduce the risk of a depression forming around the wick.

Incense should be placed securely in a designated holder on a heat-resistant surface and used in an environment with suitable ventilation. Both scented candles and incense involve combustion and should be kept away from flammable materials, children and pets. The products should never be left burning unattended, and the manufacturer’s safety and usage instructions should always be followed.

Vallgatan 12’s selection of scented candles and incense includes products where fragrance, material and form work together with the interior. From scented candles in decorative containers to incense and accompanying holders, the range offers various fragrance compositions and formats for the home’s different rooms and environments.