There are very few downsides to summer in my opinion. The weather is bright and warm, the nights are long, and the parties and gatherings are plentiful. But if I had to highlight one con out of a million pros, it would definitely be the bugs, at least for me. I'm not one to jump at a spider or hesitate to kill a fly, but I am somehow a magnet for mosquitos and no-see-ums, both of which never fail to attack my legs and arms to the point of genuine discomfort. It's partially my fault — much to my mother's chagrin, I never put on bug spray and I have yet to remember to wear the mosquito-repelling bracelet she bought me years ago.
But one thing I do like to invest in is a citronella candle. Maybe it's because I don't need to put anything on my body; maybe it's because it gives me a reason to shop the best home decor brands. But whatever it is, I love buying and burning these functional votives, especially if they look just as beautiful as their non-insect-repelling counterparts. Indeed, I love citronella candles that are stylish and luxurious, even if it means they are slightly less functional. What good is being a design lover if you toss aesthetics out the window at the first obstacle?
Below, you'll find some of the most luxurious (read: designer) and most stylish (read: in my opinion) citronella candles on the market right now, from brands like Loewe, Diptyque, and more. This summer, it's all about keeping the mosquitos away and looking good while doing it.
The most stylish (and luxurious) citronella candles
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Price: $39.99
Scent: Citronella
Burn Time: 75 to 80 hours
Starting off strong, this affordable but nonetheless chic Wayfair option from the brand Aromatherapy scratches every itch a citronella candle should (pun absolutely intended). Of course, I love the contrast of the bright green label and the shiny metal canister, but we all know it's what's inside the vessel that matters. Each candle is hand-poured in California and all ingredients are sourced from local American farmers, in addition to being parabens, sulfate, and phthalate-free.
Price: $98
Scent: Citronella and Cucumber
Burn Time: 60 hours
Crafted with Anthropologie's signature care and one-of-a-kind design, this hand-poured candle from Terrain boasts a 'sommergrun' scent that combines notes of citronella and cucumber. Lucky for you and me, this magic amalgamation (which also features lemongrass and eucalyptus) is said to naturally repel mosquitos and wasps so we can enjoy our outdoor dinners without itching or scratching.
Price: $49
Scent: Jasmine
Burn Time: 80 hours
Though I have yet to try a Skeem citronella candle, I have genuinely heard nothing but good things. The brand is consistently included in round-ups of the best citronella candles, and the vessel design is surprisingly chic. (Those two things don't often go hand in hand!)
This particular product boasts notes of jasmine and orange flower 'blended with citronella on a base of musk,' according to its description. What's more, Skeem's citronella oils are blended with other fragrances to help disguise that infamous lemony scent.
Price: $14.99
Scent: Citronella
Burn Time: 26-30 hours
I'll admit — my draw to this candle is more about its lovely 3-wick design and Van Gogh-esque vessel design than its bug-repelling properties. But you already knew that ... we are talking about style and luxury here. Not to mention that this candle is, at the very least, an Amazon favorite; 600+ units were purchased in the last month alone. Customers gave it 4/5 stars for value, 4.2/5 stars for scent, and 4.1/5 stars for longevity. For a $15 candle, that's pretty good.
Price: $70
Scent: Citronella Orange Blossom
Burn Time: 80 hours
Voluspa is one of my favorite luxury candle brands; it offers plenty of scents (my current favorite is Baltic Amber) and the product burns quite nicely, at least in my experience. While I haven't tried the citronella candle specifically, I'm certain it smells just as great as the brand's other offerings, especially with notes of orange flower blossom and sandalwood. If that isn't endorsement enough, the candle currently boasts a 4.5/5-star rating across 34 customer reviews on the Voluspa website.
Price: $430
Scent: Citronnelle Lemongrass & Orange Blossom
Burn Time: 120 hours
If luxury and style are what you're after, Diptyque is the way to go. Known for their well-made and incredibly luxe votives, the French perfumer counts celebrities like Beyoncé, Meghan Markle, and Kate Hudson among its many fans.
While this lemongrass, orange blossom, and citronella candle sure costs a pretty penny, it would undoubtedly last multiple summers with a bit of judicious burning. Plus, its playful votive design and highly recognizable logo will signal to any dinner guests that you know a thing or two about luxury and design — and isn't that part of the reason we want to buy these brands, anyway?
Price: $59
Scent: Citronella
Burn Time: 22 hours
As long as mothers and Cape Cod vacationers have been decorating their homes, Mackenzie's Child has delivered a product worthy of their affection. Any Martha Stewart acolyte or coastal grandma devotee would recognize that iconic check pattern in seconds, which is why this is one of the most luxurious and stylish citronella candles money can buy. And with a 22-hour burn time, you can surely keep these Nancy Meyers vibes going all summer long.
Price: $255
Scent: Geranium
Burn Time: 70 hours
We love Loewe home scents in this house. If owning something from the designer brand is on your bucket list, might I suggest starting with a candle, soap, or diffuser from its home scents line? Even better — starting with the geranium/citronella scented outdoor candle, so you can justify the purchase every time you light it. Let the lack of mosquito bites be all the validation you need.
Price: $59
Scent: Citronella and Geranium
Burn Time: 35 hours
This natural wood pot is really the star of the show; as the Pottery Barn description aptly points out, you can easily save the vessel once the candle burns down and use it for trinkets, tchotchkes, and more. Its light color evokes the same vibe as a spa, while the citronella and geranium candle also features notes of rose, eucalyptus, and cedarwood.
Price: $14.99
Scent: Citronella
Burn Time: 25 hours
For an affordable and minimalist votive that gets the job done for a low price, I'd go with this 3-wick from Target's collaboration with Magnolia. I've never tried it so I can't speak to efficacy, but I love the soft and simple look, and the few reviews there are all positive except for one (which had less to do with quality and more to do with Target's shipping).
Price: $59.95
Scent: Citrus/herbal
Burn Time: 21 hours
Never did I think a candle could look as cool as a low-profile couch, but here we are. This lovely citrus/herbal citronella candle, elevated in a solid wood, mid-century modern frame looks every bit as timeless as the designs of Charles Eames and Florence Knoll and every bit as modern as a Camaleonda Sofa. Would work perfectly as an elegant patio table centerpiece, or holding its own off to the side.
Price: $32
Scent: Citronella and Thyme
Burn Time: 12 hours
A small apartment balcony or patio might not require something as big as the other options on this list. So perhaps consider this basic but adorable option from Terrain, which is most importantly housed inside a weathered, antique-esque green scalloped vessel that looks handpainted, like something that's been passed down through generations. And that's part of the appeal.
How do citronella candles work?
These clever and useful candles work by releasing the scent of citronella oil into the air as they burn, says Tay Baker, owner of Claranda Tay Candles Co. 'This oil emits a strong, lemony scent that interferes with the sensory receptors of mosquitoes and other insects, making it difficult for them to locate humans and other animals by scent,' she explains.
The efficacy of a citronella candle ultimately 'depends on the concentration of citronella oil, the size of the area, and environmental factors such as wind,' so keep that in mind as you stock up for the season.
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