Ultimate Guide to Candles in Perth: Styles, Trends & Expert Decorating Tips

Why Candles Remain Essential in Modern Perth Homes

Candles are more than a simple decorative accessory; they play a multifaceted role in shaping the ambience, mood, and visual appeal of interiors. In contemporary Western Australian spaces—where biophilic design, natural materials, and transitional styles converge—candles help bridge indoor-outdoor living, offer layered lighting, and express personality through scent and form. The versatility of candles Perth ranges from sumptuous designer vessels to statement-making sculptural pieces and pragmatic soy wax pillars.

Their importance extends beyond atmospheric benefits. Candles can be used to complement leading interior design styles—think Japandi minimalism, Scandinavian warmth, or coastal Boho. Placed thoughtfully, a candle arrangement can provide a centrepiece in your living area, a welcoming accent in an entryway, or a spa-like retreat in your bathroom. With Perth’s affinity for sustainability and artisan craftsmanship, locally sourced, hand-poured options have surged in popularity, providing unique scents like eucalyptus, sandalwood, and native botanicals.

Avoiding over-clutter and ensuring safe placement are crucial to maximizing both the aesthetic and practical features of candles in the home. The right candle can uplift interiors by introducing sensory depth, while a poor selection or incorrect placement—such as crowding flammable materials—can undermine the design or even become a safety hazard.

Candle Styles and Materials: What’s Trending in Perth WA?

The candles Perth WA market is known for its diversity of style and material choices, reflecting both global influences and local preferences. Essential categories include classic glass-jar candles, pillar styles, sculpted forms, taper candles, and luxury designer releases. Material selection plays a major role: natural soy wax remains the go-to for eco-conscious buyers, beeswax is prized for air-purifying abilities, and coconut wax varieties are gaining traction for clean burning and subtle fragrance throw.

Eco-friendly packaging and refillable candle vessels are increasingly sought after by sustainability-minded decorators. Minimalist concrete holders appeal to lovers of industrial and urban loft aesthetics, while amber glass and recycled metals fit seamlessly into Mid-century, Coastal, or Hamptons-inspired homes. Top fragrance trends in the region centre on native botanicals, fresh citrus, and smoky, unisex blends that bring a modern yet grounded vibe to Perth interiors.

To ensure harmony, it’s best to select candle materials and forms that reflect or contrast your existing décor elements—mirrored glass adds sparkle to dark wood joinery; textured ceramics soften hard architectural lines.

Classic Glass Jar Candles

Timeless and widely adaptable, glass jar candles are at home in almost every interior scheme. Their versatility allows placement in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms alike. Select clear jar candles for bright, airy environments, or opt for tinted glass to introduce colour blocking that complements other decorative accessories. When collecting glass candles, ensure consistency in shape or colour to avoid a scattered or visually busy look.

Sculptural and Statement Candles

Sculptural candles, such as body forms, geometric towers, or textured arches, act as both light sources and art objects—key for trend-aware decorators seeking focal points. These work especially well layered with books, vases, and trays on coffee tables or consoles. However, sculptural candles often burn unevenly and may drip, so avoid placing them on unprotected surfaces or heirloom furniture.

Soy, Beeswax, and Coconut Wax: Which Should You Choose?

Soy wax is ideal for most Perth homes thanks to a clean burn, strong scent throw, and vegan-friendly credentials. Beeswax candles appeal for their subtle honey aroma and natural air-purifying properties but come at a higher price point. Coconut wax is emerging for its smooth finish, low soot output, and luxurious texture, although availability is still limited. Choosing the right wax ensures both indoor air quality and design longevity—avoid paraffin blends where possible due to their synthetic origins and sooty residue.

Candle Placement: Room-by-Room Inspiration

Strategic candle placement transforms functional zones into design statements. Each room in the home benefits from candles in a unique way:

• Living Rooms: Group candles of varying heights on coffee tables or mantels to anchor your seating area. Use unscented varieties for high-traffic spaces to prevent scent fatigue.
• Bedrooms: Choose calming fragrances like lavender or sandalwood. Candles on nightstands or dressers soften harsh lighting and add a restorative quality to your sanctuary.
• Bathrooms: Cluster small tealights or place a single statement candle on the tub edge for a spa-like retreat. Avoid over-crowding as moisture can affect candle longevity.
• Dining Areas: Use low-profile taper candles for intimate dinners; opt for neutral vessels to keep the focus on food and conversation.
• Entryways: Welcome guests with a subtly scented candle atop a console, reinforcing your home’s design language from the first impression.

A common mistake is using overpowering scents in close quarters or combining too many fragrances, which can trigger sensitivities or overwhelm the senses.

Small-Space Candle Styling

In apartments or compact homes, it’s important to find balance. Opt for smaller vessels, wall-mounted candle holders, or floating shelves to save surface space. Grouping a trio of similar candles enhances visual impact without clutter. Multifunctional candleholders—such as those that double as storage or trinket trays—are excellent for maximizing utility in smaller footprints.

Budgeting for Candles in Perth: Affordable to Luxe Options

The candles Perth WA marketplace spans from budget-friendly everyday options to high-end, artisanal creations. Deciding how much to invest depends on purpose, frequency of use, and the role candles play in your overall décor plan. Here’s a comparison to guide your decision:

Be wary of ultra-cheap candles that may use subpar waxes or synthetic scents, as these can lead to poor burn quality and degrade your indoor air environment. When possible, test candles before committing to large or multi-pack purchases.

Pro Tip

Layer candles with other lighting: To achieve a dynamic and inviting atmosphere, integrate candles with dimmable LED sconces or strategically placed table lamps. This layered approach, frequently seen in high-end interiors, reduces the visual harshness of direct overhead lighting while extending the design life of your more decorative candles.

Common Risks and Mistakes: What to Avoid with Candles

While candles add warmth and intimacy, potential downsides shouldn’t be underestimated. Among the most frequent concerns:

• Fire hazards: Always keep candles away from curtains, houseplants, or papers. Never leave burning candles unattended, especially in homes with children or pets.
• Surface damage: Heat from candle bases can discolour or mark furniture; always use coasters or heat-resistant trays.
• Overpowering scents: Intense fragrances may trigger allergies or clash with cooking aromas in open-plan homes. Choose unscented or lightly fragranced options for versatile spaces.
• Poor ventilation: Burning candles in spots with limited airflow may lead to sooting or reduced air quality. Open windows periodically or use an air purifier.

One of the most common mistakes is purchasing on scent alone without considering vessel size, style compatibility, or wax quality—leading to candles that clash with your décor or perform poorly over time.

Candle Maintenance and Care: Ensuring Longevity

Proper maintenance ensures your candles not only look their best but also burn efficiently and safely. Follow these practical steps:

• Trim the wick to 5mm before each use to prevent uneven burning and soot build-up.
• Allow the wax pool to reach the container edge each burn to avoid tunnelling.
• Keep candles dust-free by covering with lids or storing in closed cupboards between uses.
• Store out of direct sunlight to prevent discolouration and scent loss.
• Extinguish with a snuffer to minimize smoke and increase vessel lifespan.

Disregarding maintenance can result in wasted product, stained surfaces, or an overall disappointing décor experience.

Current Candle Trends in Perth: What’s Hot for 2025?

In sync with broader home design trends, the following candle styles and usage patterns are set to dominate Perth interiors in the near future:

• Sculpted forms: Abstract, asymmetrical, and organic shapes that double as conversation pieces.
• Local artisan scents: Botanicals distilled using native flora such as wattle, eucalyptus, and lemon myrtle.
• Refillable vessels: Reducing waste with beautifully crafted, reusable containers, part of the slow-living and biophilic design movements.
• Layered scent experiences: Blending complementary candles across large open-plan layouts to transition mood from day to evening.
• Outdoor and alfresco candles: Citronella and lemongrass blends designed for Perth’s beloved patios and balconies.

The resurgence of tactile, earthy materials—like stoneware and hammered iron—mirrors trends seen across furniture and home décor in international design hubs. For inspiration, view collections curated by designers in the latest global design showcases.

Actionable Checklist: Curating Your Candle Collection in Perth

• Define the primary mood or function for each room (relaxation, focus, welcome, etc.)
• Select vessel styles that complement your interior palette and textures
• Match candle scents to zones—fresh for kitchens, calming for bedrooms, neutral for dining
• Mix shapes and sizes in odd-numbered arrangements for visual balance
• Opt for refillable or locally sourced candles to support Perth artisans and reduce waste
• Place candles at different heights using trays, stands, or stacked books
• Keep surfaces uncluttered; less is more for small spaces
• Prioritise safety—keep candles away from flammable décor and out of reach of children and pets
• Maintain and store candles properly to maximise lifespan and scent

Use this checklist to methodically develop a collection that elevates both style and comfort throughout your home.

FAQ

What are the best locally made candle brands in Perth?

Perth is home to a vibrant community of artisan candlemakers. Brands like Little Wick & Co, EcoVibe, and Elum Living are renowned for their craftsmanship, use of local botanicals, and innovative vessel designs.

How do I safely decorate with candles in homes with pets or children?

Always place candles on high shelves or use enclosed lantern-style holders that prevent contact with flames. Consider battery-powered LED candle alternatives in areas that are hard to supervise, especially in high-traffic family spaces.

Are scented or unscented candles better for open-plan living?

Unscented candles are typically preferred for open-plan layouts to avoid clashing with cooking aromas and to ensure a neutral backdrop. Scented candles can be layered in smaller, defined zones but should be subtle and coordinated with your home’s overall scent profile.

How can I extend the life of my candles?

Trim wicks before each burn, avoid burning candles for more than four hours at a stretch, and allow the wax pool to reach the edge every time. Store unused candles in cool, dry places out of sunlight to prevent loss of fragrance and colour changes.