There’s nothing like getting lost in the pages of a good book—except perhaps pairing that literary escape with the perfect fragrance. Imagine curling up in your favorite reading nook, a soft glow flickering nearby, and a scent that brings the story alive.
Whether you’re swept away by a steamy romance, unraveling a nail-biting mystery, or seeking tranquility with a mindfulness guide, the right candle can set the mood. A lush floral fragrance might evoke the blossoming passion of a love story, while something rich and smoky could heighten the suspense of a thriller. Sometimes, it’s all about finding a calming scent to clear your mind and immerse yourself fully in the narrative.
At LAFCO, we believe scent is storytelling. Each fragrance tells its own tale, weaving together memories, emotions, and dreams. Below, we’ve paired our favorite LAFCO candles with popular literary genres to inspire your next cozy reading session. Grab a blanket, your current read, and let’s create the ultimate bookish escape.
Romance: Star Magnolia
There’s a reason romance novels make our hearts flutter—they whisk us away to worlds of passion, longing, and irresistible chemistry. To amplify that magic, choose a candle as enchanting as the stories themselves: Star Magnolia.
This fragrance is a delicate symphony, offering just the right balance of sweet citrus and fresh florals. Its intoxicating yet subtle aroma sets the perfect mood for love stories, whether you’re diving into a sweeping historical romance or savoring a modern tale of serendipity.
The journey begins with top notes of neroli, bergamot, and a whisper of bamboo leaves, teasing the senses like a promising first chapter. As the story unfolds, a floral bouquet takes center stage—magnolia, jasmine, lilac, and rose evoke the timeless allure of love itself. Finally, the fragrance lingers with a base of bois de rose, orange flower, and sheer amber, grounding the experience and leaving you captivated long after you’ve turned the last page.
Mystery/Thriller: Amber Black Vanilla
There’s nothing like the tension of a good mystery or the pulse-pounding twists of a thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat. To match the dark allure and intricate layers of these genres, Amber Black Vanilla is the perfect choice. This fragrance mirrors the storytelling experience—starting with an enticing introduction, building suspense, and finishing with a lingering impression of something rich and unforgettable.
The opening notes of black currant, orange, and lemon zest are bright and invigorating, drawing you in like the first tantalizing clues of a case. As the story deepens, the fragrance reveals its floral heart of jasmine and gardenia, soft yet intriguing, like characters with hidden motives. The real depth, however, lies in the base—a sultry blend of warm amber, smoky patchouli, sweet vanilla, and musk—as mysterious and compelling as a locked room or a shadowy figure in the night.
Let Amber Black Vanilla accompany you as you navigate plot twists and piece together clues, enveloping you in an atmosphere that’s both thrilling and deeply satisfying.
Horror: White Maple Bourbon
Horror has a way of unsettling the familiar, pulling us into worlds where the ordinary twists into the uncanny. For a reading experience that immerses you in the eerie and unknown, White Maple Bourbon is an ideal companion.
This candle doesn’t just set the mood, it creates an otherworldly atmosphere that echoes the tension and mystery of a great horror novel. The scent begins with a foundation of woody palo santo, earthy vetiver, exotic vanilla bean, and smoky guaiac wood—a base as dark and complex as the shadows lurking in your story. As you continue, the unexpected reveals itself: jasmine and rose bloom softly, sweetened by decadent layers of maple, caramel, and a faint whisper of barrel-aged bourbon.
White Maple Bourbon’s depth and unpredictability make it the perfect accompaniment to a chilling tale. Light it, dim the lights, and let its hauntingly warm aroma blur the lines between fiction and reality.
Comedy: White Grapefruit
When it’s time to lighten the mood, a comedic read paired with a playful fragrance like White Grapefruit makes the perfect duo. This lively candle mirrors the energy and brightness of a laugh-out-loud story, elevating your reading experience with its cheerful and refreshing aroma.
From the first spark, notes of orange, pineapple, and grapefruit burst forth, as effervescent and zesty as a clever punchline. The middle notes bring a surprising twist: the tartness of rhubarb, softened by the gentle charm of white gardenia and the crisp freshness of green fern. Like a well-crafted joke, the fragrance lands on a satisfying finish—grounded by a base of woody vetiver, sumptuous applewood, and powdery musk, offering just enough depth to balance its playful side.
With White Grapefruit burning nearby, your reading session becomes a celebration of humor, wit, and joy.
Science Fiction/Fantasy: Paradiso Fig
A great science fiction or fantasy novel has the power to expand your imagination, opening portals to new dimensions, ancient kingdoms, or distant galaxies. To fully immerse yourself in these fantastical realms, pair your journey with the exotic and transportive fragrance of Paradiso Fig.
This scent is as layered and intricate as the worlds crafted by your favorite authors. With every breath, you’ll uncover a new facet of its complexity. It begins with the bright, fruity notes of black currant and bergamot, grounded by a whisper of spicy cardamom.
As the story unfolds, the heart reveals itself—sweet Paradiso fig and crisp apple, joined by the floral allure of frangipani, like the magical essence of an enchanted forest. Finally, the base notes of ripe peach and earthy cedar linger, grounding the experience with warmth and mystery.
Classic Literature: Retreat
There’s something timeless about classic literature—its stories and themes endure, connecting us to the past while speaking to the present. To honor these masterpieces, a candle like Retreat provides the perfect balance: grounding yet subtly evocative, allowing the literature to remain the star of the show.
Imagine sitting in your favorite armchair, surrounded by the wisdom and beauty of the written word, as the gentle notes of Retreat weave through the air. Its foundation of spicy Timur pepper, woody palo santo, and warm guaiac wood creates an atmosphere as rich and enduring as the texts themselves. Hints of bergamot, green matcha, and fresh mint lend a refreshing brightness, much like rediscovering the nuance in a well-loved passage, while the herbal essence of clary sage evokes a sense of quiet reflection.
Cookbooks: Sage & Walnut
Pair your culinary explorations with Sage & Walnut, a gourmand fragrance that evokes the warmth and nostalgia of treasured family recipes, blending the comfort of the kitchen with the sophistication of a well-stocked library.
This scent opens with an invigorating medley of sweet orange, bright peppermint, and the subtle spice of star anise—a sensory spark to fuel your culinary imagination. As it evolves, the fragrance deepens into a heart of warm oud, juniper sage, and toasted walnut, creating a cozy, grounding atmosphere reminiscent of leafing through cherished recipes and dreaming of new creations.
Whether you’re perfecting a classic dish or exploring bold new flavors, Sage & Walnut is the perfect aromatic companion, connecting the joy of cooking with the simple pleasure of scent.
For Avid Readers and Book Collectors
Why limit yourself to a single fragrance when your literary adventures span countless genres and moods? Just like your library isn’t built around one book, your candle collection can reflect the diverse stories waiting to be explored.
The Votive Candle Collection is perfect for avid readers and book collectors alike. This curated set features seven of LAFCO’s best-selling fragrances, each one designed to elevate your reading experience. Encased in artisanal handblown glass vessels, these 1.9-ounce votives bring beauty and charm to your space, with up to 20 hours of burn time per candle.
Whether you’re diving into a thrilling mystery or savoring a tender romance, you’ll have the perfect scent to set the mood for every book on your list. With seven exquisite votives, there’s something for every genre—and every chapter of your literary journey.
Shop the collection now and bring the perfect ambiance to your reading nook.