Laura Ashley Candles

Finding Serenity in Every Scent: A Personal Journey Through the World of Laura Ashley Candles

As the gentle glow of candlelight fills my living room and the delicate scent of wild bluebell wafts through the air, I find myself transported to a peaceful English garden. This moment of tranquility, this perfect escape from the chaos of everyday life, is courtesy of my latest Laura Ashley candle—a small luxury that has become an essential part of my home ambiance.

Like many of you, I’ve spent years searching for the perfect candles to complement my décor and create that elusive feeling of “home.” Through trial and error, disappointments and delightful discoveries, I’ve developed what my friends jokingly call an “obsession” with premium candles. And while I’ve tried countless brands, there’s something special about Laura Ashley candles that keeps drawing me back.

What started as a casual purchase has blossomed into a full-blown collection, and along the way, I’ve learned everything there is to know about these beautiful home accessories. So brew yourself a cup of tea, settle into your favorite chair, and join me as I share my comprehensive guide to Laura Ashley candles—from scent profiles and price points to burning tips and seasonal selections.

The Laura Ashley Legacy: More Than Just Candles

Before diving into the specifics of their candle collection, it’s worth appreciating the heritage behind the Laura Ashley name. The brand has been synonymous with quintessential British style since the 1950s, evolving from a small kitchen-table business to a global home and fashion empire.

Laura Ashley herself began with a vision of bringing traditional English country style into everyday homes, focusing on floral prints and classic designs. This same attention to detail and celebration of timeless beauty extends to their home fragrance line. Each candle feels like a natural extension of the brand’s aesthetic—elegant, refined, and unmistakably British.

I remember my mother’s Laura Ashley curtains and bedding from childhood—those distinctive floral patterns created a sense of comfort and elegance. Now, as I light my Laura Ashley wild honeysuckle candle, I feel that same connection to tradition and quality, updated for modern sensibilities.

Where to Find These Fragrant Treasures

One of the first questions I’m often asked is where to purchase Laura Ashley candles. The availability of Laura Ashley candles varies depending on your location, but they’re more accessible than you might think. Here’s my comprehensive breakdown of where to find them:

Physical Retail Locations

Laura Ashley has undergone some changes in retail strategy in recent years, but their candles can still be found in various physical locations:

• Laura Ashley concept stores and boutiques (though these have become fewer in recent years)
• Department stores like John Lewis in the UK
• Home goods retailers that carry premium candle brands
• Select furniture and décor specialty shops
• Outlet stores (where you might snag a bargain!)

I’ve personally had the most luck finding them in department stores, where the displays allow you to experience the scents before purchasing. There’s nothing quite like lifting the lid and experiencing that first aromatic impression—it’s a sensory experience that online shopping simply can’t replicate.

Online Options

For convenience and selection, online shopping can’t be beaten. Laura Ashley candles are available through:

• The official Laura Ashley website (with the most comprehensive selection)
• Amazon (though be cautious of third-party sellers)
• Wayfair and other home décor sites
• Department store websites
• Specialty candle retailers

I’ve ordered directly from the Laura Ashley website numerous times and have always been pleased with the careful packaging. Given the delicate nature of candles and their glass containers, this attention to shipping details matters.

A Symphony of Scents: Exploring the Fragrance Range

The heart of any candle collection is, of course, the scents, and Laura Ashley excels in creating sophisticated fragrance profiles that avoid the overpowering or artificial qualities found in many mass-market candles.

Classic Floral Collection

True to the brand’s heritage, their floral scents are exceptional:

• Wild Bluebell: My personal favorite, with delicate notes that perfectly capture English woodland floors in spring
• Wild Honeysuckle: Sweet without being cloying, reminiscent of summer evenings
• English Rose: A sophisticated take on this classic scent, with layers of complexity that unfold as the candle burns
• Lavender: Soothing and authentic, like walking through a Provençal lavender field
• Lily of the Valley: Fresh and clean with surprising staying power

The floral collection somehow manages to avoid the synthetic quality that plagues many floral-scented candles. These smell like actual flowers, not a perfumer’s interpretation of flowers.

Fresh and Airy Scents

For those who prefer lighter, cleaner scents:

• Fresh Linen: Captures that impossible-to-describe scent of clean sheets dried in fresh air
• Sea Breeze: Salty, ozonic notes that transport you to coastal walks
• Morning Dew: Subtle green notes with a hint of citrus
• White Tea: A delicate, minimalist scent that’s perfect for bedrooms

I keep the Fresh Linen scent in my laundry room—it creates the illusion of freshly washed clothes even when the hamper is overflowing!

Warm and Cozy Collection

Perfect for creating intimate, welcoming spaces:

• Amber Wood: Rich and sophisticated with smoky undertones
• Vanilla Spice: More complex than typical vanilla candles, with cinnamon and nutmeg notes
• Fig & Cassis: A surprising combination that works beautifully, fruity yet grounded
• Warm Cinnamon: Especially popular during autumn months
• Fireside: Smoky and resinous, perfect for winter evenings

The Amber Wood has become my signature scent for dinner parties—it creates an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication that guests always comment on.

Seasonal and Limited Edition Offerings

One of the joys of collecting Laura Ashley candles is anticipating their seasonal releases:

• Spring: Cherry Blossom, Fresh Cut Grass
• Summer: Sweet Pea, Cucumber Melon
• Autumn: Pumpkin Spice, Golden Amber
• Winter: Winter Berries, Frosted Pine, Mulled Wine

I eagerly await their holiday collections each year, especially their Christmas offerings, which manage to capture the essence of the season without resorting to overly sweet or artificial notes.

Price Points: Are Laura Ashley Candles Worth the Investment?

Let’s address the elephant in the room—premium candles come with premium price tags, and Laura Ashley is no exception. Their candles typically range from $25-45 depending on size, with limited edition or gift sets commanding higher prices.

Are they worth it? In my experience, absolutely. The value equation goes beyond simple burn time (though at 35-50 hours for standard sizes, they’re competitive in that regard). What you’re paying for is:

1. Fragrance complexity and authenticity
2. Consistent scent throw (how well the fragrance permeates your space)
3. Even, clean-burning wax
4. Beautiful containers that can be repurposed
5. The cachet of a heritage brand

I’ve learned the hard way that saving money on cheaper candles often means disappointing performance—weak scents, tunneling (when only the center burns down), sooty residue, or short burn times. Laura Ashley candles have proven to be a reliable luxury, one that transforms everyday moments into something special.

The Science and Art of Candle Composition

For those who care about what goes into their candles (and with something you’re burning in your home, perhaps we all should), here’s what you need to know about Laura Ashley candle composition:

Wax Composition

While Laura Ashley doesn’t exclusively use one type of wax across their entire range, many of their premium candles feature:

• Soy wax or soy blends: Burns cleaner than paraffin
• Vegetable wax blends: Sustainable and with good scent throw
• Some limited editions with beeswax: Naturally purifying with a subtle honey scent

I’ve noticed their move toward more natural wax compositions in recent years, likely responding to consumer demand for cleaner, more sustainable options.

Wick Technology

The wicks are generally cotton, lead-free (as all modern candles should be), and properly sized for their containers. This attention to wick quality prevents issues like:

• Smoking and soot
• Mushrooming (when carbon builds up on the wick)
• Tunneling
• Uneven burning

Fragrance Oils

While Laura Ashley doesn’t publicize all their fragrance sourcing, their scents tend to have a complexity that suggests quality essential oils mixed with fragrance oils. The best scents in their collection have:

• Top notes that you smell immediately
• Middle notes that emerge as the candle burns
• Base notes that linger even after extinguishing

This three-dimensional quality is what separates premium candles from their cheaper counterparts, and it’s particularly evident in scents like Wild Bluebell and Amber Wood.

The Art of Presentation: Containers and Packaging

Laura Ashley understands that candles are as much about aesthetics as they are about fragrance. Their candle containers are designed to complement home décor, featuring elegant yet understated designs that fit seamlessly into various interior styles.

Container Styles

Their collection includes:

• Classic glass jars with metal lids (the most common format)
• Ceramic containers with their signature floral patterns
• Textured glass vessels that catch and reflect candlelight
• Occasional metallic finishes for seasonal collections
• Vintage-inspired apothecary styles

What I particularly appreciate is that the containers are substantial without being ostentatious—they feel like quality pieces that enhance a room even when not lit.

Gift-Worthiness

Laura Ashley excels at presentation, making their candles particularly gift-worthy:

• Elegant boxes that often feature their classic prints
• Ribbon details and quality closures
• Gift sets that pair complementary scents or include accessories
• Seasonal packaging that feels special without being disposable

I’ve gifted these candles to everyone from my mother-in-law to my most discerning friends, and they always make an impression. There’s something undeniably special about receiving a beautifully packaged Laura Ashley candle.

Seasonal Collections and Limited Editions: Collecting and Anticipating

For enthusiasts like myself, one of the joys of following the Laura Ashley candle line is anticipating their seasonal releases and limited editions. These special offerings often feature:

• Unique fragrance combinations not found in the permanent collection
• Special decorative elements on containers
• Themed collections (English Garden, Winter Woodland, etc.)
• Collaborative editions with designers or artists

The holiday collections deserve special mention—they manage to capture seasonal scents without falling into cliché territory. Their Christmas candles evoke the season through sophisticated fragrance profiles rather than overly literal interpretations.

I’ve developed something of a tradition of purchasing their winter collection each November, creating a sensory calendar that helps mark the passage of the season.

The Eco Question: Sustainability Practices

As consumers become increasingly conscious of environmental impacts, candle manufacturers have had to address sustainability concerns. Laura Ashley has made strides in this area, though as with many heritage brands, it’s been an evolution rather than a revolution.

Positive Sustainability Elements

• Increasing use of natural wax blends instead of pure paraffin
• Recyclable glass containers
• Reduction in excessive packaging
• Some refill options for their most popular containers
• Longer burn times that reduce overall consumption

Areas for Improvement

To be completely transparent, there are still areas where Laura Ashley could strengthen their sustainability credentials:

• More transparency about fragrance sourcing
• Expanded refill programs
• Carbon-neutral shipping options
• More explicit animal testing policies

For environmentally conscious consumers, their natural wax options represent the best choice within the brand.

How Laura Ashley Candles Compare to Other Luxury Brands

As someone who has perhaps spent too much money on premium candles over the years, I can offer some perspective on how Laura Ashley compares to other luxury candle brands:

Laura Ashley vs. Jo Malone

• Price point: Laura Ashley is generally more affordable
• Scent complexity: Both offer sophisticated scent profiles, though Jo Malone leans more toward fragrance innovation
• Packaging: Jo Malone’s minimalist aesthetic contrasts with Laura Ashley’s more decorative approach
• Brand identity: Laura Ashley offers a distinctly British, traditional sensibility compared to Jo Malone’s contemporary luxury positioning

Laura Ashley vs. Yankee Candle

• Price point: Laura Ashley commands a premium over Yankee’s standard offerings
• Scent profiles: Laura Ashley offers more sophisticated, nuanced fragrances compared to Yankee’s often more literal interpretations
• Burn quality: Laura Ashley generally offers cleaner burning with less tunneling
• Container aesthetics: Laura Ashley’s containers are designed as décor elements, while Yankee’s are more functional

Laura Ashley vs. Diptyque

• Price point: Diptyque is significantly more expensive
• Exclusivity: Diptyque positions itself as more exclusive
• Fragrance development: Both offer complex fragrance profiles, though Diptyque is known for more unusual combinations
• Recognition: Diptyque containers are instantly recognizable status symbols; Laura Ashley offers a more subtle luxury

In my collection, Laura Ashley candles represent an excellent middle ground—more sophisticated than mass-market options but more accessible than ultra-premium brands.

Practical Matters: Maximizing Your Laura Ashley Candle Experience

Over years of candle collecting, I’ve developed some practices that help get the most from these investments:

First Burn Protocol

The first burn is crucial for preventing tunneling and ensuring even burning throughout the life of your candle:

1. Allow enough time (2-3 hours) for the entire top surface to melt to the edges
2. Keep away from drafts during this initial burn
3. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting
4. Avoid moving the candle while the wax is liquid

This first-burn ritual has transformed my candle experience, extending the life of even my most precious Laura Ashley candles.

Ongoing Maintenance

To maintain optimal performance:

• Always trim wicks before lighting
• Never burn for more than 4 hours at a time
• Allow the candle to cool completely before relighting
• Store with lids on to prevent dust accumulation and fragrance dissipation
• Keep away from direct sunlight, which can fade both the container and the fragrance

Extending the Experience

To make the most of your investment:

• Use candle warmers for the last inch of wax that’s difficult to burn
• Repurpose the beautiful containers as brush holders, small planters, or organizational tools
• Freeze nearly-empty containers to easily remove remaining wax for use in wax warmers

I’ve found that with proper care, a standard Laura Ashley candle can provide up to 50 hours of fragrant ambiance—making the price per hour quite reasonable for the atmosphere created.

The Best-Sellers: Must-Have Laura Ashley Candles

If you’re new to the brand and wondering where to start, here are the candles that have earned permanent spots in my rotation:

1. Wild Bluebell: The quintessential Laura Ashley candle that captures the brand’s English heritage beautifully
2. Amber Wood: Sophisticated and versatile, it works in almost any room
3. Fresh Linen: Clean without being clinical, perfect for bathrooms and bedrooms
4. English Rose: A classic floral that avoids feeling old-fashioned
5. Vanilla Spice: The cold-weather staple that creates instant coziness

Each of these represents different facets of the brand’s fragrance expertise and would make an excellent introduction to what makes Laura Ashley candles special.

Beyond Ambiance: The Aromatherapy Perspective

While Laura Ashley doesn’t explicitly market their candles as aromatherapy products, many of their scents align with traditional aromatherapy benefits:

• Lavender promotes relaxation and sleep
• Citrus scents (like their Lemon Verbena) can boost energy and mood
• Woody scents like Amber Wood create grounding, centering environments
• Floral scents often elevate mood and reduce stress

I’ve incorporated these effects into my daily routine, using different candles to signal different modes—Wild Bluebell while working (focusing), Lavender in the evening (unwinding), and Fresh Linen on cleaning days (motivating).

Special Considerations: Safety, Pets, and Children

As beautiful as candles are, they’re still open flames in our homes, deserving respect and caution:

General Safety

• Always place on heat-resistant surfaces
• Keep away from flammable materials
• Never leave burning candles unattended
• Keep out of reach of children
• Use proper candle snuffers rather than blowing out
• Discontinue use when only 1/2 inch of wax remains

Pet Considerations

For fellow pet owners, some additional thoughts:

• Keep candles where curious pets can’t knock them over
• Be aware that birds are particularly sensitive to airborne scents
• Some essential oils can be problematic for cats; the diluted amount in candles is generally safe, but monitor for any adverse reactions
• Ensure good ventilation in rooms where candles burn

While Laura Ashley candles use quality ingredients, those with extremely sensitive pets might prefer their milder scents or opt for their diffuser options instead.

The Collector’s Perspective: Limited Editions and Discontinued Fragrances

For those who develop a true appreciation for these candles, the world of collecting opens up:

Hunting for Discontinued Scents

Laura Ashley occasionally retires fragrances, creating a small secondary market for discontinued favorites. I’ve had luck finding these through:

• eBay and other resale platforms
• Candle enthusiast forums and groups
• Department store clearance sections
• Outlet stores

My personal white whale is their discontinued English Meadow from a 2018 spring collection—I’ve been searching for years!

Storing and Preserving Collections

For those who, like me, might purchase seasonal candles to save for the appropriate time of year:

• Store in cool, dark places away from temperature fluctuations
• Keep lids tightly sealed to preserve fragrance
• Consider vacuum-sealing particularly precious limited editions
• Label with purchase dates if collecting vintage or discontinued items

Finding Deals: Maximizing Value

Premium candles represent a luxury purchase, but there are ways to enjoy Laura Ashley candles without breaking the bank:

Sales and Promotions

The best times to look for deals include:

• End-of-season sales (especially post-Christmas)
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday
• Semi-annual sales events
• Department store beauty events
• Sign-up offers for email newsletters

Multi-Buy Options

Look for:

• Gift sets that offer better value per candle
• “Create your own collection” promotions
• Smaller sizes to try new scents before committing to full-size versions

I’ve built much of my collection through strategic shopping during these periods, allowing me to enjoy luxury candles while respecting my budget.

Beyond Candles: The Complete Laura Ashley Home Fragrance Experience

While this guide focuses on candles, it’s worth noting that Laura Ashley offers a complete home fragrance ecosystem:

• Reed diffusers in matching scents
• Room sprays for instant fragrance
• Scented drawer liners
• Potpourri and sachets
• Linen sprays

I’ve found that layering these products—perhaps a Wild Bluebell candle in the living room with matching reed diffusers in hallways—creates a cohesive scent story throughout the home.

Conclusion: Why Laura Ashley Candles Remain Timeless

In a market flooded with candle options at every price point, Laura Ashley has maintained its relevance by balancing tradition with modernity. Their candles connect us to a heritage of British elegance while fitting seamlessly into contemporary homes.

What makes them special, ultimately, is their authenticity—these aren’t candles trying to be something they’re not. They are quintessentially Laura Ashley: refined, beautiful, and timeless.

Whether you’re a longtime collector or considering your first purchase, I hope this guide has illuminated the world of Laura Ashley candles and inspired you to bring their gentle glow into your own home. After all, in our often chaotic lives, the simple pleasure of a beautiful candle is sometimes all we need to transform a house into a home—one flickering light at a time.