Where to Buy Candles in New York City

By Laura Gurfein Sep 24, 2015, 1:05pm EDT

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By Laura Gurfein Sep 24, 2015, 1:05pm EDT

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The days are noticeably shorter, and there's a nip in the air when the sun's not out. That's right: ~~autumn~~ candle season is here. Whether you prefer to burn them for ambiance or just to make your home smell way better than it normally does, we've mapped out — in no particular order! — New York City's 24 best shops for restocking your candle selection for the season.

Photo: Driely S. Research assistance: Kathryn Lindsay

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1. Diptyque

971 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10021

(212) 879-3330

Visit Website

Though you can find the iconic French brand's candles at plenty of boutiques around the city, head straight to the source — the Madison Avenue flagship — for the largest selection, and remember that paying full-price might be better than standing in a freezing-cold line. Diptyque also has locations in Nolita, the Shops at Columbus Circle, and Grand Central.

Open in Google Maps

2. Barneys New York

660 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10065

(212) 826-8900

Visit Website

Buying candles at this department store is one of the few ways you can walk out with a shopping bag without spending your entire paycheck. You can find Odin New York and Diptyque candles starting around $30, but of course it wouldn't be Barneys without high-end options like Fornasetti candles in artistic holders for $580.

Open in Google Maps

3. Henri Bendel

716 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10019

(212) 247-1100

Visit Website

The Fifth Avenue store gave up third-party brands last year, but that made plenty of room for its extensive candle selection. Smaller candles start at $15, while a trio of complementary scents is $25 and large triple-wick candles are $65.

4. Scent Elate

313 W 48th St
New York, NY 10036

(212) 258-3043

Visit Website

This Midtown boutiques specializing in products to stimulate the olfactory nerve — not just candles, but also oils, incense, sage, and bath salts — has been voted a top candle shop in several local polls. Brands they carry include Belle Fleur, Trapp, and Ergo.

Open in Google Maps

5. Delphinium Home

353 W 47th St
New York, NY 10036

(212) 333-7732

Visit Website

Whether you're stocking up for yourself or looking for a last-minute housewarming gift in the Hell's Kitchen area, Delphinium is a go-to for home tchotchkes, especially candles. Favorites here include the Rewined brand, whose candles smell like your favorite type of wine.

Open in Google Maps

6. Soapology

67 Eighth Ave Frnt 2
New York, NY 10014

(212) 255-7627

Visit Website

Don't let the name fool you here — in addition to good-smelling products to keep next to the sink or in the shower, Soapology also its own brand of vegan soy candles. Bonus: What melts doubles as a moisturizer or massage oil.

Open in Google Maps

7. Aedes De Venustas

9 Christopher St
New York, NY 10014

(212) 206-8674

Visit Website

The "noses" that select out the scents here are so highly regarded that you can even shop by specific perfumers, so you can trust that this West Village shop offers only top-tier when it comes to their candle selection. Stop in to discover under-the-radar fancy brands alongside the expectedl Cire Trudon, Byredo, and Diptyque.

8. Santa Maria Novella

285 Lafayette St
New York, NY 10012

(212) 925-0001

Visit Website

The original pharmacy has been operating in Florence since 1221, but it didn't really become known as a fragrance house until the 1500s. Now you can purchase signature scents like their Pot Pourri in the form of a candle.

Open in Google Maps

9. Anthropologie

50 Rockefeller Plz
New York, NY 10020

(212) 246-0386

Visit Website

So maybe you can't bottle up and burn that intoxicating experience that Anthropologie stores always seem to have, but at least you can shop a bunch of candles here that won't break the break, from the popular Voluspa tins to Capri Blue.

Open in Google Maps

10. Le Labo

233 Elizabeth St
New York, NY 10012

(212) 219-2230

Visit Website

Even though Le Labo is now part of Estée Lauder, it hasn't lost its mission to go back to the roots of the fragrance world, before synthetic ingredients and celebrity scents permeated perfume counters. Choose a candle or two from their handmade, all-vegan selection that'll burn for about 60 hours.

11. New London Specialty Pharmacy

246 Eighth Ave
New York, NY 10011

(212) 414-9755

Visit Website

The Chelsea destination for cosmetic and body products for the past 55 (!!) years also stocks a robust candle selection. Make this your first stop for favorites like Nest and Tocca.

Open in Google Maps

12. Red Flower

13 Prince St
New York, NY 10012

(212) 966-5301

Visit Website

Nolita's purveyors of holistic, environmentally-friendly bath and body products since 2001 have captured its scintillating scents — like Italian blood orange and Indian jasmine — in long-lasting candles. A medium-sized one that'll burn for about 50 hours and comes topped with flower petals will run you $38.

Open in Google Maps

13. Fuego 718

249 Grand St
New York, NY 11211

(718) 302-2913

Visit Website

With a name that literally translates to "fire," you know they're always burning something good in here. The Williamsburg shop that began in 2004 with home goods and tchotchkes imported from Mexico (it now stocks items from local artists from the borough and brands from places like Haiti and Vietnam, too) keeps up a solid candle selection.

Open in Google Maps

14. Jonathan Adler

304 Columbus Ave
New York, NY 10023

(212) 787-0017

Visit Website

It's no surprise that the master of all bright and quirky home goods has brought the same aesthetic to his collection of candles, some of which come in monochromatic glass holders while others are in more sculptural tins. Go beyond the typical flower scents and scope out candles that evoke cucumber, hashish, sea salt, and absinthe.

Open in Google Maps

15. Byredo

62 Wooster St
New York, NY 10012

(212) 219-1584

Visit Website

After months of anticipation, Byredo's first US store landed in Soho back in June, so dedicated fans now have a sanctuary in which to shop pro basketball player-turned-perfumer Ben Gorham's luxurious scents in both perfume and candle form.

16. Flying Tiger Copenhagen

920 Broadway
New York, NY 10010

(212) 777-1239

Visit Website

Make your way through the maze of incredibly cheap home goods that made their way to the Flatiron District earlier this year to find a wall of brightly-colored candles. Though unscented, you can grab a bunch of pillars in varying sizes and hues to easily bring ambiance to any room — especially when each won't cost you more than $3.

Also Featured in:

Best home goods and furniture stores in NYC

17. ABC Carpet & Home

888 Broadway
New York, NY 10003

(212) 473-3000

Visit Website

It shouldn't come as any shock that the Flatiron destination for all things home goods has plenty of quality candles to choose from. With prices ranging from $13 for a small Travel by Land tin to nearly $200 for a Tom Dixon gift set, anyone can walk out with a good-smelling accessory regardless of budget.

Also Featured in:

Best home goods and furniture stores in NYC

18. Malin + Goetz

1270 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10128

(212) 328-9347

Visit Website

If your favorite fancy fitness studio stocks this popular skincare brand in their locker rooms, they're probably also burning its great candles. Head to Malin + Goetz's Upper East Side flagship (or the smaller Chelsea location) to pick up the votive size for less than half the cost of a single fitness class.

Open in Google Maps

19. Frederic Malle

94 Greenwich Ave
New York, NY 10011

(646) 666-0330

Visit Website

Check out the perfumer's downtown location to pick out what your home will smell like, whether that's a simple tubereuse or the technical Notre Dame, evoking the scents of an old church.

20. Bond No. 9

9 Bond St
New York, NY 10012

(877) 273-3369

Visit Website

The New York-obsessed brand lets you inhale the smells of the city — the good kind, that is — both in personal fragrance and candle form. Use this as an opportunity to bring a little piece of a neighborhood you can't afford (Central Park West, Park Avenue South) into your own home.

Open in Google Maps

21. CO Bigelow Pharmacy

414 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10011

(212) 533-2700

Visit Website

Start a blaze brighter than this 177-year-old apothecary's neon sign when you pick up candles here. Bestsellers include Diptyque, Tocca, and Le Labo.

22. Ricky's

112 First Ave
New York, NY 10009

(212) 539-1015

Visit Website

Wade your way through pretty much every beauty product available to find the affordable candles stocked at most Ricky's locations (it's likely that you'll have a better selection if you're in a bigger store). Find popular options from Voluspa or Nest here, or take a chance on the funky house brand — scents include Street Meat, Banker Husband, Drunk Brunch, and Walk of Shame.

Open in Google Maps

23. Pink Olive

370 Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11249

(718) 576-3915

Visit Website

The New York-based store with locations both here and in the East Village has its own line of candles that are perfect for gifting, whether that's for someone else or yourself.

Open in Google Maps

24. Oak

55 Nassau Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11222

(718) 782-0521

Visit Website

Candles might not be the first thing you think of when Oak comes to mind — lots of black clothes probably do — but they stock fun New York-centric scents based on city corners, like Prince + Mercer and McKibbin + Bogart.

Open in Google Maps

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1. Diptyque

971 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021

Though you can find the iconic French brand's candles at plenty of boutiques around the city, head straight to the source — the Madison Avenue flagship — for the largest selection, and remember that paying full-price might be better than standing in a freezing-cold line. Diptyque also has locations in Nolita, the Shops at Columbus Circle, and Grand Central.

971 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10021

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

2. Barneys New York

660 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10065

Buying candles at this department store is one of the few ways you can walk out with a shopping bag without spending your entire paycheck. You can find Odin New York and Diptyque candles starting around $30, but of course it wouldn't be Barneys without high-end options like Fornasetti candles in artistic holders for $580.

660 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10065

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

3. Henri Bendel

716 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10019

The Fifth Avenue store gave up third-party brands last year, but that made plenty of room for its extensive candle selection. Smaller candles start at $15, while a trio of complementary scents is $25 and large triple-wick candles are $65.

716 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10019

Visit Website

4. Scent Elate

313 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036

This Midtown boutiques specializing in products to stimulate the olfactory nerve — not just candles, but also oils, incense, sage, and bath salts — has been voted a top candle shop in several local polls. Brands they carry include Belle Fleur, Trapp, and Ergo.

313 W 48th St
New York, NY 10036

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

5. Delphinium Home

353 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036

Whether you're stocking up for yourself or looking for a last-minute housewarming gift in the Hell's Kitchen area, Delphinium is a go-to for home tchotchkes, especially candles. Favorites here include the Rewined brand, whose candles smell like your favorite type of wine.

353 W 47th St
New York, NY 10036

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

6. Soapology

67 Eighth Ave Frnt 2, New York, NY 10014

Don't let the name fool you here — in addition to good-smelling products to keep next to the sink or in the shower, Soapology also its own brand of vegan soy candles. Bonus: What melts doubles as a moisturizer or massage oil.

67 Eighth Ave Frnt 2
New York, NY 10014

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

7. Aedes De Venustas

9 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014

The "noses" that select out the scents here are so highly regarded that you can even shop by specific perfumers, so you can trust that this West Village shop offers only top-tier when it comes to their candle selection. Stop in to discover under-the-radar fancy brands alongside the expectedl Cire Trudon, Byredo, and Diptyque.

9 Christopher St
New York, NY 10014

Visit Website

8. Santa Maria Novella

285 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

The original pharmacy has been operating in Florence since 1221, but it didn't really become known as a fragrance house until the 1500s. Now you can purchase signature scents like their Pot Pourri in the form of a candle.

285 Lafayette St
New York, NY 10012

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

9. Anthropologie

50 Rockefeller Plz, New York, NY 10020

So maybe you can't bottle up and burn that intoxicating experience that Anthropologie stores always seem to have, but at least you can shop a bunch of candles here that won't break the break, from the popular Voluspa tins to Capri Blue.

50 Rockefeller Plz
New York, NY 10020

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

10. Le Labo

233 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012

Even though Le Labo is now part of Estée Lauder, it hasn't lost its mission to go back to the roots of the fragrance world, before synthetic ingredients and celebrity scents permeated perfume counters. Choose a candle or two from their handmade, all-vegan selection that'll burn for about 60 hours.

233 Elizabeth St
New York, NY 10012

Visit Website

11. New London Specialty Pharmacy

246 Eighth Ave, New York, NY 10011

The Chelsea destination for cosmetic and body products for the past 55 (!!) years also stocks a robust candle selection. Make this your first stop for favorites like Nest and Tocca.

246 Eighth Ave
New York, NY 10011

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

12. Red Flower

13 Prince St, New York, NY 10012

Nolita's purveyors of holistic, environmentally-friendly bath and body products since 2001 have captured its scintillating scents — like Italian blood orange and Indian jasmine — in long-lasting candles. A medium-sized one that'll burn for about 50 hours and comes topped with flower petals will run you $38.

13 Prince St
New York, NY 10012

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

13. Fuego 718

249 Grand St, New York, NY 11211

With a name that literally translates to "fire," you know they're always burning something good in here. The Williamsburg shop that began in 2004 with home goods and tchotchkes imported from Mexico (it now stocks items from local artists from the borough and brands from places like Haiti and Vietnam, too) keeps up a solid candle selection.

249 Grand St
New York, NY 11211

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

14. Jonathan Adler

304 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

It's no surprise that the master of all bright and quirky home goods has brought the same aesthetic to his collection of candles, some of which come in monochromatic glass holders while others are in more sculptural tins. Go beyond the typical flower scents and scope out candles that evoke cucumber, hashish, sea salt, and absinthe.

304 Columbus Ave
New York, NY 10023

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

15. Byredo

62 Wooster St, New York, NY 10012

After months of anticipation, Byredo's first US store landed in Soho back in June, so dedicated fans now have a sanctuary in which to shop pro basketball player-turned-perfumer Ben Gorham's luxurious scents in both perfume and candle form.

62 Wooster St
New York, NY 10012

Visit Website

16. Flying Tiger Copenhagen

920 Broadway, New York, NY 10010

Make your way through the maze of incredibly cheap home goods that made their way to the Flatiron District earlier this year to find a wall of brightly-colored candles. Though unscented, you can grab a bunch of pillars in varying sizes and hues to easily bring ambiance to any room — especially when each won't cost you more than $3.

920 Broadway
New York, NY 10010

Visit Website

17. ABC Carpet & Home

888 Broadway, New York, NY 10003

It shouldn't come as any shock that the Flatiron destination for all things home goods has plenty of quality candles to choose from. With prices ranging from $13 for a small Travel by Land tin to nearly $200 for a Tom Dixon gift set, anyone can walk out with a good-smelling accessory regardless of budget.

888 Broadway
New York, NY 10003

Visit Website

18. Malin + Goetz

1270 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10128

If your favorite fancy fitness studio stocks this popular skincare brand in their locker rooms, they're probably also burning its great candles. Head to Malin + Goetz's Upper East Side flagship (or the smaller Chelsea location) to pick up the votive size for less than half the cost of a single fitness class.

1270 Madison Ave
New York, NY 10128

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

19. Frederic Malle

94 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011

Check out the perfumer's downtown location to pick out what your home will smell like, whether that's a simple tubereuse or the technical Notre Dame, evoking the scents of an old church.

94 Greenwich Ave
New York, NY 10011

Visit Website

20. Bond No. 9

9 Bond St, New York, NY 10012

The New York-obsessed brand lets you inhale the smells of the city — the good kind, that is — both in personal fragrance and candle form. Use this as an opportunity to bring a little piece of a neighborhood you can't afford (Central Park West, Park Avenue South) into your own home.

9 Bond St
New York, NY 10012

Visit Website

Open in Google Maps

21. CO Bigelow Pharmacy

414 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10011

Start a blaze brighter than this 177-year-old apothecary's neon sign when you pick up candles here. Bestsellers include Diptyque, Tocca, and Le Labo.

414 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10011

Visit Website

22. Ricky's

112 First Ave, New York, NY 10009

Wade your way through pretty much every beauty product available to find the affordable candles stocked at most Ricky's locations (it's likely that you'll have a better selection if you're in a bigger store). Find popular options from Voluspa or Nest here, or take a chance on the funky house brand — scents include Street Meat, Banker Husband, Drunk Brunch, and Walk of Shame.

112 First Ave
New York, NY 10009