Most people think scent strength is only about the fragrance itself. In reality, scent throw is a mix of the fragrances used, the wax, the wick/s, the melt pool, additives, candle set up, room size, airflow, genetics and the way in which the candle heats up. Choosing the right candle can feel like a task...

So here’s a simple, no-fluff guide to what scent throw actually means, why the melt pool is the star of the show, and how to choose the right candle for each room in your home.

Quick note from me

At The Scented Essence, I use premium fragrance blends that are designed to be a cleaner choice. That means I’m not leaning on certain “quick fix” harmful, additive ingredients to boost scent in a shortcut way. Instead, I focus on proper performance through wax, wick, and burn behaviour so you get a beautiful clean and true to life fragrance that carries well and doesn't give you those awful fragrance headaches and nausea.

Before we even talk about scent throw… what kind of scent person are you?

This is honestly the best starting point, because there isn’t one “correct” level of scent.

Have a think about what you actually enjoy:

• Strong: you want to smell it the moment you walk into the room.

• In the middle: you want it noticeable, but not intense.

• More subtle: you like a softer scent that sits gently in the background.

• Barely-there: you want just a hint of fragrance, especially in bedrooms.

And here’s the single biggest thing I’ve learnt over the past few years candle making:

Scent is wildly subjective.

What feels “strong” to one person might feel subtle to someone else and that can come down to a number of factors such as:

• how sensitive your nose is

• what you’re used to (plug-ins, room sprays, strong, artificial perfumes etc.)

• the size of your space

• airflow (open plan vs closed room, extraction fans, air filtration systems etc.)

• the time of year (heating on in winter or a fan in summer changes everything)

• even your genetics (yes, really)

   

  So if you’ve ever thought “I can barely smell this” and someone else says “wow that’s powerful” - both can be true. You’re not imagining it.

  And it goes even deeper than preference, here's the science ⬇️

Why some people smell certain scents more strongly than others (the science-y bit)

Your sense of smell works through hundreds of olfactory receptors in your nose. A useful way to picture it is a lock-and-key idea: when a molecule fits a receptor well, that receptor activates and sends a signal to the brain, and the brain interprets that pattern into what you experience as scent.

But here’s where it gets genuinely interesting: we don’t all have the same receptors. Humans have 400+ different types of olfactory receptors, and there’s a lot of genetic variation in how they’re built. So two people can smell the exact same fragrance and be getting a slightly different “version” of it, simply because their receptors respond differently.

That variation can change:

• how strong a scent feels

• which notes stand out (bright citrus vs deep woods, for example)

• and sometimes whether you can detect a particular molecule at all.

That last one has a name: specific anosmia. Which is basically “odour blindness” to one ingredient, even though your sense of smell is totally normal otherwise.

The coriander (cilantro) phenomenon.

Coriander is the easiest real world example of why scent perception is not universal. Researchers think cilantro dislike is driven largely by smell, not just taste. For some people, variants near an olfactory receptor gene called OR6A2 make them especially sensitive to specific cilantro aroma compounds, in particular, aldehydes, so the herb can register as “soapy.”Depending on the population studied, this can occur in anywhere from 3% to 21% of people.

The chemistry behind the “soap” note is not mystical, it is molecular shape. Aldehydes are part of the carbonyl family, meaning they contain a carbon double bonded to oxygen (C=O). If that carbonyl carbon is bonded to at least one hydrogen, it is an aldehyde. If it is bonded to two carbon groups, it is a ketone.

That small structural difference changes how strongly the molecule activates particular receptors. When your OR6A2 related receptors respond intensely to cilantro aldehydes, your brain tags the signal as “soapy.” Because flavour is heavily driven by retronasal olfaction (aroma reaching the nose from the mouth while eating), a “soapy smell” becomes a “soapy taste.”

Violet-like notes (β-ionone) - another wild one!

Another well-studied aroma molecule is β-ionone, the violet-y floral note that shows up across perfumery. Some people smell it very strongly, while others smell it faintly or not at all. Studies have linked big differences in sensitivity to genetic variation in receptors such as OR5A1.

“Anosmic molecules” in modern fragrance (like Iso E Super)

In perfumery (and sometimes home fragrance), there are also certain modern woody/amber materials that people experience very differently. Iso E Super is the classic one people talk about: to one person it can feel soft, warm and “skin-like”… and to someone else it can be barely there, or come and go, or occasionally feel much louder than expected.

The bigger point is this: if your receptors are less responsive to a molecule, your brain gets less of that part of the fragrance.

And there’s one more phenomenon that trips people up all the time:

Nose-blindness (olfactory fatigue)

If you sit with a scent for a while, your brain can reduce its attention to it. This is common in candle making, perfumery and essential oil workshops, which is why you will often see coffee beans used as a quick “reset” between scents.

Essentially, what's happening is your brain is turning the volume down, so you can notice new smells. This is a normal feature of the olfactory system and it's also one reason some people may stop noticing a particular candle scent as much after a few hours, while someone just walking into the room smells it immediately.

So ....What does “scent throw” mean?

Scent throw is simply how well a candle fragrance travels through the air  how noticeable it feels in a room and how far it carries.

There are two types:

• Cold throw: how the candle smells when it’s unlit (lid off / walking past it)

• Hot throw: how it smells when it’s burning (this is what most people care about)

Hot throw depends heavily on:

• how the wax warms up,

• how evenly it burns, and

• how the melt pool forms.

Why the melt pool matters!

The melt pool is the layer of melted wax on the top of the candle once it’s been burning for a while.

This matters because fragrance is released from the warm, melted wax  the melt pool is basically the candle’s “diffuser moment”.

so,

A Bigger melt pool surface area = more fragrance can evaporate into the room

A steady, even melt pool = smoother, more consistent scent

A weak or uneven melt pool (common in cheaper candles, where the candle doesn't "catch up" and burn to the edges) = weaker scent and patchy performance.

Here at The Scented Essence, our candles are designed to be slow burning, (ensuring you get the safest and longest burn time). Our candles slowly and evenly form a melt pool that always reaches the very edge of the jar. That slow, steady burn is intentional because it supports proper performance over time, encourages an even burn, and gives you a consistent scent throw that builds beautifully rather than a quick burst that fades.

Depending on the diameter and shape of the vessel, it can take a little time for the melt pool to reach the sides, especially on the first few burns, but it will always catch up as long as you follow the candle care instructions.

We design them this way on purpose. Because our candles are phthalate free, no acrylates, PEG, paraben, silicone, lilial and CMR free, we do not rely on additives to force scent performance. We are mindful of what you are breathing in and what is released into your home air, so instead we focus on what truly makes a candle throw beautifully. Solid formulation, the right wax, correct wick size, and careful attention to burn behaviours and melt pool development throughout the life of your candle.

How to choose the right candle for each room.

If you love a candle that actually scents the room, choosing the right one comes down to three things: the size and shape of the jar, the wick set up, and the scent style. Larger vessels usually have a wider diameter, which means a wider melt pool once the candle is burning, and that gives more warmed wax surface for fragrance to lift from. Wick count plays a part too. Single wick candles suit smaller to medium rooms beautifully, while two or three wicks are ideal for larger rooms and open plan spaces because they create a wider, more even melt pool. Finally, different scent families naturally behave differently. Woods, resins, spices, coffee and bold fruits often project further, while softer florals and airy, rain, and fresh clean profiles tend to sit a little more in the background, definitely still noticeable but less intense.

See our room by room scent guide below ⬇️

Room by room candle recommendations and scent guide!

Bathroom

Bathrooms are small, so scent builds quickly. A 180ml or wax melts are usually perfect here.

If you like fresh, clean, spa style:

•  Autumn Leaves (fresh, clean, crisp and airy style, bright and uplifting)

• Auburn Trail  (slightly more masculine, sensual, clean, the kind of scent that feels like a reset)

If you prefer something soft and pretty for those bubble bath evenings:

• Wild tuberose (delicate floral, lovely in small  to medium spaces)

• Stardust (delicate, mystical, incense with a subtle floral scent)

Tip: Because bathrooms are compact, even a medium throwing scent can feel strong. If you are scent sensitive, choose your gentler profiles here.

Small hallway or entryway

Hallways are the first impression. They are often drafty, so choose a candle that can hold its own. 180ml and wax melts can usually work very well here.

Great hallway choices:

• Fallen Light (universally loved, grounding, tends to carry well - better for smaller entryways)

• Autumn Leaves (seasonal, noticeable, and welcoming)

• Frosted Cocoa (Stunning and bold, a strong, wintry peppermint scent, great for a grand entrance)
  

TIP: Seasonal favourites such as Honey Pumpkin, Christmas Spice and Gingerbread also work well for a grand entrance.

TIP: Place the candle a little away from the front door itself so the scent settles instead of being pulled straight outside.

Bedroom

For bedrooms, most people prefer scent that feels calming and gently present, rather than “fills the whole house.”  180ml is usually perfect for this but our beautifully scented signature collection in aesthetic pastels can also work well in bedrooms of most sizes.

Bedroom friendly picks:

• Sakura Tree (soft floral, pretty strong but not overpowering)

• After the Rain (fresh, grounding, mossy woods with a fruity floral twist)

• Lavender Woods coming soon (ideal bedroom territory, calming with depth)

• Palm Garden (a calming dreamy orange blossom and greenery style scent that suits a fresher bedroom vibe.)

• Palo Santo (a lovely option if you want something grounding and cosy for reading, meditation and yoga or journalling evenings)

TIP: If you want a stronger scent in the bedroom, you do not need a harsher fragrance. Light your candle a little earlier in the evening, enjoy the glow and let the melt pool simmer for an hour (our candles are designed to be long burning so you get a great throw and a long burn time in one).

Open plan living and kitchen

Open plan does not need a more aggressive fragrance. It needs the right candle set up. This is where jar diameter and wick count really matter. If you have a 360ml, use that and depending on the size of your open plan you could even play around with scent layering a couple of options i.e. one wax melt burner by the kitchen and one candle by the dining area.  Multi wick options, two or three wicks are perfect for open plan because they create a wider, more even melt pool, which helps fragrance travel through a larger space Larger diameter candles such as our 530ml double wick candles are a great option here.

Best open plan picks from our range:

• Palo Santo (a strong projector style scent)

• Honey Pumpkin (warm and noticeable, great in big spaces)

• Autumn Leaves (180ml perfect for scent layering, projects well, present)

• Coffee Shop coming soon (coffee style notes tend to carry well and are perfect for this space)

If you want fresh and tropical vibes

• Palm Garden
  Fresh greenery with a bright lift. Lovely for daytime, tidying, hosting, or when you want the room to feel clean and energised.

• Tahitian Dream
  Coconut, lime, lemon and palm. It gives tropical holiday energy while still feeling clean and uplifting. Great if you want fresh with a fun, sunny twist.

• Azure Haze (coming soon)
  Bright blue sky and cactus blossom vibes. A fresh, airy, modern scent style that feels light and happy in a living room, especially in daytime.

If you love a softer floral in open plan:

• You can absolutely do it, but it may read more “background beautiful” than “room filling.” In that case, Sakura Tree and Wild tuberose are great options. I've had some direct feedback from a wonderful customer of mine that she uses Wild Tuberose for exactly this.

Scent layering for open plan (an optional extra)

In larger open plan spaces, scent layering can be a really lovely way to create a more “designed” fragrance experience, even when one candle is already doing the job. It simply means using two complementary candles in different zones so the scent feels balanced across the whole space.

A simple way to do it is:

• Place one candle nearer the kitchen area

• Place another candle closer to the dining or living zone

Try pairing a gentle floral closer to the kitchen with something fresh and airy by the dining space, or a brighter daytime scent with a warmer evening scent. It is an easy upgrade that makes the whole room feel intentionally scented.

Living room

This is where candles really shine because the room holds the scent beautifully. A 360ml is ideal for most living rooms, and 180ml works perfectly for smaller snug style spaces.

If you want evening luxury

• After The Rain
  Warm, comforting and a little indulgent. Great for evenings when you want the room to feel instantly inviting.

• Midnight Bloom (coming soon)
  Your richer fruity option with a darker, moodier edge. Perfect for evening scenting when you want something bold, elegant and room filling without feeling sharp.

• Frosted Cocoa
  Ideal for winter evenings. Comforting, creamy warmth that feels like a treat when the heating is on.

• Coffee Shop (coming soon)

If you want floral but still present

• Sakura Tree
  A statement floral that really suits a living room where it can bloom properly. Elegant, fuller, and not shy.

• Damson Plum, Rose and Patchouli
  This one often throws further than an average floral because the plum and patchouli give it depth. It is floral, but with real presence.

So to sum it all up, the reason scent is so subjective is because scent throw is shaped by how the candle burns, the size and airflow of your space, and how your own nose reads certain aroma molecules. That is why the same candle can feel different from one room to the next, and why two people can describe the same scent very differently.

 

If it feels too strong

• Move it to a larger room, or place it further from where you sit. Distance makes a big difference.

• Avoid small enclosed spaces for bold profiles, especially bathrooms and box rooms.

• Choose a softer scent family for that room. Delicate florals and airy fresh profiles often feel gentler than woods, resins, spices, coffee, and bold fruits.

• Keep burn sessions a little shorter so the fragrance stays balanced rather than building up too intensely.

If it feels too gentle

• First, try it in a smaller room or a more enclosed space. The same candle often feels much stronger when the room holds the scent.

• Give it more time. Hot throw builds once the candle has warmed and the melt pool has had time to catch up and reach the edges, especially on the first few burns.

• Step up a size. A wider jar creates a larger melt pool surface area, which helps fragrance lift into the room.

• For larger spaces, use multi wick candles. Two or three wicks warm more wax evenly, creating a wider melt pool that supports better room coverage.

• Check placement. Drafts pull scent away, so keep candles away from doors, open windows, and strong extractor flow.

That is the real secret to great scent throw: the right candle, in the right room, burning the right way. Now you know what actually drives scent throw, you can make any room feel exactly how you want it to, and with a good melt pool and the right setup for your space, your candle will do the rest.