We all may turn to different items to zhuzh up our space (like throws, pillows, mirrors, and more), but there’s one thing we consider to be a no-fail, must-have decor item: the humble candle. Service and style? We’re sold. 

Some can be surprisingly expensive, so we rounded up more affordable options, all under $45. We’ve got candles that make great gifts (hi, Birthdate Co.). Plus a few that are centerpiece-worthy and really deserve to be on display. Oh, and cozy season? We’re all about diving into the delicious scents that spice up a space. Burn, baby, burn.

It’ll smell 10 times better than any aerosol spray you can find. Customers rave about how refreshing and clean the scent is. It’s the perfect option to light before you climb into the tub for an evening soak. ($24, Pretty Honest Candles )

If your couch currently smells like your furry four-legged friend, raise your hand. This soy wax candle to the rescue. It neutralizes unpleasant odors (like those from litter boxes), keeping your home smelling fresh and clean. It has a burn time of up to 60 hours and comes in more than two dozen scents. Plus it’s free of dyes, parabens, and formaldehydes. Wet dog? Smell ya later. ($21.99, Amazon )

No matter what season it is. Each candle is hand-poured and is free of parabens, sulfates, and synthetic dyes. This scent blends sandalwood, golden amber, and warm musk, but you can also shop their core collection for more options. With their colorful labels, these make for a great gift option too — and are worthy of some real estate on any desk. ($36, Otherland )

Is your Enneagram number a three, an achiever? Or maybe you’re a six, a loyalist. These ombre glass candles have their own fragrance and color to match your number. Plus, there’s even a QR code that directs you to more information about your Enneagram. Because we’re all constantly learning about who we are. ($21, Paddywax )

Not only will the lavender vetiver fragrance lull you into a state of calm, but you’ll also get a reading to help you navigate what can be a crazy time. Inside the candle is a crystal to bring balance and good energy. Psst...this is part of a limited-edition batch, so grab one now before they sell out. ($42, Birthdate Co .) 

These hand-poured ones burn between 60 to 80 hours and take some cues from the stars. There’s a candle for every day of the year, each with a custom scent and personalized info like personality traits and a tarot reading. They make a great gift for the person in your life who never skips their daily horoscope. ($38, Birthdate Co. )

No time to stop and smell the roses during WFH? All good. This one from Boy Smells has notes of pink peppercorn, rose, and mandarin, which will have your space feeling as fresh as a daisy. Pop this rose gold candle in the background of your latest virtual meeting and everyone will be complimenting your surroundings. Go you. ($39, Standard Dose )

These will be eye-catching on a coffee table or in an entryway. The two scent options are fresh and woodsy with hints of cypress and cassis. The container also has a wooden lid, so definitely something you’ll want to recycle and use as a small vase or a container for tchotchkes. ($36, Anthropologie )

Ahhh, the scent of freshly squeezed citrus. With notes of orange peel, lemon verbena, champagne, and peach, this one is a dose of vitamin C for the nose. Whether you’re in the thick of summer or are looking for an extra dose of sunshine in the winter, this candle is bright and cheery. Who couldn’t use an extra shot of joy? ($14, Aster )

This one features a blend of saffron, vetiver, and cedarwood. Warning: You may be inspired to cancel plans, slip into flannel pajamas, and sip a cup of tea. Put on a classic movie and your night will be complete. ($30, Nordstrom )

Whether you're hosting a small gathering or having a regular weeknight dinner at home, these beauties are a must. They’re available in eight colors and are made with natural soy wax and beeswax. To avoid dripping, we suggest reading the burn instructions provided in the listing. ($17, CaiCai Handmade on Etsy )

These are bright and ideal for the spring and summer seasons, but fret not — they’ll inject cheer into long winter days. Each one is poured individually, so there may be slight variations. They’re also unscented so you can light a few at once without having to worry about an overwhelming smell. ($6.95+, Botanical Goods Store on Etsy )

They’re delicate and honestly very pretty to look at, so we won’t blame you if you never get around to burning them. Customers love them, and with their multiple five-star reviews, we don’t think you can go wrong. ($18/4 pack, Urban Outfitters )

There are four colors available, each with a different scent. These one-of-a-kind candles are made individually, so they’ll slightly differ. And they work just as well displayed individually as they do as a set. ($35, Anure )

The white scent is freesia, while the blue scent is bluebell. Like the taper candles, this one can double as decor when it’s not being burned. It almost looks like it would be squishy with its smooth and rounded bubbles, but trust us, don’t poke — you’ll want it to last a while. ($14.99, Amazon )

There are four blobs available, but this blue one looks like it’s lazily lounging. To make it even more perfect, it’s named Eh. They’re part of a collection created by Talbot & Yoon for Areaware. You can purchase them individually, but once you see ‘em all, you’ll want to keep the lil’ family together. So fun. ($30, Areaware )

Once you peek inside, you’ll be mesmerized. These handcrafted candles strikingly resemble geodes, with a bit of sparkle and a whole lot of texture. The amethyst option smells of bergamot and violet, while the aquamarine smells like fresh salt air. When the wick is gone, you can insert a tea light to keep enjoying the inner crystalline structure a bit longer. ($34, Uncommon Goods )

If you buy anything from this article, theSkimm may get something in return. Oh, and if something’s out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) when we published. Thanks.

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Skimm'd by Alexandra Napoli, Margo Ghertner, Emmy Favilla

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