Today, I want to talk about how candle scents for the office and how they can make your workday more productive. You might be thinking, “What does scent have to do with office productivity?” Believe it or not, scent can play a role in your focus and mood.
While it’s not a magic fix, the little things matter. At worst, you’ll have a nice-smelling candle to enjoy while you work!
Consider Your Workspace
When picking a candle for your office, consider your environment. If you’re in a shared office, it’s essential to be considerate of coworkers. Make sure they’re okay with a scented candle at your desk. Even if they agree, opt for a lighter scent that won’t overwhelm anyone.
If you work from home or in a private office, you have more flexibility. Feel free to experiment with different scents and sizes. In a smaller office, a smaller candle should do the trick. While there’s no exact science to match the candle size to your space, I’ve found that candles with a wider surface area tend to have a stronger fragrance.
Balancing Scents for Office Productivity and Calm
Productivity-Boosting Scents
Need a mental boost? Invigorating scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, or lemongrass can help. These fragrances increase focus and energy, perfect for powering through tasks.
Stress-Relieving Scents
On stressful days, calming fragrances like lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood can help you relax while staying productive.
Balancing the Two
Try mixing scents for a balanced atmosphere. A blend of citrus and lavender, for example, can provide both energy and calm.
Scents for the Time of Day or Season
You can also adjust scents based on time of day or season. Mornings are great for fresh, energizing scents like citrus or mint. In the afternoon, switch to softer scents like vanilla or sandalwood. For colder months, scents like cinnamon or pine work well, while floral or herbal scents suit spring and summer.
Choosing the Right Candle for an Office
Candle Size and Burn Time
Choose a candle that fits your needs. Smaller candles are perfect for short burns, while larger ones can last throughout the day.
Candle Safety
Safety should always come first. Never leave a lit candle unattended. Better yet, skip the flame entirely!
Candle warming lamps are a great alternative. These lamps use heat from a bulb to melt the surface of jar candles, releasing the scent without a flame. They work similarly to wax melts and can even release more scent than burning candles.
I’ve had great results with candle warmers—they really do work as well (or better!) than a burning candle.
Expensive Candles Versus Cheap Candles
Should you get a luxury candle for the office or a cheaper candle?
This comes down to personal preference and the budget you allow yourself to spend on scented candles.
One thing to keep in mind: cheaper candles often smell more artificial which may irritate you or your coworkers if used for long periods. That’s not always the case, but it’s worth doing some research before buying. Check reviews to see what others have to say.
We also recommend a variety of brands at different price points across the blog, so feel free to explore!
Summing Up
A scented candle won’t magically boost your productivity, but it can help get your mind in the right space. Don’t underestimate the power of scent!
What’s your favorite office productivity candle scent?
Let us know in the comments below or share this post with your answer on social media and be sure to tag us!
