How to Pair Scents

How to Pair Scents: What to Know for your Nose

Candles have been around for centuries, and their warm glow and soothing scents have been used to create a relaxing ambiance in homes for generations.  Studies show that scent is an important factor in our mood and work performance.  But, with so many different candle scents available, it can be hard to know which ones to pair together to create the perfect atmosphere. In this article, we will explore how to pair scents to create a harmonious and inviting environment in your home.

First, it’s important to understand the different types of scents available. Candles are typically made with one or more of the following types of scents: floral, citrus, woodsy, spicy, and minty. Each of these scents has its own unique characteristics and can evoke different emotions. Floral scents, for example, are often associated with femininity and romance. Citrus scents are refreshing and invigorating, while woodsy scents are grounding and calming. Spicy scents can be warming and comforting, and minty scents are energizing and invigorating.

Things to Know Before Pairing Scents

When pairing scents, it’s important to consider the overall mood or atmosphere you want to create. If you’re looking to create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, for example, you might pair a floral scent with a woodsy scent. The floral scent will add a touch of romance and femininity, while the woodsy scent will help to ground and calm the space.

Another way to pair scents is by using complementary scents. For example, pairing a citrus scent with a minty scent can create a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere. Citrus scents are often associated with energy and positivity, while minty scents are energizing and invigorating. Together, they can create a lively and refreshing atmosphere.

Pairing scents can also be done by selecting scents that are associated with a particular season or holiday. For example, during the fall, you might pair a spicy scent with a woodsy scent to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. During the holiday season, you might pair a spicy scent with a citrus scent to evoke feelings of joy and celebration.

It’s also important to keep in mind the size of the room and the time of day when pairing scents. For example, if you’re trying to create a relaxing atmosphere in a small bedroom, you might want to choose a light and subtle scent such as lavender. On the other hand, if you’re trying to create a lively atmosphere in a large living room, you might want to choose a stronger and more energizing scent such as peppermint. Additionally, you might want to avoid strong scents during the night as it might disturb sleep.

How to Combine Scents for any Mood

One of the best ways to pair scents is by experimenting with different combinations. Try lighting a candle with one scent, and then another with a different scent and see how they interact. You can even try mixing two or more scents in the same candle. This can be a fun and creative way to explore different scent combinations and find the perfect pairing for your space. 

Let’s take a closer look at popular scents and complimentary scents to pair with. 

What Scent pairs well with Jasmine

jasmine flowers

Jasmine is a floral scent that pairs well with a variety of other scents. Some scents that complement jasmine well include:

  • Citrus scents like bergamot or grapefruit can add a fresh and bright note to the floral aroma of Jasmine.
  • Spicy scents like clove and ginger can balance the sweetness of Jasmine. Try it to add a warm and cozy element to the fragrance.
  • Woodsy scents like our favorites sandalwood & cedarwood, pair well and add an earthy element to Jasmine. 
  • Green scents like eucalyptus and rosemary add refreshing and invigorating notes to the fragrance of Jasmine.
  • Stone fruit scents like peach & apricot, which add deep and juicy notes to the floral Jasmine.

What Scent pairs well with Lavender

wild lavender scent

Lavender is a fresh and calming scent that pairs well with a variety of other scents. Some scents that complement lavender well include:

  • Citruses like lemon or orange. Add a bright and uplifting note to the lavender aroma.
  • Herbal scents like rosemary, thyme, and basil, which add a sharp and herbaceous counter to the smoothness of Lavender.
  • Woodsy scents like cedar or pine will add a grounding and warmth to lavender.
  • Spice scents like peppermint and rosemary which can be refreshing and invigorating.
  • Fruity scents like apple, which add a sweet and juicy note.


A candle that combines lavender with lemon and eucalyptus will create a relaxing and invigorating atmosphere that is perfect for a spa day at home or to help you focus while working.

Additionally, pairing lavender with Vanilla, Rose, and Sage will create a soothing and peaceful ambiance that is perfect for a quiet evening or for bedtime rituals.

What Scents pair well with Coconut

cracked coconuts

Coconut is a sweet and tropical scent that pairs well with a variety of other fragrances. Some scents that complement coconut include:

  • Citrus scents such as lime add a tart and bright note.
  • Floral scents such as Jasmine, Gardenia and Frangipani, which add a sweet and delicate note.
  • Spicy scents such as ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, for an element of warmth and coziness.
  • Woody scents such as sandalwood and teakwood, can give a grounding, earthy note and add a hint of the exotic.
  • Fruity scents such as pineapple, mango, and papaya, which are sweet, juicy and playful notes.

For example, a candle with a scent combination of coconut, lime and ginger, is perfect for creating a tropical and cozy atmosphere, ideal for a summer day or a beach vacation. Additionally, pairing coconut with vanilla, jasmine and a hint of peppermint creates a relaxing and inviting ambiance, perfect for unwinding after a long day or for a spa day at home.

What Scents pair well with Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a fresh and medicinal scent that pairs well with a variety of other fragrances. Some scents that complement eucalyptus well include:

  • Citrus scents like lemon, lime, and grapefruit, which add a fresh and uplifting note to the eucalyptus aroma.
  • Mint scents like peppermint, spearmint, and wintergreen, which add a refreshing and invigorating note to the eucalyptus aroma.
  • Herbal scents like rosemary, sage, and thyme, which add a grounding and earthy note to the eucalyptus aroma.
  • Woody scents like cedarwood, sandalwood, and pine, which add a grounding and earthy note to the eucalyptus aroma.

Eucalyptus also pairs well with other invigorating scents such as camphor, eucalyptus and tea tree oil, these scents are ideal to create an energizing and refreshing atmosphere, this is perfect for morning routines or to boost energy.

Additionally, pairing eucalyptus with lavender and chamomile will create a soothing and peaceful ambiance that is perfect for a quiet evening or for bedtime rituals.

What Scents pair well with Rose

Rose is a classic and romantic scent that pairs well with a variety of other fragrances. Some scents that complement rose well include:

  • Citrus scents like lemon, bergamot, and orange, which add a fresh and uplifting note to the rose aroma.
  • Spicy scents like peppermint, ginger, and clove, which add a warm and invigorating note to the fragrance.
  • Woody scents like sandalwood, cedarwood, and patchouli, which add a grounding and earthy note to the rose aroma.
  • Floral scents like lavender, jasmine, and ylang-ylang, which add a sweet and delicate note to the rose aroma.
  • Fruity scents like blackcurrant, raspberry, and strawberry, which add a sweet and juicy note to the rose aroma.

For example, a candle that combines rose with lemon and peppermint will create a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere that is perfect for a spa day at home or to help you focus while working.

Additionally, pairing rose with lavender, sandalwood and a hint of blackcurrant will create a soothing and peaceful ambiance that is perfect for a quiet evening or for bedtime rituals.

What Scents pair well with Vanilla

Vanilla is a warm and comforting scent that pairs well with a variety of other fragrances. Some scents that complement vanilla well include:

  • Spicy scents like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, which add a cozy and inviting note to the vanilla aroma.
  • Fruity scents like apple, cherry, and strawberry, which add a sweet and playful note to the vanilla aroma.
  • Floral scents like lavender, rose, and jasmine, which add a delicate and romantic note to the vanilla aroma.
  • Woody scents like sandalwood, cedarwood, and patchouli, which add a grounding and earthy note to the vanilla aroma.

Vanilla also pairs well with other sweet scents such as caramel, chocolate, and honey, these scents are ideal to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, this is perfect for a relaxing evening or to add a touch of indulgence to your surroundings.

Additionally, pairing vanilla with other warm scents like amber, musk and vanilla will create a cozy and comforting ambiance that is perfect for bedtime rituals or for a soothing bath.

Pairing scents is a great way to create a desired ambiance, whether it’s a relaxing, cozy, or romantic atmosphere. It also can help to neutralize any unwanted odors.

You can find vanilla blending perfectly with amber and sandalwood  in our Tahitian Bungalow Candle.

What Scent Pairs well with Bergamot

Bergamot is a citrus scent with a unique and refreshing aroma that pairs well with a variety of other fragrances. Some scents that complement bergamot well include:

  • Herbal scents like rosemary, sage, and thyme, which add a grounding and earthy note to the bergamot aroma.
  • Floral scents like lavender, jasmine, and neroli, which add a delicate and romantic note to the bergamot aroma.
  • Spicy scents like clove, cinnamon, and black pepper, which add a warm and inviting note to the bergamot aroma.
  • Woody scents like cedarwood, sandalwood, and patchouli, which add a grounding and earthy note to the bergamot aroma.


    Bergamot also pairs well with other citrus scents such as lemon, orange, and grapefruit, these scents are ideal to create a refreshing and uplifting atmosphere.

    Additionally, pairing bergamot with other fresh scents such as eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree oil will create an energizing and invigorating ambiance that is perfect for morning routines or to boost energy.

    Pairing scents is a great way to create a desired ambiance, whether it’s a refreshing, energizing, or romantic atmosphere. It also can help to neutralize any unwanted odors

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, pairing scents is an art, and can be a fun and creative way to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere in your home. By understanding the different types of scents available, considering the overall mood or atmosphere you want to create, and experimenting with different combinations, you can find the perfect pairing for your space. Remember to also consider the size of the room and the time of day when pairing scents for optimal results.

Check out our collection of nature inspired candles from the Sojourn Company. Each of our signature scents are well balanced to transport your senses.