As a candle business owner, it's my job to make sure we are making candles that don't just smell good in homes, but will actually be a blessing in your home. The things I like to think about are the candle categories (think: bake-y, woods-y, fruity, fresh...) and then the strength of "hot throw". That's just a fancy candle term for how strong the candle smells in your home - it can be light and airy, medium, or strong. When I made candles for the first time in 2013, the medium or light and airy "hot throw" was what everyone wanted. Gosh, in 2026, it seems like things have completely changed! Everyone seems to want a strong or maximum throw candle, not unlike the 90's. Also, from 2013 - 2018, I could not make enough fruity candles & so we had every fruit candle I could think to make! haha! Fast forward more than 10 years, and woods-y or even what I like to call "mandle" with warm ambers, heavy pines, firewood, etc. seems to be the trend.
Or sometimes, a candle just isn't it - we launch it, but almost no one wants it. So, we eventually find the right time to retire it & it goes in the Vault. However, one thing is true: some of you fall in love with a scent, no matter the trend or popularity of the fragrance.
Which is why we started the Vault releases & I have one planned for February 2026! Here's my issue: I can't decide which ones to bring back. I can't do them all, but would like to narrow down to 6 - 8 perhaps. I listed some of the classic/year round fragrances that are currently in the Vault. Which ones would you like to see in February? Also, am I missing any? Golly, I wish I took better notes over the last 12 years.
Some of my thoughts, for what they are worth (I'd rather hear yours): We already have made so many more vanilla candles since Vanilla Bean & I am kinda leaning against bringing Vanilla Bean back as one as my fellow vanilla-candle obsessed folks. I am also leaning against Back Roads as much as I love it (it's a candle from 2014, when I made candles in my kitchen!). We brought it back in 2025 from the Vault & not many folks remember it since it has been almost 10 years since it was a top seller. It's also one of those more light scents that aren't as "popular" right now. I'm leaning towards Clean Cotton, Jasmine Peony, and Lemon Eucalyptus as some to pull from the Vault.
Let me know what you think because I have to order the candle making supplies to make these small batches for the ones we pick! Would you leave a comment? I will read those and keep a tally. I plan to order on January 5 to give us time to get the supplies, make the candles, and share with you on our website.
Spoiler: I plan to do a Vault release in May as well (and also the Fall & Christmas season). So you'll notice some scents that are currently also in the Vault might be missing from the list above.
PS - For a full of list of candles that are coming back this year, you can view our candle library.
Thank you for your help!! :)
-Brittany, founder of Antique Candle Co.
