First-Time Candle Review: Bibliotheque’s Library-Inspired Scent

Bibliotheque Candle Review: Bringing a Bookish Aroma to Your Home

Close-up of Bibliotheque Candle for Woody and Floral Aroma Scent

Why I Chose This Candle

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I couldn’t visit libraries, which I dearly missed. As a thoughtful gift, my husband gave me a candle designed to recreate the nostalgic scent of books at home. I usually avoid chemical-based fragrances like incense, perfumes, or diffusers, so this was my very first candle experience. Naturally, I was curious to see if it could truly evoke the scent of an old library.

First Impressions: Minimalist Luxury

The candle arrives in a sleek black glass container with white packaging, creating a clean yet luxurious aesthetic. It’s not just a fragrance—it doubles as a stylish home decor item. For example, I placed it in my main bathroom, where it complements a modern, minimalist style perfectly.

Fragrance Profile: Floral Meets Woody

The Bibliotheque candle has a multi-layered scent profile:

  • Top Notes: Plum and Cinnamon
  • Heart Notes: Leather Accord and Violet
  • Base Notes: Birch Woods, Patchouli, and Vanilla
The scent starts floral, then transitions into a deep woody aroma, balancing soft floral tones with earthy, comforting woods. It’s elegant and cozy, making it suitable for reading nooks, bathrooms, or living rooms.


Luxury Book Scent Bibliotheque Candle for Home Decor

Candle Performance: Burning Evenly

As a first-time candle user, I was curious about candle tunnelling, a common issue where the wick burns down unevenly. To my surprise, this candle burned evenly without tunnelling, even though I didn’t take any special precautions. This is a good sign for first-time candle owners, ensuring maximum fragrance release and longevity.

Bibliotheque candle burning evenly in minimalist bathroom setting

Drawbacks: Price and Scent Expectations

While the candle is beautiful and smells wonderful, it did not fully meet my expectations of recreating an old library scent. The floral notes are quite strong, which may not perfectly match the nostalgic “book smell” I was hoping for.

Additionally, the price is steep: a 240g Bibliotheque candle costs $135, more than double the average price for candles of a similar size.

Finally, the candle contains paraffin, a petroleum byproduct. When burned for long periods in enclosed spaces, paraffin can release toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde, which are potentially harmful chemicals.

Conclusion: A Luxurious but Expensive Experience

The Bibliotheque candle is a beautiful, well-crafted candle with an elegant scent profile and impressive burn quality. However, it may not completely satisfy those seeking the exact aroma of an old library, and its high cost and chemical content might be considerations for health-conscious buyers.

Tip for First-Time Candle Users: Always burn candles in a well-ventilated space and trim the wick to maintain even burning and prevent soot.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.

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