The Booming UK Candle Market
According to studies, the UK spends over £90million per year on scented yankee candles. This makes the UK one of the largest candle markets in Europe. Popularity is also on the rise across the world in many emerging markets. And quality is now more important than ever. Millions are willing to splash out on the highest quality candles with purer ingredients and beautiful scents to fill their homes. But when it comes to candles, it suffers the same problem as many other products: customers don’t know how good they are until they’ve actually used them.
The Importance of Branding and Candle Labels
This is where
branding is so important, and particularly a good quality label. It’s usually one of the first promotional pieces a potential customer will see, so your candle labels must exude quality to attract more sales. Just the label alone - with the right design, text, material and print quality - can make a substantial difference. This is why we only use high-resolution printing and Xeikon toner on premium stock. This will allow your custom labels to stand up there with the biggest brands in terms of print detail, colour richness and overall quality. Plus, with our highly-efficient Xeikon presses, we can offer this level of quality at some of the UK’s best prices – whether you need a small run or millions of labels for large-scale production.
You can sample our prices by using our
online calculator here. Alternatively, please click here to speak to a member of our team if you have any questions about candle label printing from Fastlabels.
Pro Tip for Candle Label Design Guidelines:
Core Elements:
The
scent name is the focal point and should be bold and legible, using a clean serif or sans-serif font. The product name or brand identity is the second focal point and should be as clear as the scent name. Place it in the top or bottom half of the label, ensuring it’s recognisable for repeat customers. Typically, the product name is 20-40% smaller than the scent text for balance. Position warnings or mandatory icons on the back or bottom of the container to keep the front visually clean.
Materials and Finishes:
For a luxury feel, use
textured or matt paper; for a bold, energetic look, choose gloss or metallic finishes. Clear labels let candle colours show through, with white ink backing for vibrancy. Align the finish with your brand’s positioning, e.g., matt for sophistication or gloss for a dynamic design.
Shape and Placement:
Standard rectangular or rounded labels convey professionalism and playfulness, respectively, but custom shapes like tapered cuts can optimise fit for containers with variable widths. Ensure label placement complements the container’s shape, e.g., centred for cylindrical jars or lower placement on tall pillars.
Colour Strategy:
Choose colours that align with the candle’s holder or scent. For glass holders, consider monochromatic schemes that match the candle’s colour; for solid-colour holders, use contrasting tones (e.g., black on white). Warmer tones (reds, oranges) evoke comfort and cosiness, while cooler tones (greens, blues) suggest freshness and calm. Ensure text colour contrasts well against the background for legibility, especially in dim lighting.
Typography:
Use fonts that enhance readability and align with your brand—serif for elegance or sans-serif for modernity. The scent name should dominate, with text sizes above 5pt to ensure legibility. Avoid light tints or low-opacity colours, especially for small text. Use a clear hierarchy: scent first, brand name second, and other information in smaller text sizes for cohesion.
Consistency and Seasonality:
Keep branding consistent across products while allowing minor adjustments for seasonal or limited-edition designs. Use subtle motifs (e.g., snowflakes for winter) to evoke themes without overwhelming the layout. Maintain at least 30% white space to ensure a clean, uncluttered look.
Compliance:
Position mandatory information (e.g., warnings, regulatory icons) on separate sections like the back or bottom to avoid interference with the branding. Use legible fonts and ensure all legal requirements are met.
This method balances clarity, compliance, and visual appeal, ensuring your labels are professional, functional, and competitive.