Gothic Book and Candle Pairings for Long Winter Nights
Gothic literature and classic horror are two of our favourite genres to read on long winter nights. The cold darkness of the season aptly matches the desolate atmosphere and themes of isolation in these genres. A candlelit home with roaring winds and rain outdoors can create the perfect cosy reading routine.
For the ultimate companion to your reading experience, we've paired scented candles from our gothic-inspired range to complement the themes of the books in the below list. By selecting scent notes which match the atmosphere, setting and themes of the books you read, you can create a more immersive reading experience. Olfactory information travels directly to the brain’s emotional control centre, the limbic system, and can act as a powerful mood enhancer.
Our book recommendations and scent pairings are as follows:
Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu × Carmilla
Carmilla is a gothic vampire story about a young woman named Laura who encounters the beautiful, seductive and dangerous Carmilla. This Victorian novella explores themes of desire, corruption and identity.
Book Quote: “You must come with me, loving me, to death; or else hate me, and still come with me.”
We have paired this read with our Carmilla inspired candle. A heady scent of incense and rosemary with undercurrents of lavender and musk - we created this candle to be as intoxicating as Carmilla herself. Described as “hauntingly romantic” by Crypt Magazine, this candle “feels like you are being drawn into a candlelit gothic tale”.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury × Temperance
A sinister carnival horror about two teenage boys who uncover the nightmare that has arrived in their town. A key theme explored in this vintage horror is temptation and the seductive power of dreams.
Book Quote: “Death doesn't exist. It never did, it never will. But we've drawn so many pictures of it, so many years, trying to pin it down, comprehend it, we've got to thinking of it as an entity, strangely alive and greedy.”
We recommend pairing the book with our Temperance candle, inspired by the temptation of prophecy. A woody scent of cedarwood, saffron and lilac - allow it to create a hypnotic backdrop to the carnival of horrors.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë × Love Potion
Wuthering Heights is a classic gothic novel about the destructive power of an all-consuming love. Set on the desolate Yorkshire moors, the story explores how love can turn into obsession and lead to tragedy.
Book Quote: “Be with me always - take any form - drive me mad! Only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you!”
We explore these themes through Love Potion, a spellbinding floral scent, where jasmine is contrasted by sharp notes of cut grass and orange zest, all underpinned by aldehyde – a soapy, waxy note – to represent cruelty justified by love.
The Shadow Over Innsmouth by H.P. Lovecraft × Kraken
A quintessential Lovecraft novella, for new and seasoned Lovecraft readers alike. Set in the fishing village of Innsmouth, this ominous and unsettling story explores the fear of mental degeneration through cosmic horror, secret cults, and forbidden knowledge of oneself. A possible exploration of the hereditary nature of mental illness, as Lovecraft’s father died in a mental institution.
Book Quote: “She had changed - as those who take to the water change - and told me she had never died.”
We recommend matching this tale with our Kraken candle to evoke the setting of a seaside town. A deeply oceanic scent with a mossy, damp-earth base, designed to transport you to a stormy beach.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson × Spinning Wheel
For a masterful domestic horror, read Shirley Jackson’s We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Centred on themes of isolation, guilt and social ostracization, this story follows Merricat and her sister through their isolated life in the decaying Blackwood family home.
Book Quote: “I can't help it when people are frightened," says Merricat. "I always want to frighten them more.”
For this story, we recommend Spinning Wheel. This candle opens with floral notes of rose and apple, and descends into an anise-tinged musk to mirror the darkness hidden behind a domestic bliss façade.
Create Your Own Gothic Reading Ritual
Focus on atmosphere and ambience – carve out an area of your home that serves as your reading corner. Add soft elements to enhance atmosphere: blankets, candlelight, fresh flowers.
Create a mini-library – dedicate a shelf for rotating your current reads.
Treat yourself – make yourself some hot cocoa or use a pretty bookmark to enhance your nightly reading routine.
Check out our full range of gothic romance inspired candles!