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It is a universally recognized truth that autumn is the best time of the year. This isn’t just opinion — the fact is that fall is filled with activities and seasonal traditions that we look forward to embracing all year long. Peruse our reading list, enjoy our fall beverage of choice (I’m the team chair), and make all Pumpkin Treats. Of course, this is also the time when we switch out summer scents for something a little moodier, a little dark academic, and yes, a little spicy and sweet. The best fall candles of 2024? Box, checked.
The best fall candles to smell the season
There’s something undeniably mesmerizing about autumn. When the leaves turn and the air takes on a distinctly fresh scent, it’s a reminder to embrace the cozy nights. But beyond the food, festivities, and fall rituals, candles set the stage for this magical time of year.
The best fall candles fill our homes with the comforting scents of the season. From spiced apples to rich woods to warm vanilla, everything fills our homes with memories that delight the senses. What’s more, candles are more than just a flickering light. They are the finishing touch that turns your home into a haven. Whether you’re welcoming guests or enjoying a moment of solitude, the right candle can instantly change the mood. Read on to discover the best fall candles to enhance your space.
Best Overall: Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia Tinted Glass Harvest Chestnut Scalloped Jar Candle
There you have it: pure autumn scent wrapped in a jar. With a rich nutty scent and warm amber glow, this candle feels like a cozy night by the fire, but without the smoke. The container itself is very chic, with timeless scalloped edges, making it both a statement piece and a seasonal must-have. I plan on burning it any time I want to enjoy a quiet night. (That is, when I rewatched Emily in Paris Season 4 for the umpteenth time. I couldn’t stop.)
Best Pumpkin: Voluspa Spiced Pumpkin Latte
You know her, you love her, and you buy her without hesitation every September. What if you don’t? Let me introduce you to the best pumpkin candles. While I love buying Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Tin Candles during my weekly stockings, this is a step up. (Yes, it’s still readily available, but the price difference is matched by the increase in quality.) With flavors of butternut squash, raw coconut, and cinnamon spice, it’s like taking a sip of your first PSL of the season. Housed in Voluspa’s signature embossed glass jar, this candle not only smells like autumn, it looks autumn too.
Best Reusable Container: OWIU Goods Forest Candle
All products produced by OWIU Goods are gift-worthy gifts. When we caught up with founder Amanda Gunawan at her home in Los Angeles last year, it was clear that her intentional lifestyle extends to everything she creates—ceramics, matcha, and candles. This candle brings the serenity of the forest directly into your home. With earthy notes of cedar, sandalwood and a hint of moss, it’s basically the next best thing to forest bathing. (Actually, better.) Simple in design yet richly scented, this candle comes in a stylish ceramic vessel that adds a modern touch to any space.
Best Vanilla: Haven Well Within Gather Candle
Designed to evoke warmth and togetherness, this candle features the cozy scent of vanilla, sandalwood and clove. Perfect for lovers of minimalist candles, this timeless neutral jar will fit in any space, transforming the room into a welcoming sanctuary. I like to burn it out over intimate dinners and afternoon writing sessions when I want to feel centered and focused. Light it up and let the rich, layered scent bring calm and connection to your favorite fall moments.
Best for Minimalists: Jenni Kayne Cedar Glass Candle
Come for the sweaters, stay for the candles. Like all of the brand’s clothing and homewares, this candle is the epitome of understated elegance. It incorporates the undertone of cedar and the soft aroma of pine to bring the fresh woody air of autumn into your home. While I’ve been known to twist this around other candles to hide the labels, I love the modern design it displays. (Also, yes, I want you to know that I’m an insider and I want to pick the best fall candles from Jenni Kayne.) If you want effortlessly cool, seasonal warmth, look no further.
Best Unexpected Scent: Salt & Stone Saffron & Cedar Candle
Expect cedar, not saffron. This candle is the perfect blend of what you think fall should smell like, but with a touch that’s hard to put your finger on. This luxurious blend of spices and woods delivers an exotic aroma with earthy cedar as its base. Sophisticated and stylish, it adds a modern touch to your decor while filling the room with a rich, long-lasting scent. Get ready to transform your home into a fall retreat.
Best Calmifier: Blueme Spiritual Palo Santo and Vetiver
The candle is like a ritual in itself – instantly calming and uplifting. The clean woody notes of Palo Santo are balanced by the earthy warmth of Vetiver. Designed to purify the air and soothe the soul, it’s just what you’ll want to burn on any cozy fall pursuit. Whether you’re meditating, journaling, or just relaxing, this candle brings a sense of clarity and calm, making it a must-have for your seasonal self-care routine.
Best for book lovers: Aerangis No. 40 Livraria Antiga
As I mentioned above, reading (especially binge reading) is one of my favorite things to do in the fall. For this reason, I surround myself with all the things I enjoy reading. Since this candle smells like walking into the coziest library, you can bet I’m stocking up. It’s reminiscent of the best bookstores, where the air is filled with the smell of leather-bound books, polished wood, and maybe a hint of mystery. With deep, smoky notes of aged paper, cedarwood and a hint of spice, this candle transports you to a time and place where stories filled the air.
Best Affordable: Fablerune Pumpkin Soy Candle
It’s no secret—candles aren’t cheap. That’s why, when you find a candle that strikes the perfect balance between affordable and high-end, you should buy 10 of them. Taste. The aroma of buttery pumpkin paired with flavors of vanilla and nutmeg evokes the sensory experience of homemade pumpkin pie coming out of the oven. If you like the earthy smell of pumpkin candles rather than the sweetness, then this is the choice for you.
Best Scent for Men: Cereria Molla Velvet Wood Candle
For those of us who prefer masculine scents, this rich, gorgeous scent exudes understated sophistication. Featuring a rich aroma of velvety sandalwood, warm amber and a hint of sweet vanilla, this candle is the perfect blend of sophisticated comfort. Light it up and enjoy the ultimate in sensory luxury. I love burning it on crisp fall evenings and whenever the occasion calls for a touch of elegance.
