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It is a universally acknowledged fact that autumn is the most beautiful time of the year. It’s not just an idea—the essential truth of it all is that fall packs in the activities and traditions of the season we spend the rest of the year looking forward to embracing. Checking off our reading list, getting to know our fall drink of choice (I’m the group chair), and doing everything the pumpkin is in charge. That’s right, it’s also the time when we trade in our summer perfumes for something a little darker, academy-coded, and yes—spicy and sweet. The best fall candles of 2024? Boxes, checked.
The Best Fall Candles to Scent the Season
There is something exciting about falling. As the leaves turn and the air takes on that undeniable glow, it’s a reminder to welcome a cool night. Fall is an invitation to slip on our sweaters and gather around the table with loved ones, enjoying the warmth of a delicious meal. But beyond the food, festivals, and rituals of fall, candles set the stage for this wonderful time of year.
The best fall candles fill our homes with the comforting scents of the season. Everything from spiced apples to rich woods to warm vanilla fills our homes with these reminders of sensory delight. In addition, candles are better than flickering light. They are the finishing touches that turn your home into a haven. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying some alone time, the right candle can instantly change the atmosphere. Read on for the best fall candles to brighten up your space.
Best Of: Hearth & Hand™ Magnolia Tinted Glass Harvest Chestnut Scalloped Jar Candle
You’ve got it: fall vibes wrapped in a jar. With its sweet, nutty aroma and warm, amber glow, this candle feels like a cozy night between the fire—smoky. The vessel itself is gorgeous, with a timeless scalloped edge that makes it as much of a statement piece as it is seasonally important. I plan to fire this up whenever I want some quiet evening entertainment. (That is, when I rewatch Emily in Paris Season 4 for the umpteenth time. I can’t be stopped.)
Best Pumpkin: Voluspa Spiced Pumpkin Latte
You know him and you love him, you buy him every September without fail. And if you don’t? Let me introduce you to the best pumpkin candle. Although I like to pick up Trader Joe’s pumpkin tile candle during my weekly stocking stuffer, this is the superior version. (And yes, while still affordable, the price difference equals the quality increase.) With notes of creamy pumpkin, toasted coconut, and cinnamon spice, it’s like tasting your first PSL of the season. Housed in Voluspa’s signature stamped glass jar, this candle doesn’t just smell like fall—it looks the part, too.
Best Reusable Container: OWIU Supplies Forest Candle
Everything OWIU Goods produces is a gift to behold. We interviewed founder Amanda Gunawan last year at her home in LA, and it’s clear that her intentional lifestyle extends to everything—pottery, matcha, and candles—she creates. This candle brings the tranquility of the forest right into your home. With earthy notes of cedar, sandalwood, and a hint of moss, it’s basically the next best thing to a forest bath. (Actually, better.) Minimalist in design but rich in scent, this candle is housed in a sleek ceramic vessel that adds a modern touch of character to any space.
The Best Vanilla: Go Well Inside the Candle Collection
Designed to evoke warmth and harmony, this candle emits soothing notes of vanilla, sandalwood, and clove. Perfect for little candle lovers, this timeless neutral jar will be at home in any space—turning a room into an inviting sanctuary. I like to heat it up during an intimate dinner and afternoon writing session when I want to feel grounded and focused. Light up, and let the rich, layered scent bring you a sense of calm and connection to your favorite fall moments.
Best for young: Jenni Kayne Cedar Glass Candle
Come sweaters, sit on the candles. Like all of the brand’s clothing and home goods, this candle is the epitome of understated beauty. Infused with the subtle aroma of cedar and soft notes of pine, it brings a refreshing autumnal atmosphere to your home. And while I’ve been known to wrap around some candles to keep the label hidden, I love the modern design it shows. (And yes, I want you to know that I’m an insider and am considering picking up the best fall candles from Jenni Kayne.) For effortless, seasonal warmth, look no further.
Best Unexpected Scent: Saffron Salt & Stone & Cedar Candle
Cedar is expected—saffron is absent. This candle is the perfect combination of what you think fall should smell like but with a twist that’s hard to put your finger on. This luxurious blend of spices and woods emits a rare fragrance based on earthy cedar. Sophisticated and sleek, it adds a modern touch to your decor while filling the room with a sweet, lingering fragrance. Get ready to transform your home into a fall getaway.
Best Dating: Blueme Spiritual Palo Santo & Vetiver
This candle feels like a ritual in itself—quickly calming and uplifting. Cleansing, medicinal notes of palo santo are balanced by the earthy warmth of vetiver. Designed to clear the breath and soothe the soul, it’s just what you want to warm you up during a cozy autumn pursuit. Whether you’re meditating, journaling, or just relaxing, this candle brings a sense of clarity and peace to any occasion, making it a must-have for your seasonal self-care regimen.
Best for Book Lovers: Aerangis No. 40 Livraria Antiga
As I pointed out above, reading (binge reading, mostly) is one of my favorite things to do in the fall. For that reason, I’m all about anything bibliophilic. Because this candle smells like walking into a cool library, you can bet I’m collecting. It reminds us of the best bookstores, where the air is filled with the smell of leather-bound books, polished wood, and perhaps a touch of mystery. With deep, smoky notes of aged paper, cedar wood, and a hint of spice, this candle transports you to a time and place where stories live in the air.
Best Buy: Fablerune Pumpkin Soy Candle
It’s no secret—candles aren’t exactly cheap. That’s why, when you can find one that strikes a good balance between affordable and high-end, you should buy 10. This candle—a delightful ode to our favorite fall flavor—is the perfect alternative to Voluspa pumpkin. Its creamy pumpkin aroma is accompanied by hints of vanilla and nutmeg, a nod to the feel of homemade pumpkin pue fresh out of the oven. If you like your pumpkin candles a little more than candy, this is your choice.
Best Scent for Men: Cereria Molla Velvet Wood Candle
For those of us who like scents that lean a bit more masculine, this sweet, sweet fragrance exudes an underlying complexity. With its deep notes of velvety sandalwood, warm amber, and sweet vanilla, this candle is the perfect combination of refined luxury. Light it up and lean towards the ultimate in sensory comfort. I love to heat it up on a cold fall night or whenever an event needs a touch of elegance.