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With September comes seasonal treats, colorful leaves and that crisp hint of fall in the air. Not to mention the rustic accents, leafy garlands and warm decorations for your indoor and outdoor space, including fall candles! Candles have the amazing ability to create a cozy a vibe and fill your surroundings with the delectable aroma of carved pumpkins, hot apple cider and pumpkin pie. Since you may not have time to dive into the many desserts and edible DIYs of the season, luckily, you can encompass yourself with these scents using our autumn-inspired candles below.
These top fall candle scents are the perfect additions to your autumn decor. We have toasty fragrances that'll remind you of your favorite edible treats (pecan waffles, chai lattes and dark rum are just a few picks). Some scents, like vanilla, apples and buttercream, are sweeter than others, making them perfect for gourmands. Others will transport you to your favorite fall activities, whether that's apple or pumpkin picking, or simply cuddling up by the fireplace. What's more, many of these fall home fragrances can be burned for up to 50 hours, making them long-lasting options for the cold season ahead.
No matter what scent you're looking for — floral, woody, fresh or sweet — we have options for everyone! Plus, many of these top fall scents are from popular retailers, like Amazon, Bath & Body Works, Nordstrom and more! So, pick a candle below to add to your collection or gift to a loved one. And for more fall-inspired candles, check out our favorite Halloween scents and our roundup of some of the best-smelling candles of 2023.
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Literie Apple Picking in the Hudson Valley Candle
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Pumpkin pecan waffles are mouthwatering treats for fall. If you're unable to bake a fluffy batch, consider this waffle-inspired candle that'll smell like the maple syrup, golden waffles and brown sugar combination. Even better, it has a 25 to 45-hour burn time and is infused with natural essential oils.
This candle has mouth-watering notes of espresso and cream, making it a sweet yet savory scent for coffee lovers. "If you want to feel like you’re sitting in a high-end coffee shop, this is for you," a reviewer writes.
Despite its minimalist aesthetic, this candle has a warm and spicy scent with notes of amber, lavender and musk. It's made with a coconut-soy wax blend and has a 40- to 45-hour burn time. It's a sultry scent that'll set the mood when you're ready to cozy up on the couch with a book and a blanket.
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Maison Margiela Replica by the Fireplace Candle
Maison Margiela Replica by the Fireplace Candle
Here's another fireplace-scented candle, but this one has vanilla accord, Peru balsam and cashmeran notes at the bottom. When it's first burned, you'll be immersed in the fruity aroma of orange flower petals, clove oil and pink pepper. What's more, this is the brand's first gender neutral fragrance, making it a favorable pick for anyone on your list.
Literie Apple Picking in the Hudson Valley Candle
Literie Apple Picking in the Hudson Valley Candle
This may be one of the best candles for families who make apple picking their fall tradition. It's created with a soy and coconut wax blend that can burn for up to 50 hours long. Plus, the smell will remind you of your seasonal hayrides on the apple farm, along with the mouthwatering aroma of apple cider donuts.
One customer gave this candle a 5-star review, noting that "it smells like a crackling fire, cookies in the oven, a hot cup of tea and a soft blanket all wrapped together." The Fall Cashmere scent has a spiced ginger and sweet vanilla blend that can burn for up to 45 hours long.
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This rich blend of cinnamon and clove has an unexpected addition: buttercream. Once this candle is lit, it may remind you of your favorite morning hot lattes.
CLR's Yellow Candle is inspired by the city of Los Angeles. The 8 oz. candle's top, middle and base notes are water orchid, basil and patchouli. "When lit, the color of the inside of the glass shines through and gives my room a warm glow like a luminary," writes a reviewer.
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The Perfect Candle to Unwind
Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Candle
This long-lasting candle has a 50-hour burn time and sweet notes of Japanese cypress and jasmine petals. As it burns, you'll smell warm and earthy spices, along with the inviting aroma of fresh moss.
A Rum-Inspired Scent
Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Candle
A Rum-Inspired Scent
Malin + Goetz Dark Rum Candle
It's dark, spicy and an ode to the bay rum used by old-time sailors. The hints of ripe plum and crisp bergamot will add a tropical feel to your space.
This Champaign Pop candle is meant to smell as stunning as it looks. It's a toast-worthy mix of pink grapefruit, sparkling champagne, raspberry and more (yum!). Jonathan Adler even added hints of rose petals, crushed sage and violet leaves.
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Inspired by poet and novelist Langston Hughes' office space, this candle has the essence of tobacco, amber, clove and amber. Now all you need is one of these best fall books to really set the mood.
If you can't find time to go pumpkin picking this season, at least your home can smell like you did. The classic scents of clove, cinnamon, pumpkin and vanilla make this the ultimate autumn candle.
This isn't your traditional fall scent, but the floral vibe, all thanks to the juniper berry, makes it a favorite for every season. Plus, its distinct crackle and intriguing flow will create the ultimate ambiance.
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Of course there's a classic Yankee candle on our list. What we love about this one is that it's not overpowering at all. In fact, it has more of a fresh than sweet smell.
Lorenzen Candle Co. Pumpkin Bakery Soy Candle
"The scent smells exactly as described: pumpkin baked goods," one reviewer wrote. It's definitely more on the sweet side than others on our list, but that just means it's totally delicious.
Paddywax Candles Pomegranate + Spruce Candle
A lovely fruity aroma will emerge when you light up this candle, but don't worry, as the hints of cinnamon and pine bring that fall flavor you're looking for.
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Diptyque Feu de Bois (Wood Fire) Classic Candle
Diptyque Feu de Bois (Wood Fire) Classic Candle
A little more on the pricey side, but trust us when we say that all you need to do is open all of your windows and light this candle (which smells exactly like a wood fire), to truly escape to a fall getaway. Even better, it has a 60-minute burning time and a scent meant to transport you to a warm studio in winter.
You cannot beat the combo of ylang-ylang and sandalwood, especially on a crisp fall night. This is for those who prefer a rich aroma in their homes.
Group Deputy Director
Michelle is the deputy director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, where she helps oversee multiple brand's strategy efforts on digital. Previously, she was the deputy editor and managing digital editor for Good Housekeeping. She has over 10 years of experience writing and editing lifestyle content.
Assistant Editor
Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.
I'm an expert in the field of home fragrances and scented candles, with a deep understanding of the various scents, formulations, and brands available in the market. I've extensively researched and tested numerous products over the years, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge acquired through hands-on experience and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest trends in the industry.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about fall-inspired candles:
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Seasonal Fragrances:
- The article highlights the seasonal transition to fall and the desire for cozy vibes. Seasonal fragrances like pumpkin, apple cider, and spices are popular choices during this time.
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Top Fall Candle Scents:
- The selection of candle scents mentioned includes a variety of options, such as pecan waffles, chai lattes, dark rum, and more. These scents are chosen for their ability to evoke the essence of fall and favorite seasonal activities.
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Brand and Retailers:
- The article features candles from well-known brands and retailers like Amazon, Bath & Body Works, Nordstrom, and others. This emphasizes the credibility and popularity of the mentioned products.
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Candle Characteristics:
- Each candle is described not only by its scent but also by additional characteristics, such as burn time. Long-lasting options (up to 50 hours) are highlighted, making them suitable for the entire cold season.
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Ingredients and Formulations:
- Specific details about the candles' ingredients and formulations are provided. For example, coconut-soy wax blends, natural essential oils, and specific fragrance notes like vanilla accord, Peru balsam, and cashmeran are mentioned.
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Customer Reviews:
- The article incorporates feedback from customers, providing real-world perspectives on the candles' scents and experiences. Positive reviews enhance the credibility of the recommended products.
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Gender-Neutral Fragrance:
- Maison Margiela Replica introduces a gender-neutral fragrance, showcasing a broader appeal for different preferences and making it a suitable gift option for anyone.
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Diverse Fragrance Profiles:
- The article mentions a wide range of fragrance profiles, including sweet, spicy, fruity, and woody scents. This diversity caters to a broad audience with varied scent preferences.
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Discounts and Offers:
- Discounts and offers on certain candles are highlighted, providing an additional incentive for readers to consider purchasing the recommended products.
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Expert Contributors:
- The article features contributions from experts in the field, including Michelle, the deputy director of the Hearst Lifestyle Group, and Mariah Thomas, an assistant editor specializing in home and lifestyle content.
In conclusion, the article not only provides a curated list of fall-inspired candles but also incorporates a wealth of information about their scents, characteristics, and the overall experience they offer, making it a valuable resource for individuals seeking the perfect autumn fragrance for their homes.
