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By Sophie Shaw, CNN Underscored
3:19 PM EDT, Mon October 16, 2023
Fall is the perfect season to nest at home and create a cozy refuge, and what better way to set the mood than with a deliciously scented candle? Whether you love pumpkin spice or think something woodsy is nice, there’s a candle for you.
“If you are a big fan of fall, it’s fun to find a candle that represents the moods, foods and celebrations that make you love the season,” Snif co-founder Phil Riportella says. “We’ve noticed people gravitate towards pumpkin, cinnamon, cedar, maple and apple scents because they remind us of our favorite autumn memories, like baking your ‘secret’ family recipe, or taking a weekend trip to your favorite hiking spots.”
We’ve come to associate most woody, spicy and sweet notes with that cozy essence of fall, but Julien Provost — creative director of Trudon, the oldest candlemaker in the world, and its sister brand Carrière Frères — says that there are plenty of options for those who don’t like the gourmand and sugary notes of pumpkin spice, apple pie and the like. “Scents like leather, cashmere wood, incense, musk, cedarwood and, of course, fir tree can be beautiful alternatives to the usual scents of the holiday season,” he says.
Whatever you decide to burn, it’ll set the mood, spark memories and create an inviting atmosphere. With that in mind, peruse our 18 favorite fall candles that will transport you to your ideal autumnal oasis.
Spella is one of Provost’s personal favorites these days, and one he says is a great substitute for the saccharine and cinnamon-filled scents commonly found in the fall. The woody oriental candle melts through rich and inviting notes of cedarwood, patchouli, musk, amber and vanilla.
‘Tis the season for pumpkin spice lattes and cable-knit sweaters. Anecdote’s Basic candle exudes the coziness of these autumn staples with fragrant pumpkin, cardamom and clove.
A candle that doubles as Halloween decor, this deluxe pumpkin pie-scented candle comes with a candle carousel decked out with ghosts, bats and other spooky motifs that will spin as the candle burns.
Malin + Goetz’s blend of soy, vegetable and beeswax is made to burn cleanly and slowly, allowing you to savor the candle’s aroma. Spicy and sweet, the Dark Rum scent is such a fan favorite that the brand brought back its supersized three-wick version ($150)for a limited time. It would make a stunning housewarming or holiday gift.
This collaboration candle was created with food blogger Tieghan Gerard, capturing all the gourmand notes we love for fall: pumpkin spice, cinnamon, cardamom, maple, whiskey, brûléed orange and roasted chocolate.
An adorable piece of fall decor, these mushroom candles are currently available in two colorways and scents — woody Lucid Dreams and earthy Nomad — that will immediately add cottagecore vibes to your space.
Target has a vast assortment of fall-themed candles, and we especially love this candle housed in a cute pumpkin-shaped jar to match its pumpkin spice fragrance.
Trudon’s sister brand, Carrière Frères, has an equally esteemed history dating back to 1884. Since then, it has celebrated botanical ingredients with each candle dedicated to the purest aromas. Provost loves the dry and comforting notes of cedarwood for the colder months, as it infuses the purifying scent of a forest into the air. If you’re looking for something a bit spicier, he also loves the Siberian Pine and Candied Ginger candle from the winter collection.
Bring back memories of hayrides and crisp leaves with this evocative candle. Notes of hay, warm amber, nutmeg, birch and maple blend to create a candle that one reviewer says “really is like a hayride, only better!”
Provost says that cashmere wood and musk are great notes to look for in a fall candle for those who don’t like sweet fragrances. They pair together in this botanical woodsy candle, joined by the heart notes of hemp flower.
A candle that can change with the seasons, Boojee's refillable candles offer a choose-your-own-adventure experience. The starter set comes with a ceramic jar (the color choice is yours), as well as two candle scents — we recommend Santal Conspiracy and Renaissance Nights for fall. Once you've burned through the first candle, simply clean out the vessel and pop in the next one.
Maison Margiela’s Replica line of perfumes and candles evokes memories and settings that are familiar and indulgent. Perfect for setting the mood for a cozy evening in, this fragrant candle mimics the smoky warmth of a roaring fireplace with notes of clove, chestnut and vanilla.
This elegant candle puts a refreshing twist on traditionally warm notes of musky cedarwood, spicy clove and warming whiskey. You’ll get the leather and wood vibes of a well-worn library but with a crispness too — perhaps the pages turning of a new book.
A special candle for any time of the year, grab yourself a Birthdate Candle to see what fragrance and characteristics the stars have in store for you. The hand-poured candles take into account astrology, numerology and tarot, so you can review your readings on the label and return to them whenever you ignite the flame.
Bring warmth into your home with this handcrafted candle scented with all your favorite fall spices. Boasting scents like cinnamon sticks, clove buds, star anise, juniper and black peppercorns, it will surely bring the autumnal spirit into your space.
A decorative wooden acorn vessel is a perfect nod to the fall harvest. This candle exudes abundance and the yummy notes of spiced acorns, crisp apples and citrus nectar.
Dossier’s spins on designer fragrances smell just as amazing in candle form. The generously sized Ambery Vanilla candle — inspired by YSL’s Black Opium perfume —fills the room with the beautifully warm, sweet notes of mandarin, pear, orange blossom, cedarwood and vanilla.
This 100% soy wax candle fills any space with the verdant notes of fir, cypress, juniper, pine and eucalyptus. It captures the crisp scents that fill the air when on a hike through the evergreens.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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