Notes On // The Best Fall Candles
THE SCENT OF AUTUMN IS IN THE AIR
18+ COZY CANDLES TO BURN ALL SEASON LONG
I never love a candle more than I do in the fall and winter months.
Of course, I burn candles all year long, but, let’s be honest, once the temperatures start dropping, nothing hits quite like lighting the first cozy candle of the season. It instantly create a warm, fragrant and inviting environment, which is especially appreciated during a season when the weather starts to turn cold and gray.
Most fall days, you’ll find me burning one (or more) of my favorite seasonal scents from dawn to dusk. I’ll light one candle in the morning, before I turn on a mellow playlist (I’m currently loving this one) and make my coffee. Then I’ll move the candle with me throughout my day, from my desk while I’m working, to the coffee table next to the couch, where I’ll end my day watching tv or reading. Yes, yes I do go through an obscene amount of fall candles. Some (ahem my husband) may say it’s a sickness, I say I’m just doing a good deed for the sake of humanity and keeping the fall candles in business. Either way, I’m not giving up my obsession anytime soon because I just love the way lighting a fall candle sets the mood, creates a relaxing environment and even provides a mental escape to different scent-induced fall memories throughout the day.
And try to tell me there is something better than lighting a fall candle, curling up in something cozy, with a hot mug of something delicious and putting on When Harry Met Sally for the first watch of the season. I’ll wait. But also…spoiler alert- there is nothing better.
As the crisp autumn air sets in, I’m telling you nothing brings the cozy ambiance of fall into your home quite like a seasonal candle does. With rich, warm fragrances ranging from spicy cinnamon to sweet pumpkin, fall candles can instantly create a comforting atmosphere. Whether you’re after the perfect scent for your home or a thoughtful seasonal gift, here’s a roundup of the best fall candles of 2024 with my personal favorites along with a few reader recommended selects, including brands, signature scents, and prices and more. Choosing the right fall candle can truly elevate the comfort and atmosphere of your entire home and space. Whether you prefer something sweet and spicy or deep and woodsy, there’s a candle on this list to match your taste and budget. From affordable picks like the THRESHOLD LEATHER + EMBERS CANDLE to the luxury of JENNI KAYNE’S MUSK scent, these candles are perfect for warming up your space and embracing the spirit of the season.
Ah, the scent of Autumn is in the air my friends!
FALL CANDLES // 2024
18+ Best Fall Candles of 2024: Brands, Scents, and Prices
This Embers candle is what all of my smoky, woodsy candle dreams are made of. It’s hard to find a candle that isn’t too smoky, or so woodsy that it smells more like a Christmas candle, but somehow this one gets it just right. It’s absolute fall perfection. Lighting it instantly transports you hearthside, to the coziest of fires, in a little cabin tucked away in forest full of fall foliage. Aka if you don’t have a fireplace, but dream of being by one, or you’re craving a fall getaway but can’t take one, this is the candle for you.
If you’re looking for a more traditional fall scent, I also love the brand’s Harvest Pumpkin candle. It’s a pumpkin candle that leans more herbal than sweet so it’s perfect if you want more of a nature-pumpkin scented candle versus a sticky sweet pumpkin spice latte scent.
I also have a personal affinity for this brand not only because they’re woman-owned but also because they are based out of where I grew up in Indiana. Each of their small-batch soy candles and products are made with mindfully and ethically sourced materials, every step of their process involves the touch of human hands, each product is designed and packaged locally in their Midwest studio, and they partner with local and global causes to help make the world a better place.
SCENT NOTES: Warm and woodsy with notes of smoked cedar, clove, and leather
PRICE: $42.00
SIZE: 11 ounces, double wick, glass jar
BURN TIME: Approximately 60 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: Woman-owned, hand-poured in small batches in USA, made with soy wax and double cotton wicks
BEST FOR: Minimal hygge meets midwest heritage vibes
2. JENNI KAYNE - MUSK
This Musk candle is well-loved (and well-worn, as you can probably see from the peeling label) staple in my house. It’s another spicy, smoky fall favorite, and one that I truly cherish. While the Embers candle I mentioned above is more woodsy/smoky, I would say this one is more spicy/sultry/smoky.
SCENT NOTES: spicy cardamom, amber, sandalwood, and orchid
PRICE: $65.00
SIZE: 10 ounces, glass jar
BURN TIME: Approximately 50-70 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: Hand-poured in Los Angeles, made with a natural blend of coconut, soy, apricot oil, and paraffin with a lead-free cotton wick and the vessel is easy to re-purpose once you’re done burning the candle
BEST FOR: Quiet luxury scent lovers
3. OAK ESSENTIALS - Santo Wood
While I’m a big fan of all the Oak Essentials candles, Santo Wood, in particular, is such a vibe and my favorite of the three candles, especially for autumn. Lighting it feels like such a luxurious treat and it’s rich yet warm and woodsy aroma makes any space feel instantly elevated yet intimate, cozy and calm
SCENT NOTES: Italian bergamot, palo santo, ceylon black tea, black musk and sandalwood
PRICE: $60.00
SIZE: 7.5 ounces, glass jar
BURN TIME: Approximately 50 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: If you just can’t get enough of this candle scent, then you’re in luck because they also make a matching perfume so you can truly bath every part of your home and life in this deliciously cozy scent.
BEST FOR: Adding a an elevated fall scent to your life
4. JOSHUA TREE CANDLE COMPANY - JT CAMPFIRE
If you love the smell of a campfire but don’t love camping (*raises hand) then this is the candle for you. It is wonderfully smoky in the best way possible, it takes the cozy vibes to a whole new level and trust me when I say that you will want to burn this non-stop straight through fall and winter and right on into spring.
SCENT NOTES: warm desert campfire, smoky pine, warm amber musk
PRICE: $21.99
SIZE: 7.5 ounces, glass jar
BURN TIME: Approximately 40-50 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: This brand makes their candles with eco-friendly locally sourced products right in Joshua Tree, California. The candles are made in small-batches and hand-poured with scents that pay homage to the desert and a portion of the proceeds from every purchase is donated to support Joshua Tree National Park.
BEST FOR: Those who want all the wonderful scents of a campfire without actually having to go camping
5. P.F. CANDLE CO.
This is one of my favorite candle brands, and not just because they’re founded and created right here in Los Angeles. We actually got to take a candle making class with the founder a few months ago and learned even more about the brand and their scents, which was really special. The candles are easy and approachable and there are so many scents that exude warmth and coziness and are perfect for fall. A few of my favorites include- Campfire, Smoky Cinnamon, Piñon, Teakwood & Tobacco, Enoki Cedar and Sandalwood Rose.
PRICE: $24.00-$26.00 (7.2 oz), $36.00-$38.00 (12.5 oz)
BURN TIME: Approximately 40-50 hours (7.2 oz) or 60-70 hours (12.5 oz)
WHY THEY’RE GREAT: For those looking for high quality scents at accessible price points, P.F. Candle Co.’s candles are a wonderful option. And if you care about supporting concious brands you’ll be happy to know that P.F.Candle Co. is climate neutral certified, they responsibly source their products and they donate a portion of their net profits to organizations that help support the local community.
BEST FOR: Approachable coziness
6. Boy Smells – Cedar Stack
I’ll never forget when I walked into a bathroom at a restaurant where they had this candle lit and I immediately took a picture of it, Googled the brand and ran out to tell Dave about the most intoxicating scented candle I had ever smelled. Turns out it was a newer (at the time) brand Boy Smells and their now infamous Cedar Stack candle and I haven’t gotten it out of my mind since. It is absolutely divine and absolutely perfect for this time of year.
SCENT NOTES: cedar, labdanum, patchouli
PRICE: $36.00
SIZE: 8.5 ounces
BURN TIME: approximately 50 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: Boy Smells’ “Cedar Stack” is an edgy, modern take on a fall scent. This candle blends cedar with a mix of labdanum and patchouli, creating a warm, woodsy aroma perfect for chilly evenings.
BEST FOR: Trendy scent seekers who love a woodsy vibe
7. Brooklyn Candle Co.
I’m a big fan of everything Brooklyn Candle Co. does and their seasonal scents are no exception. In fact, I love them so much I even get their diffuser scents for my Pura diffuser. I just love their brand ethos and their scents are rich and luxurious but the price points are approachable and their presentation feels fresh, modern and minimal.
A few of my season favorites include- Catskills, Santal, Sante Fe, Palo Santo, Smoked Vanilla, Toasted Pumpkin, Apple Cider and Cardamom Spice.
PRICE: $30.00 (7.5 oz), $42.00 (13 oz), $95.00 (27 oz)
SIZE: 7.5 ounce jar, 2-wick candle (13 oz), 3-wick XL candle (27 oz)
BURN TIME: 50 hours (7.5 oz), 70 hours (13 oz), 100 hours (27 oz.)
WHY IT’S GREAT: Rich scents at approachable price points and available in a range of sizes and products to suit whatever your space needs
BEST FOR: Those looking for scents in a range of products (diffusers, candles, etc.) so they can infuse their whole space with a deliciously cozy fall scent.
8. BYREDO- TREE HOUSE
This candle ruined all other candles for me. It also ruined my wallet, but that’s besides that point. Ha! The scent is unlike anything I’d ever smelled before. Dark, woodsy, rich, sexy, elevated. When it comes to nailing fall scents, this one is pretty much perfect in my book. So perfect in fact it’ll almost make you forget about the mini heart attack you’ll get from the price tag. Yes, it’s by far and above the most expensive candle on this list, but dare I say…#worthit ?!
SCENT NOTES: woody dry notes with sandalwood, cedarwood and bamboo
PRICE: $100.00
SIZE: 8.5 ounces
BURN TIME: approximately 60 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: A woody yet fresh scent inspired by the renowned Takashi Kobayashi tree house in Biotop in Tokyo. This unique candle brings character to a room without overpowering it with a scent that is simple yet sophisticated.
BEST FOR: Those who want to splurge on a sophisticated and sexy scent
9. LIFE HOUSE HOTEL CANDLE
Ok, this one is super niche and I hate to be that girl, but bear with me for a moment while I am that girl. I know, I know, I’m sorry but this candle is worth it. Yes, it’s a hotel candle and yes, you can only purchase one from said hotel, but it’s so good it’s honestly worth staying at the hotel just to get your hands on one of their candles. That is, if you happen to get lucky and they even have them in stock. Yes, it’s an elusive candle that requires quite a bit of effort (and some travel) to get your hands on one, but until they start selling them online (fingers crossed that they will someday soon), this candle that is layered with rich, warm scents of spice and musk and make me want to curl up in a cozy library on a rainy fall day is worth the hunt.
SCENT NOTES: cedarwood, patchouli, cashmere musk
PRICE: $39.00
SIZE: 11 ounces, glass jar
BURN TIME: Approximately 60-70 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: Because it can be hard to get one, these candles are great if you’re looking for something unique that not everyone has and they definitely make a special souvenir to remember a trip by.
BEST FOR: Those craving a nostalgic fall atmosphere and a unique souvenir
10. SOUTHERN WILD CO.
When we stayed in Little Akaloa, in New Zealand, our home rental had these heavenly smelling candles throughout the house. As soon as I started burning one I was instantly hooked. Which was unfortunate for me as they’re both expensive and unavailable for shipping to the United States. However, if you happen to be somewhere, like New Zealand, where the Australian based brand Southern Wild Co.’s candles are available, you must get yourself one (or three). Their nostalgic scents, inspired by art, poetry and the wild beauty of the Australian landscape, are perfectly cozy and perfectly suited for the fall and winter months.
SCENT NOTES: cinnamon, amber, oakmoss
PRICE: $69.00
SIZE: 10 ounces, glass jar
BURN TIME: Approximately 70 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: An earthy blend of scents that transports you to a peaceful, wooded fall getaway and evokes nostalgic, poetic memories.
BEST FOR: Fans of earthy, sentimental scents
11. LAFCO – Amber Black Vanilla + SPICED POMANDER
SCENT NOTES: vanilla, amber, patchouli
PRICE: $70.00
SIZE: 15.5 ounces
BURN TIME: approximately 90 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: LAFCO’s Amber Black Vanilla is an indulgent option for those who want a warm, intimate fall fragrance. The rich combination of amber and black vanilla with a touch of patchouli creates a luxurious, long-lasting scent that fills a room. Their spiced pomander is also a great option for fall.
BEST FOR: Those who want to splurge on a centerpiece-worthy candle
12. SISTAIN
You know I love SISTAIN for all things sustainable and candles is no exception. They have such a great selection, at great price points and I just love knowing that I can trust they’re candles to be clean and sustainable, with ethically sourced ingredients and made with high standards, without having to skimp on chic designs and rich scents. A few to check out for fall include- Amber Santal, Charcoal, Oud Wood, Desert Fig and Anjou Pear.
PRICE: $18.00-$68.00
SIZE: taper up to 12 oz.
BURN TIME: varies depending on the candle
WHY IT’S GREAT: If you’re after clean, sustainable candles that don’t skimp on good design and rich scents, then you’ve come to the right place. SISTAIN has a variety of candle options, from tapers to chic reusable vessels, in a variety of scents, all of which have been carefully sourced with sustainability AND design in mind.
BEST FOR: Those looking for sustainable, clean, minimal, luxurious candles that are avilable in chic reusable vessels
13. LIMESTONE + CEDAR CO.
If you’ve been around my site/Instagram for the past year or so, you’ve probably seen me mention this female-owned + operated Bermuda-based candle company several times. I just love how eco-friendly these are, from the soy wax and cotton candle wicks, to the recycled beer bottles that they’re poured into and the recycled cork that’s placed on top. All of the scents are ones that embody the scents and flavors found throughout Bermuda, including this one, which is the perfect blend of bright citrus, sweet apple + vanilla, fall spices and just the faintest touch of a woodsy musk. The overall scent isn’t overpowering at all, but instead light and inviting and perfect for daytime burning.
SCENT NOTES: apple, autumn leaves, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, cedar woods, musk
PRICE: $32.00
SIZE: 9 ounces
BURN TIME: Approximately 50 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: These candles take sustainability to a whole new level, with every aspect of the candle being eco-friendly, from the wax and wicks to the recycled beer bottles that they’re made in.
BEST FOR: Those looking for an all-around eco-friendly fall candle
14. REPLICA - By the fireplace
SCENT NOTES: burning wood, chestnut, pink pepper, clove
PRICE: $70.00
SIZE: 165 grams, glass jar
BURN TIME: Approximately 40 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: If you’re after a high-end candle with a unique twist, Replica’s By the Fireplace combines warm and spicy notes with a sophisticated edge. It offers a modern take on a nostalgic fall moment, spending time by the fireplace, and presents the scent in an elegant and classy way. Think more Ludlow lobby fireplace, less rustic cabin fireplace.
BEST FOR: Nostalgic scents that are hopelessly romantic
15. SWELL CANDLE CO. BAKED APPLES + MULLED SPICES
SCENT NOTES: apple, pear, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract
PRICE: $34.00
SIZE: 12 ounces
BURN TIME: approximately 70 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: For a warm and inviting fragrance that evokes memories of homemade apple pie and holiday gatherings, Swell Candle Co.’s Baked Apples + Mulled Spices candle is a fantastic, affordable choice. Its blend of tart apple, golden brown sugar and buttery sweetness makes it a mouthwatering scent for the fall. And the crackling wooden wick is just a bonus cozy touch.
BEST FOR: Those who prefer sweet and gourmand scents
16. THRESHOLD LEATHER + EMBERS CANDLE
When you go through candles as quickly as I do, it’s always nice to find one that is both as pleasant as it is approachable. And this one definitely checks those boxes. Doesn’t hurt that you can easily grab one (or three, oops!) on any given Target run.
Of course, I also love the warm and aromatic scents of leather and ember that fill a room when this candle is burning, perfect for any cozy day in. But my absolute favorite thing about this candle is the wooden wick that crackles as it burns. Absolute music to the ears on a chilly fall day, especially for those of us that don’t have fireplaces. This candle is really just an all-around autumnal delight for the senses.
SCENT NOTES: aromatic leather and embers scents
PRICE: $18.00
SIZE: 13 ounces, 3-wick, gass jar
BURN TIME: up to 28 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: A fantastic affordable and accessible option
BEST FOR: Those craving a cozy moment by a crackling fireplace
17. APOTHEKE PUMPKIN GINGER CLASSIC CANDLE
SCENT NOTES: ginger, pumpkin, vanilla, musk, cinnamon
PRICE: $46.00
SIZE: 10.5 ounces
BURN TIME: approximately 60-70 hours
WHY IT’S GREAT: Apotheke is known for its chic designs and high-quality candles, and Pumpkin Ginger is no exception. In this warm candle, roasted pumpkin is topped with a spicy blend of ginger, clove and cinnamon and enhanced by creamy coconut milk, sweet vanilla and musk for a modern and sophisticated take on a familiar fall classic.
BEST FOR: Pumpkin spice lovers
SHOP FALL CANLDES
