ComScore

The 36 Best Fall Candles That Will Make You Want to Snuggle Up by the Fire

Burn, baby, burn

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

best fall candles uni
dasha burobina/purewow

The leaves are beginning to fall, there’s a chill in the air and you’ve got the indescribable urge for a PSL. Fall is here, and that means one thing: candles. Big or small, sweet or earthy, luxury or affordable, we’ve got you covered with this list of the 32 best fall candles that we’ve vetted and reviewed for your reading pleasure. From favorites with cult-like followings like Le Labo’s Santal 33 and Diptyque’s Feu De Bois/Wood Fire to options from more independent labels like Life in Lilac and ARQUISTE, we’ve rounded up the creme de la creme of candles. All you need now is a lighter. Burn, baby, burn. 

Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.

30 Fancy Candles to Buy Right Now (Because, Hey, You Deserve it)


The Best Fall Candles at a Glance

1

Best Overall

Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove Glass Jar Candle

read more

2

Best Luxury Candle

Diptyque Feu De Bois/Wood Fire Candle

read more

3

Best Cider Scent

PF. Candle Co. Persimmon Cider Candle

read more

4

Sexiest Candle

Tom Ford Fabulous Candle

read more

5

Editor Approved

Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Candle

read more

Show More

How We Chose the Best Fall Candles

This list is composed of candles that are beloved by editors and reviewers alike. We took ratings and reviews into account to ensure that we captured a wide array of scent profiles, price points and sizes. Get your noses ready.

Best Overall

1. Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove Glass Jar Candle

What We Like

  • vessel reusability
  • strong enough to scent multiple rooms
  • scent isn’t overpowering

What We Don’t Like

  • uneven burn after multiple uses

Capri Blue

A sophisticated candle with a beautiful vessel to match, this Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove candle comes in a speckled ribbed glass reminiscent of a pumpkin. It’s transparent enough that you can see the light, the speckles creating the illusion of a dancing flame. You can even size up from a regular-sized vessel to a giant one, your burn time jumping from 85 hours to 108. And if the amber color jar isn’t your vibe, they also carry the scent in both white and green vessels.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: creamy, buttery pumpkin, orange zest, vanilla and cinnamon
  • Total burn time: 85 to 108 hours

Best Luxury Candle

2. Diptyque Feu De Bois/Wood Fire Candle

What We Like

  • vessel reusability
  • cult-following
  • strong, even and clean burn

What We Don’t Like

  • label may peel from the heat of the flame
  • some reviewers say the smaller candles are overpriced
  • may be too smokey for some

Diptyque

Diptyque candles may be pricey, but for good reason. The brand has such a huge cult following because of their luxurious scents and the candles' ability to fill a room (without being overwhelming). One reviewer notes, “This is [was] first Diptyque candle, and like many of you, I was hesitant to take the plunge…I'm burning Feu de Bois right now, and it is everything I've wanted in a winter candle—subtle, sophisticated, with a pleasingly seductive smokiness—nothing overly saccharine…” This particular scent evokes all the feelings of sitting next to a roaring fire, sans any of the hard work usually involved. Perfectly smokey and woody, just how we like it.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: wood, fire, smoke
  • Total burn time: 60 hours

Best Cider Scent

3. P.F. Candle Co. Persimmon Cider Candle

What We Like

  • even burn
  • deeply fragranced
  • fragrance throw is strong for the size

What We Don’t Like

  • scent may be too sharp for some users
  • wax has a tendency to separate
  • only comes in one size

P.F. Candle Co.

Standing over the stove making homemade mulled cider in the midst of fall is exactly what this candle smells like. It’s crisp from the notes of fresh picked fruit, yet warm and sharp from the spiced cider and ginger notes. A perfect blend of fruity and spicy combined to emulate an autumnal cider. So good, you might mistake it for the real thing. (But definitely don’t drink it!)

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: fresh picked fruit, spiced cider, ginger, ripe persimmon, mulling spices
  • Total burn time: 40 to 50 hours

Sexiest Candle

4. Tom Ford Fabulous Candle

What We Like

  • vessel reusability
  • sexy, musky scent profile
  • chic packaging

What We Don’t Like

  • on the pricier side
  • some reviewers wish the scent was stronger

Tom Ford

The name says it all. The vibrant scents in this designer candle make an instant statement. While sage and lavender act as aromatic foreplay, tonka bean and warm leather anchor the scent so your space reverberates with a warm glow. One reviewer even says, “...I think this candle is indeed F-ing Fabulous. I’m sensitive to smells and I find the subtle masculine scent quite intoxicating. But the real win is the packaging. The dark wax, matte jar, simple bold label and slightly shocking name make this candle a huge win for me.”

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: leather, tonka bean, sage
  • Total burn time: 40 hours

Editor Approved

5. Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Candle

What We Like

  • “Scentensity” rating system to let users know how strong the scent and throw is
  • vessel reusability
  • coconut and beeswax blend

What We Don’t Like

  • some reviewers wish the scent was stronger
  • some reviewers reported tunneling

Boy Smells

This warm, earthy candle is one of Boy Smells’ best-sellers, perhaps because of its calming qualities of hinoki, a type of cypress tree most often found in Japan. It’s also a PureWow favorite, with multiple editors recommending it as a cold-weather must-have to brighten any room. Senior editor Dana Dickey says that she “appreciate[s] the Hinoki Fantôme candle’s woodsy scent as a fall-winter antidote to so many floral candles and scents. There’s a bit of spice but not too much, it just smells green and cozy.”

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: resin, hinoki, cardamom, jasmine and moss
  • Total burn time: 50 hours

Best Personalized Candle

6. Birthdate Co. October 31st Birthdate Candle

What We Like

  • unique scent profiles and birthday readings that vary per product
  • made-to-order in the USA
  • super giftable

What We Don’t Like

  • some users may not vibe with the scent of your particular day
  • on the pricier size for the size

Birthdate Co.

This one is for all of the astrology girlies out there. Birthdate Co.’s candles are totally unique. Each candle is scented to match the vibe of all 365 different birthdays throughout the year. From bright and springy florals to deeper warm cinnamon-y notes, they really run the gamut. In the spirit of the season, we’ve selected the birthday for Halloween. It’s got a base of mahogany and musk that’s then layered with floral notes like bergamot and plum with an added cinnamon note to top it all off. Plus, the bonus of this candle is the label. On the back of each jar is a personality description, a tarot card pick, your ruling number and your ruling planet. How’s that for the whole package?

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: bergamot, cinnamon, plum and mahogany
  • Total burn time: 60 to 80 hours

Best for Nights In with a Book

7. Byredo Bibliothèque Candle 

What We Like

  • vessel reusability
  • vegan formula
  • recyclable packaging

What We Don’t Like

  • on the pricier side

Byredo

We imagine this bookish candle is reminiscent of a place like the New York Public Library, which is filled to the brim with leather-bound books and gorgeous wooden furniture. The fruity top notes of Byredo’s Bibliothèque add a touch of freshness to heavier leather and patchouli, leaving you with a candle that captures the joy of cracking open a new book and settling into a worn armchair.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: peach, plum, peony, violet, leather, patchouli, vanilla
  • Total burn time: 60 hours

Best Amber Candle

8. Voluspa Baltic Amber Glass Candle

What We Like

  • scent comes in a variety of other products
  • multiple sizes
  • coconut wax blend

What We Don’t Like

  • some reviewers reported that the size was smaller than expected
  • some reviewers mention they wish it had a stronger throw

Voluspa

Yes, those notes of amber and cedar have us envisioning cozy fall afternoons on the couch, but the golden-hued votive and patterned fire-safe lid also give off their own seasonally appropriate vibe. That plus a 100-hour burn time makes this a candle you can rely on from Labor Day all the way into winter.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: amber resin, sandalwood, cedar, vanilla
  • Total burn time: 100 hours

Most Interesting Packaging

9. DW Home Pumpkin Spice Candle

What We Like

  • cool to-go coffee-cup inspired packaging
  • generous scent throw
  • even burn

What We Don’t Like

  • the wick tends to mushroom

DW Home

One of the most interesting aspects of this DW Home candle is the packaging. It’s meant to look like a coffee to-go cup—complete with the little sipping hole and everything. “This is my favorite Pumpkin Spice Candle of all time!” raves one reviewer. “The fragrance is bold and spicy. Fills up your entire room with its sweet pumpkin aroma. A must-have and the perfect gift for Pumpkin Spice Lovers!” In case you were wondering, we’d also recommend the Pumpkin Cold Brew, Honey Apple Tea and the Warm Apple Cider candles (all of which we got to try for ourselves!) 

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: freshly brewed cappuccino, cinnamon, golden nutmeg, clove, pumpkin and whipped vanilla cream
  • Total burn time: 33 hours

Best Pumpkin Spice Scent

10. Glasshouse Fragrances Pumpkin Spiced Cake Candle

What We Like

  • soy-blend wax
  • intensely fragrant
  • vessel reusability

What We Don’t Like

  • a bit pricey

Glasshouse Fragrances

Assistant sales and deals editor Destinee Scott absolutely loves Glasshouse Fragrances Pumpkin Spiced Cake candle. “I'm obsessed with Glasshouse Fragrances candles—they don't burn through too quickly and their pumpkin spice cake candle is the BOMB. Yes, it's $55, but it’s totally worth it because it makes my entire place smell like roasted pumpkin spice. It's really comforting on a day when you're relaxing inside, which happens more often in the fall. And the all black jar is just too chic,” she says.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: coconut, orange, pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, cumin, maple, caramelized sugar, musk, vanilla
  • Total burn time: N/A

Best for When You’re Missing Summer

11. Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Home Candle

What We Like

  • some users have reported the high quality of the product
  • the ocean-y vibe of the scent profile

What We Don’t Like

  • some users report they wish the scent throw was stronger
  • some users noticed a difference between the candle scent and the cologne

Jo Malone

Wishing you were spending autumn seaside? This candle’s mix of ocean breeze and earthy sage will transport you to the shores of New England on a crisp October afternoon. Perfect for when the preferred beach attire isn’t a swimsuit, but a chunky knit cardigan with loafers in hand.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: ambrette, sea salt, sage
  • Total burn time: 45 hours
best-fall-candles: A white candle with an ornate gold label sits on a surface, the lid to the candle and a match lean on it.

Best Baked-Good Inspired Scent

12. Boulangerie Pumpkin Soufflé Jar Candle

What We Like

  • vessel reusability
  • giftable
  • even burn

What We Don’t Like

  • some reviewers say it might be too sweet
  • on the smaller side and may not scent the whole room

Boulangerie

A candle fit for the avid baker—when lit, it’ll smell like you’re baking up a batch of pumpkin cookies. Sweet with a touch of fruitiness, the candle is perfect for leaving lit in the kitchen while you pop on a film (say, Halloweentown?) and devour your homemade sweet treats. One reviewer on the Anthropologie site writes, “I bought this candle as a gift, but when I received it, I knew I had to keep it because the smell was so good! I will need to order another one for my original gift.”

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: orange, ginger, almond blended with clove bud, vanilla, and tonka bean
  • Total burn time: 40 hours

Best Tobacco Scent

13. Lumira Cuban Tobacco Candle

What We Like

  • vegan and cruelty-free
  • soy wax
  • 100 percent recyclable vessel 

What We Don’t Like

  • on the pricier side for the size

Lumira

This Lumira number begins as an exploration of fruit and floral notes that quickly are replaced by the hearty base notes of mahogany, musk and tobacco, creating a woody and fiery scent experience. The base is warmed by the combination, with vanilla creating the perfect blend that will remind you of chilly strolls through the park, complete with crunchy leaves and the blazing fire that you’ll warm up next to when you get home. All that you need to top it all off is your coziest blanket.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: tangerine, cardamom, clove bud, clean floral, mahogany, patchouli, musk, vanilla, tobacco
  • Total burn time: 80 hours

Best Minimalist Candle

14. Jennifer Adams Embrace Candle

What We Like

  • comes in two sizes
  • double wick on the larger size
  • non-toxic

What We Don’t Like

  • on the pricier side for the size options

Jennifer Adams

The Embrace candle from Jennifer Adams combines an interesting and innovative concoction of scent notes with Siberian fir, golden raspberry and cinnamon bark for a delightfully spicy and fruity moment. Imagine walking through a chilly forest with a cup of mulled cider in a Stanley. Pure bliss. 

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: scents of Siberian fir, cinnamon bark, golden raspberry
  • Total burn time: N/A

The NYC Favorite

15. Le Labo Santal 26 Classic Candle 

What We Like

  • can personalize the product label
  • high dose of fragrance oils
  • hand-poured

What We Don’t Like

  • pricey for the size
  • may be too popular for those that want a unique scent

Le Labo

This particular scent from Le Labo is a timeless and popular choice, both as a candle and in perfume form. We think it works best when combined with cozy knits and a cup of something warm. Plus, it’s a frequent fragrance used by hotels in NYC in their lobbies as well as in complementary amenities in-room. Talk about becoming a signature fragrance.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: amber, cocoa, vanilla, cedar, spices, musk, sandalwood
  • Total burn time: 60 hours

Best Fresh Pumpkin Scent

16. Life in Lilac Better Than Pie Candle

What We Like

  • unexpected fruity notes
  • dust cover with a note and affirmations from the founder
  • large size for an affordable price

What We Don’t Like

  • slight tendency to pool

Life in Lilac

This is not your typical pumpkin scent. It’s fruit forward with notes of plum that are apparent the moment you open the candle jar. It’s perfect for users that don’t enjoy super sweet pumpkin scents. One reviewer says, “I am obsessed with this scent! It's warm, sweet, cozy and gives all the fall vibes all while being something different than the typical pumpkin spice. The candle fills my house with its delicious scent!” Another enthusiastic reviewer says, “PLEASE don't sleep on this candle!!! I love the warm, cozy fragrance and the scent fills this whole back half of my building at work.” 

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: pumpkin, plum
  • Total burn time: 60 hours

Most Like a Walk in the Forest

17. Maison Louis Marie Bois De Balincourt Candle 

What We Like

  • company donates 1 percent of profits toward environmental causes
  • available in multiple sizes and formats
  • vegan and cruelty-free

What We Don’t Like

  • some users wish the scent was a bit stronger

Maison Louis Marie

Take a woodland hike through the forest without leaving the comforts of your home. This crisp candle fills a room with earthy vetiver notes—from sandalwood to spicy cinnamon nutmeg—that will make you feel like you’re surrounded by lush, autumnal foliage.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon, amber wood
  • Total burn time: 60 hours

Best Musk Candle

18. Votivo Aromatic Candle In Teak 

What We Like

  • soy wax blend
  • a more masculine scent
  • long lasting scent

What We Don’t Like

  • some reviewers wish the scent was stronger
  • some reviewers say there’s a difference in scent between sizes

Votivo

The delicate orange hue of the wax only adds to the strong autumnal vibes of this musky candle. It won’t take long for the orris root and teakwood to fill a room (30 minutes tops), but as one reviewer notes, “The Teak candle smells like a sexy man.” So, you might want to keep it lit for a little while longer.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: juniper, amber, pine, teakwood, spice, orris root, oakmoss
  • Total burn time: 50 to 60 hours

Best Coffee Scent

19. Bee Inspired Double Espresso Candle

What We Like

  • clean burn
  • 100 percent soy wax
  • buy three candles to save 15 percent

What We Don’t Like

  • has a tendency to pool

Bee Inspired

The smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning is never a bad thing. This Bee Inspired Double Espresso candle is like taking a big whiff of your morning cuppa Joe with plenty of milk and sugar. Light this baby up so that even when your mug is empty, the scent of that perfect pour will linger all morning long. Sounds like a caffeinated delight to us.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: fresh coffee, sugared milk, and honeyed caramel
  • Total burn time: 30 hours

Best Unexpected Fall Scent

20. Sydney Hale Co. Rosemary + Lemongrass Candle

What We Like

  • B-Corportion certified
  • the company donates 20 percent of profits to animal rescue organizations

What We Don’t Like

  • only comes in one size
  • the scent in box is different than when lit

Sydney Hale Co.

PureWow fashion editor Abby Hepworth absolutely adores the Sydney Hale Co. Rosemary + Lemongrass candle. And it’s unexpectedly and deceptively perfect for fall. “I was out for brunch and went to use the bathroom and this candle was burning and I kid you not I walked out, immediately took out my phone at the table and ordered one for myself,” Hepworth raves. “It’s bright, but cozy, and not overwhelming. And although it’s made from rosemary and lemongrass the [smoke that results from blowing out the candle] smells like cinnamon in a way I simply cannot explain.” It’s floral-forward with a surprising autumnal twist post-burn.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: rosemary leaf, lemongrass, orange blossom and aloe
  • Total burn time: 50 hours

Best Alcohol-Inspired Candle

21. Malin+Goetz Dark Rum Candle

What We Like

  • long burn time
  • unique scent profile
  • long lasting

What We Don’t Like

  • some reviewers have mentioned difficulty with even burns

Malin+Goetz

You may associate the sweet scent of rum with sunny Caribbean islands, but it’s the savory mix of spices and creamy vanilla tones that give this candle its distinctly fall flavor. One reviewer mentions that it’s a “staple for every coffee table.” And if you want to take Dark Rum with you on-the-go, this delicious scent comes in a variety of body care products too. 

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: bergamot, plum, anise, leather, rum, vanilla
  • Total burn time: 60 hours

Most Bang for Your Buck

22. Harlem Candle Company Ellington Luxury Candle 

What We Like

  • super long burn time for the price
  • double wick
  • dynamic scent profile

What We Don’t Like

  • only comes in one size

Harlem Candle Company

This complex candle gives off cinnamon and sage aromas to start, but as the wick burns its way towards the middle notes, it delivers a burst of fragrant florals that give way to a musky amber. Basically, it's like three candles packed into one jar. It’s got a number of stellar reviews on Harlem Candle Company’s site, with one reviewer saying, “Love this scent! It smells to me like a daytime cologne for men—fresh, autumnal and approachable. Like other Harlem and Co candles, this burns beautifully evenly with no tunneling.” 

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: Bergamot, cinnamon, clary sage, muguet, rose, lavender, patchouli, amber and musk
  • Total burn time: 80 hours

Best Chocolate Scent

23. Apollo Candles Ciocolateria Candle

What We Like

  • double wick
  • even burn
  • not overly sweet

What We Don’t Like

  • on the pricier side
  • only comes in one size

Apollo Candles

On a chilly autumn’s day, you visit the local candy store. The chocolatiers are pouring steaming dark chocolate into molds. You watch behind the glass, eye wide. As its label implies, this candle takes you right to a chocolate shop in Torino, Italy. The butter, vanilla and chocolate notes are subtle and not overpowering, adding a touch of sweetness to an otherwise earthy scent. The base of musk, exotic woods and patchouli help to ground the candle. Who would’ve thought to mix buttery sweetness with scents of the great outdoors!? Apollo Candles.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: melted butter, dark chocolate, cacao, vanilla, exotic woods, patchouli, musk
  • Total burn time: 55 hours

Most Interesting Ingredients

24. Byredo Bohemia Candle 

What We Like

  • unique ingredients
  • great for de-stressing
  • comes in two sizes

What We Don’t Like

  • on the pricier side

Byredo

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: opopanax, rum, geranium, labdanum, rosemary
  • Total burn time: 60 hours

If you’re wondering what the heck opopanax is, let alone what it smells like, you’re in good company. Opopanax is a type of gum resin derived from a Greek plant and its scent is reminiscent of sweet balsamic. It has healing and medicinal uses when applied topically (that said, please don’t apply the wax of this candle to your skin) but it can also help you de-stress just by inhaling its scent. Plus, it comes in both 8.5 oz. and 3.5 oz. to best fit whichever room you’re trying to fragrance.

Best Fireplace-Inspired Candle

25. Maison Margiela 'Replica' By The Fireplace Candle 

What We Like

  • two size options
  • French manufacturing
  • meticulous quality check by hand 

What We Don’t Like

  • on the pricier size

Sephora

You’ve probably seen this candle burning in the background of every trendsetter’s Instagram photos. This luxury candle is a fan-fave for a reason: Its woodsy notes of clove oil and chestnut are layered with orange flower and vanilla to bring the vision of a crackling fire to life. 

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: pink pepper, orange flower, clove oil, chestnut accord, guaiac wood oil, cade oil, vanilla accord, Peru balsam, cashmeran
  • Total burn time: 40 hours

Best Floral Fall Candle

26. Snif Off The Grid Candle 

What We Like

  • comes in two sizes
  • the try-at-home option
  • subscription option

What We Don’t Like

  • the jump in sizes between the small and large
  • scent may not be for everyone

Snif

Perfect for when you need to place your phone on Do Not Disturb mode, this candle’s warm, calming scent will take you to your happy place. Its blend of amber, lily, musk and sandalwood creates an aura that’s so soothing, the brand will even let you test the scent for seven days before you buy it.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: lily of the valley, moss, cypress, tuberose, cedar, cistus amber and sandalwood
  • Total burn time: 50 hours

Most Nostalgic Candle

27. Homesick Vermont Candle

What We Like

  • giftable
  • multiple users report great quality and design

What We Don’t Like

  • some users wish the scent was stronger for the size

Homesick

Whenever we think of fall, it’s usually the classic Vermont variety: filled with multi-colored leaves, freshly baked apple pie, lots of flannel and mulled cider. Luckily, this hand-poured candle uses all of those as inspiration, so go ahead and light up, sit back and enjoy your New England autumn, no matter where you reside.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: apple peel, maple, eucalyptus, cinnamon, baked pie crust
  • Total burn time: 60 to 80 hours

Best with the Most Size Variation

28. Nest New York Moroccan Amber Candle 

What We Like

  • scent comes in a variety of vessel sizes
  • scent comes in soaps and lotions
  • vegan and cruelty free

What We Don’t Like

  • some reviewers say it burns too quickly
  • scent may be a bit strong for some users

Nest New York

If you’re already a fan of Voluspa’s Baltic Amber, you’ll likely enjoy this NYC-made candle too. The fragrance is a bit more delicate (great for those who don’t like anything overpowering) but with all the warmth and spice of a Christmas market.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: Moroccan amber, star anise, sweet patchouli, bergamot, eucalyptus
  • Total burn time: 28 to 120 hours

Best Cozy Candle

29. Tocca Cleopatra Glass Candle 

What We Like

  • custom-made cut glass vessel
  • long burn time for the size

What We Don’t Like

  • only comes in one size

Tocca

Everything about this old-world-style candle is cozy, right down to its sweet and spicy scent. While its base is infused with warm amber and rich patchouli, it’s layered with vanilla musk and hints of tuberose and grapefruit for a sweet finish. The scent makes us feel like we’re swaddled in silk, and the candle’s 60-hour burn time guarantees plenty of snuggly Sundays before you need a replacement.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: amber, patchouli, vanilla musk, tuberose and grapefruit
  • Total burn time: 60 hours

Best Outdoorsy Candle

30. Outdoor Fellow No.8 Sandalwood + Pine Needle Scented Candle 

What We Like

  • vegan and cruelty free
  • coconut and apricot blended wax
  • 5 percent of proceeds support the Trust for Public Land

What We Don’t Like

  • some reviewers say the sandalwood note is too strong

Outdoor Fellow

Sandalwood and pine give this candle a woody base, while the juniper berry adds a hit of tart freshness. Don’t blame us if you suddenly find yourself craving regular weekend hikes while burning this baby.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: pine needle, sandalwood, juniper berry
  • Total burn time: 40 to 50 hours

Best Tea-Inspired Candle

31. Nest New York Pumpkin Chai Classic Candle 

What We Like

  • comes in four sizes
  • beautiful packaging
  • scent lingers post burn

What We Don’t Like

  • scent may be too strong for some

Nest New York

Made with highly refined wax that helps achieve a crisper fragrance and a longer burn time, this gives any space a cozy fall touch with its warm blend of spice and pumpkin scents. This Nest candle comes in four sizes, making it ideal for a variety of different rooms. It’ll be like having your own pumpkin chai latte wafting through the air–minus the espresso of course.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: pumpkin, spice, chai, cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon
  • Total burn time: 28 to 120 hours

Best Transitional Fall/Winter Candle

32. Terrain Linnea Cashmere Candle

What We Like

  • mindfully and ethically sourced
  • soy wax
  • women-owned

What We Don’t Like

  • only comes in one size

Terrain

Reviewers insist this hand-poured, small batch candle smells like a cozy afternoon. In fact, it’s almost as luxurious as being wrapped in an actual cashmere blanket. It’s also an editor-favorite, with Hepworth describing the candle as being a “light, cozy smell that is a perfect balance between heavier winter scents and bright summery ones.” You might say that combo makes for an ideal fall candle. 

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: herbal patchouli, vanilla, lime
  • Total burn time: 60 hours

Most Functional Vessel

33. Paddywax Candles Pomegranate + Spruce Candle 

What We Like

  • vessel reusability
  • clean outdoorsy scent
  • scent is strong even when not lit

What We Don’t Like

  • the scent may be too much for some

Paddywax

Many fall candles involve rich, heady scents to balance the bracing cold weather, but not this bright little light. It features crisp pomegranate and fresh spruce for a more buoyant, seasonal smell. “These relish jars are my favorite! I reuse them as vases filled with flowers and give [them] to my neighbors! This scent is perfect for cold weather days! Clean and crisp!” one reviewer explains.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: pomegranate, pine, cinnamon 
  • Total burn time: 56 hours

Best Smoky Scent

34. Otherland Core Collection Kindling Candle 

What We Like

  • very giftable
  • made with clean ingredients
  • cruelty-free

What We Don’t Like

  • some reviewers mention a weaker fragrance throw
  • some reviewers say it’s too heavy on sandalwood notes

Otherland

We’re longtime fans of Otherland thanks to the brand’s commitment to super-clean materials and deliciously aromatic candles, so it's no surprise that we love this one. Its mixture of cedar and smoky fragrances smell more like you're sitting fireside while camping in the woods instead of on your couch at home. We’ll take two, thanks.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: Alaskan cedar, smoky embers, incense
  • Total burn time: 55 hours

Most Unique Fall Scent

35. Arquiste Dark Galleon Candle

What We Like

  • long burn time
  • moody
  • unexpected ingredients

What We Don’t Like

  • on the pricier side for its size

ARQUISTE

What we love about Artquiste is that each fragrance is crafted with a specific place, time and period in mind. Dark Galleon is inspired by September 1620, nighttime inside a merchant ship, Nagasaki port. The detail involved in crafting a scent from a different time and place has us in awe. The description on their site explains it best: “Inside the pitch-dark hull of a spice galleon, the aroma of lacquered wooden armoires and trunks full of rare spice, incense and leather thickens the air with a dark redolence.” Talk about a unique and mysterious fall fragrance. Everyone will be wondering what you’re burning.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: Malabar black pepper, Persian saffron, black leather, coffee absolute, sandalwood, myrrh, frankincense, styrax, cade
  • Total burn time: 55 to 60 hours

Sleekest Packaging

36. DW Home Lovers Candle

What We Like

  • metallic design black vessel
  • warm and creamy pumpkin scent profile 

What We Don’t Like

  • ribbon packaging is attached to the bottom info sticker

DW Home

Like the Lovers tarot card, emblematic of love, unity, romance and balance, the pumpkin bourbon scent of this sleek candle is a perfect match with its layered complimentary scent profile. At first smell, the candle is sweet and creamy with notes of pumpkin and buttery caramelized sugar, but as you breathe in deeper, you get a heavier dose of the bourbon, spice and toasted almond notes, adding a significant depth to the fragrance. It might make you wanna snuggle up with your special someone.

Fast Facts

  • Scent notes: butter-infused caramelized sugar, pumpkin, bourbon, vanilla, warm spice, toasted almond
  • Total burn time: 40 hours

What to Look for When Buying Fall Candles

When looking for fall candles, you want to keep a number of things in mind, like burn time, justifiable prices, budgeting, wax type and vessel reusability.

  • Burn Time. How long will the candle last. Small or medium sized candles typically burn from 30-50 hours and larger candles burn for upwards of 50 hours. But, just make sure you’re not keeping a candle lit for more than three to four hours at a time. Leaving it lit for too long can cause damage to the wick, causing it to create build up at the top that can lead to small sparks and soot flying out of the vessel. Not to mention a huge fire hazard. Light up safely, folks!
  • Justifiably Priced. Does the burn time feel long enough to justify the price tag? If a candle is meant to burn for 85 hours, 30 hours longer than a typical large candle, you can expect to be paying a higher price for that particular item. Also, where are the brands sourcing their ingredients? You may be paying a higher price point for organically and ethically sourced ingredients, vegan ingredients, cruelty free practices, etc.
  • Working Within Your Budget. Making sure you know your budget beforehand is crucial. The add-to-cart urge is strong during candle season and before you know it, you might have ten $95 candles in your virtual basket and will have to spend extra time narrowing it down. Decide if you’re going to splurge on one expensive but long-lasting candle, or a handful of candles on the more affordable end to capitalize on a variety of scent profiles. 
  • Wax Type. Candles may be made of any number of different types of wax which in turn may lead to different types of burns. Soy, bee’s and coconut are common types of wax, but the best way to understand what each has to offer is to refer to a wax guide, like this one from Martha Stewart.
  • Vessel Reusability. Not only should a candle smell good, it should look good too. From glass relish jars to ceramic beauties, having something that you’ll get a second life out of once your candle has burned is crucial, especially if you’re spending upwards of $50. As soon as the candle has reached approximately ¼ inch of wax left, you’ll want to clean out the vessel. (A little tip we like to use is to pop your used candle in the freezer and let the wax get cold so it pops out without making a huge waxy mess.) 

What Are the Best Fall Scents?

While each and every person will have their own preferences, typically the best fall scents are ones that evoke a warm and cozy atmosphere, are reminiscent of the great outdoors or remind us of a bakery. They can span a range of scent profiles, from gourmand and woody to earthy and smoky. To achieve the ultimate fall vibe, look for candles with notes like pumpkin, vanilla, maple, apple, cinnamon, clove, orange, pine, wood smoke, espresso, chai, tea, spice or similar.

How to Make a Candle Last Longer

One of the best ways to ensure that your candle will last longer is to follow the individual candle brand’s care instructions. Often a brand will include a candle care guide on their website with instructions on the best way to burn your candle, how to trim the wicks, how long to allow your candle to burn, safety tips and more, all of which will be helpful in extending the life of your candle. 

  • Look into how much to trim your wick in between burning sessions
  • Note the maximum amount of burn time between sittings to avoid a safety hazard
  • Allow all the wax to burn to the edges of the vessel to prevent pooling and tunneling (leaving more wax than wick and a more challenging burn during your next session)

A Definitive Ranking of the 20 Best Scented Candles (From Diptyque to a Stellar $9 Find)



Delia Curtis Headshot

Assistant Editor, Trinket Collector, Artisanal Latte Enthusiast

Delia Curtis (they/them) is a New York City based writer and Assistant Editor at PureWow. They have eight years of print and digital media experience covering lifestyle, fashion...

unnamed

Editor

Abby Hepworth is an RRCA-certified running coach who has worked in fashion for over 10 years. Want to know what shoes are in this season? She's got you. Need recommendations on...

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.