Scent is one of the most powerful triggers of memory. Which is why each year we look forward to surrounding ourselves with the fragrance of fall. So, what is the true scent of the autumn? Apples, wood smoke, cinnamon, pumpkin spice? We went in search of luxurious scented candles that would fill our homes with the fragrance of fall. Our correspondent Jillian Tangen has curated a list of the best luxury scented candles with the fragrance of pumpkins, campfires and apples for the fall season.
luxury scented candles perfect for fall
There’s a lot to love about fall – the changing foliage, sweater weather, pumpkin picking and, of course, it’s home to two of our favorite holidays, Halloween and Thanksgiving.
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But let’s be honest. Another reason we all look forward to fall is that it marks the official start of candle season.
The best luxury scented candles of the fall.
Yes, we love burning candles year round, but come on, during fall it’s so much for pleasurable to light them thanks to the longer nights and crisp cool air. There’s nothing like a flickering wick and aromatic fragrance to complete the season’s cozy atmosphere in your home, right?
That’s why we’re rounding up some of our favorite luxury fall candles, from traditional fireside and pumpkin spice-inspired favorites to more understated bouquets of ash and pomegranate.
These fragrant beauties will not only enhance your home. They will also serve as a subtle reminder as to why this time of year is so wonderful – despite the dropping temperatures and shorter days.
The best luxury scented candles of the fall.
So, which autumn candle is for you?
Here are 18 luxury scented candles in elegant autumnal vessels, with fragrances that evoke the fall season. They’ll fill your space with deep and rich fragrance, and most will burn for 50 hours or more.
And in almost every case, when the candle is gone, you can use the decorative containers for other purposes. Like to house flowers, trinkets, found objects, writing implements — even your toothbrush. Win-win!
What are the best luxury scented candles of the fall?
1. best fall scented candles: pumpkin spice
One whiff of Nest New York’s Pumpkin Chai ($42) candle and you’ll smell notes of rich pumpkin, spicy masala chai, cardamom, ginger and cinnamon. Capri Blue’s Pumpkin Clove Jar ($32) candle not only releases the warm scent of buttery pumpkin with a hint of orange zest, it also serves as a beautiful piece of home decor for the fall.
Scented candles with fall fragrances like pumpkin, campfires and even apples: Pumpkin Spice. Courtesy Photos.
The combination of toasted pumpkin seeds, cardamom, nutmeg, clove and cinnamon notes make Brooklyn Candle Studio’s Toasted Pumpkin ($24) candle the perfect symphony of scents.
2. best fall scented candles: library vibes
Lighting up Malin + Goetz’s Leather ($55) candle is like curling up your favorite leather armchair with a good book and a glass of red wine. If the name of Fvith’s October ($45) candle wasn’t enough to convince you this is fall in a candle, just wait until you experience the aroma of agarwood, leather, sage and blackberry.
Scented candles with fall fragrances like pumpkin, campfires and even apples: Library Vibes. Courtesy Photos.
With top notes of cardamom, smoked incense and bourbon, Harlem Candle Co’s Speakeasy ($45) evokes the mystery of a crisp fall evening.
3. best fall scented candles: nature-inspired
With notes of pine needles and fir cones, birch sap and woodland lily of the valley, Skog ($45) from Skandinavisk smells like a walk through the arctic forest. Le Labo’s Cedre 11 ($75) candle has the relaxing scents of a cedar tree, as well as notes of birchwood and amber to make you feel like you’re one with the outdoors.
Scented candles with fall fragrances like pumpkin, campfires and even apples: Nature Inspired. Courtesy Photos.
Pomegranates, an underrated member of the fall produce family, are at their peak from September through November. And Jo Malone London’s Pomegranate Noir ($69) candle, which fills the room with a rich, peppery aroma, won’t let you forget it.
4. best fall scented candles: fireside
Handmade in France, Byredo’s Apocalyptic ($85) candle infuses the enticing scents of fire, iron, black raspberry, wood and papyrus resulting in an aroma that is woody, smokey, fresh and earthy all at the same time.
Scented candles with fall fragrances like pumpkin, firesides and even apples: Fireside. Courtesy Photos.
Bring the feeling of an outdoor campfire indoors with D.S. & Durga’s Portable Fireplace ($65) candle – it’s filled with notes of pine to cedar, ash oak and birch wood. You cannot go wrong with the sophisticated Feu de Bois ($98) from fragrance staple Diptyque that recalls the crackling of an open fire.
5. best fall scented candles: autumn getaway travel
Wish you could go apple-picking and leaf-peeping in beautiful Vermont this fall? Homesick’s Vermont ($34) candle with cinnamon, clove, vanilla and apple notes is the next best thing.
Scented candles with fall fragrances like pumpkin, campfires and even apples: Fall Getaway. Courtesy Photos.
Luxury candle brand Otherland is inviting us up to the Manor House Weekend Collection ($36 each) with not one, but six festive candles. Each one is inspired by autumn icons like bonfires, spiked cider and weekend get-togethers in the countryside. This cozy collection includes scents like “Cardamom Milk,” “Dappled Wood,” and “Mountain Lace,” wrapped up in uniquely designed jars. There’s nothing like fall in New York and La Botica’s Soho ($65) candle captures it perfectly. The candlemakers pairs smoky vanilla and warm cashmere with hints of peach and a woodsy base note. It creates the ultimate cool, understated New York vibe.
6. best fall scented candles: cozy cues
Nashville based Paddywax’s Hygge collection leans heavily into Scandi minimalism and their new Wild Cedar + Fig ($36) candle has delicious top notes of fig, bay leaf, so lighting it feels a bit like a warm hug. LAFCO may have created the ultimate cozy candle with it’s cleaning burning Amber Black Vanilla ($65) scent. Filled with warm vanilla and brown sugar, it’s subtly sweet and satisfying.
Scented candles with fall fragrances like pumpkin, campfires and even apples: Cozy Cues. Courtesy Photos.
It’s also election season, so we could all use a little zen right now, and House of Linnic’s Candle I ($36) may just be the perfect candle for it. It is filled with a blend of sage, ylang ylang, clove and basil essential oils. You will find yourself transported to a place of peace and relaxation.
the best luxury scented candles of the fall
There you have it, our 18 favorite candles to celebrate the arrival of fall. Just grab your favorite red wine, a good book and get ready to sit back and enjoy all that is fall.
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Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in New York and is married with three young children. She loves cross-country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.