At Yours, we’ve made it our mission to keep your home this autumn fresh and cosy, so we’ve rounded up the best autumn candles. We naturally spend more time at home during autumn and winter as the nights draw in and the weather gets that bit chillier. And we don't mind it at all! Winter candles are a great choice for the end of the year.
Especially after the summer we’ve had, we’re looking forward to feeling cosy in our homes and enjoying some autumn crafts. There’s something so peaceful about wrapping up in warm blankets and getting our hands on a mug of tea. So - one of the best ways to instantly make your house feel comfy and restful is to light a candle. You can even make your own candle.
Best autumn candles at a glance:
• Best autumn candle for book lovers: Boujee Bougies Cuir Culture Candle - Buy now on Escentual
• Warm, rustic notes: Sana Jardin Sandalwood Temple - Buy now on Selfridge's
• Best autumn candle: UpCircle Chai Latte - Buy now on UpCircle Beauty
• Soothing stress relief: Nwanne Home Ịhụnanya - Buy now on Newanne Home
Not only does candlelight make everything look more romantic and atmospheric, but decent autumn candles with a wonderful scent can really alter the mood of a room, warming both you and your senses. If you're not keen on bulky candles, consider wax melts, which are space-saving - and reduce the amount of smoke and naked flames.
Yours has found the best autumn candles to buy for this time of year to welcome in the season. For this round-up, we've chosen a wide range of scents, whether showcasing wood, spices, incense or fruit. Some are aromatherapy candles, whereas some are so pretty and gift-worthy. We're sure at least one will take your fancy.
Best autumn candles for your home
Best autumn candle for book lovers
To be boujee is to appreciate finer things - and to show off a little. This shows in their unique range. Boujee Bougies Cuir Culture is daring and rich. Unashamedly dusty, this candle is accented by the charm of old bookshops and warm spice. It's such a treat. It'll go perfectly in your reading nook as you curl up with your latest read.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:
"Smoky, leather and dusty, this candle is a treat. Anyone who knows me, knows I love books. When it comes to a secondhand bookshop, it's hard to drag me out of one. Furthermore, I'm the kind of person who loves that musty old book smell. So, I knew that this scent was totally me. When the candle arrived, I wasn't disappointed. It's rich, sultry and cosy. Plus, a little boozy. It's so opulent. Now - I don't have to leave my home to get that musky fix. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, though."
Pros
- Extravagant, ritzy
- Charming, spicy
Cons
- May be dusty for some
Scent Profile | Pink Pepper, Clary Sage, Elemi, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Suede, Leather |
Burn Time | Approx. 50 Hours (220g) |
Warm, rustic notes
Sensual and enveloping, this Sana Jardin Sandalwood Temple candle will turn your home into an intimate sanctuary. This candle is the perfect accompaniment to your autumn with its intimate and rustic blend of sandalwood, neroli and cedarwood. Transform your home into a tranquil, comforting zone.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:
"I was lucky enough to try Sana Jardin's gorgeous Sandalwood candle. Sincerely, this scent is delicious. So comforting, I could happily sit in my sandalwood paradise for hours. I felt so much at peace and at ease with this candle burning. Be warned, it is powerful. It made me feel comfortable and evoked so many feelings - as scents often do. Although, it's not the biggest candle on the list."
Pros
- Comforting, earthy
- Vegan and non-toxic
Cons
- Smaller than most on the list
Scent Profile | Sandalwood, Vanilla, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Neroli |
Burn Time | Approx. 48 Hours |
Best autumn candle overall
Vegan, cruelty-free and infused with repurposed chai spices, this UpCircle Chai Latte candle is a winner. Softly scented with charming oils such as cinnamon, vanilla & nutmeg, the Chai Latte candle is as soothing as the drink it’s named after. This candle is infused with residual chai spices previously used to create chai syrup. Isn't that cool? We think so.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:
"This is my favourite candle. It's autumn to a tee: warming, and cosy. I've used UpCircle's skincare in the past, which I loved sending back to HQ for refills. Wish they'd do something similar, here"
Pros
- Repurposes unused chai space
- Warming, sweet and spiced
Cons
- UpCircle needs to start refills
Scent Profile | Chai Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla) |
Burn Time | Approx. 35 to 40 Hours |
Soothing stress relief
Why not try the Nwanne Home Ịhụnanya candle? Ihụnanya translates to love in Igbo. This soy wax candle is fragranced with Ylang Ylang and Sweet Orange essential oils. Orange has an alluring aroma that feels very autumn and winter-friendly. For calm and soothing vibes, this candle is paired with Ylang Ylang, this candle is the ultimate stress relief.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:
"Nwanne Home is a fabulous brand, with the most scintillating of scents in their roster. The Ihụnanya arrived in beautiful packaging and I was met with such delicious flavour. It was safe to say, I couldn't wait to light it. Fruity, alluring and soothing, this candle is a delight. With two wicks, you can fill the room with a beautiful scent that destresses and helps you peacefully navigate your day. I'm very impressed with this candle."
Pros
- Glass pot can be reused - repot a houseplant?
- 100% pure essential oils, natural and fresh
Cons
- Available in only one size - but in different colours
Scent Profile | Orange, Ylang-Ylang |
Burn Time | Approx 50-60 Hours |
Crisp, autumnal and earthy
This Octo Sweater Weather candle is the perfect descriptor for autumn. Get those jumpers out! This product is a charming blend of pine, ylang-ylang, and clove essential oils. Whilst, ylang-ylang has a sweet and exotic scent, the notes of pine and clove bring a warm and earthy fragrance. According to customer reviews, Octo adds a personal touch, too, which we love.
One customer commented that they bought it for their partner, who prefers natural-smelling candles, and they were not let down, by the stunning smell and environmentally friendly packaging. As for negatives, opinions are mixed on the value and size of the candle. Reviewers love the gentle glow.
Pros
- Made with essential oils
- Comes with a personal touch
Cons
- Smaller than most on our list
Scent Profile | Pine, Ylang Ylang, Clove |
Burn Time |
Spicy, smoky detox
Balanced by a smoky solstice and awakened with a Soak Sunday Midnight Storm. This candle is infused with ginger and emerald notes, accompanied by dusky woodsmoke. Perfect for detoxing and creating a serene, natural environment. Soak Sunday wishes to create indulgent bathing rituals but with a conscience. Committing to sustainability is important in these times of climate crisis.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:
"Upon the first sniff, I was enthralled by this scent. I was greeted by a sweet, spicy and woody fragrance - which I hadn't smelt before. I was very excited to light this candle. Easy to light, this autumnal candle smells strong, without being overpowering. Plus, it burns well without smoking - which is a bonus. I felt so at ease when this candle was lit in my bedroom. The candle is sleek, attractive and smells great. I liked this one. Although, it may be too subtle for some"
Pros
- Long burn time
- Detoxifying
Cons
- May be too subtle for some
Scent Profile | Ginger, Emerald Forest Leaf, Woodsmoke |
Burn Time | Approx. 35 Hours |
Soothing, sweet candle
Evoke the experience of Egyptian reincarnation, this is Soak Sunday Cleo's Paradise. This candle is blessed with sweet honey and soothing oats with notes of vanilla and honeycomb. Cleo's Paradise is relaxing and sensual. Soak Sunday's candle range is free from plastic and cruelty, which is great.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:
"Cleo's Paradise was just that. Opening up the box, I was met with a sweet, comforting aroma. I'm a big fan of everything vanilla. This coupled with the oat, this candle feel like I was in the kitchen making some baked goods. Lighting the candle was easy and no hassle. This candle is sweet and fills every room with a beautiful scent. With this one, I felt so peaceful. Though I found the scent to be a little subtle, this candle is worth it."
Pros
- Longer burn time
- Gentle, calming
Cons
- Contains honey - not vegan-friendly
Scent Profile | Spring Flower Honey, Honeycomb, Gently Roasted Oats, Vanilla |
Burn Time | Approx. 35 Hours |
Best autumn candle for Halloween
What would autumn be without Pumpkin Spice? No - we're not referring a new member of the Spice Girls. Every autumn, pumpkin-themed products hit the shops in anticipation of Halloween. We've chosen this La Jolie Muse Pumpkin Chai candle for its great reviews, attractive glass jar and attractive blend. This will surely get you in the autumn spirit. Customers like the scent of the candle.
Reviews mention that it's easy to light and the appearance of the jar is very pretty. Customers add that it's great quality. However, that said, opinions are mixed on size and value.
Pros
- Longer burn time
- Sweet, comforting
Cons
- Opinions are mixed on size
Scent Profile | Pumpkin, Vanilla, Coconut |
Burn Time | Approx. 55 Hours |
Best autumn candle for unusual scent
Next - we have the first scent in the WILDERNESS collection: the NEST New York Charcoal Woods candle that delves into the world of woody fragrances exploring the great outdoors. It's the autumn scent. Further, Charcoal Woods has a smoky aroma that evokes the depths of a mysterious forest. With notes of labdanum, patchouli and cedarwood - combined with charred birchwood and a hint of black truffle - this is a unique scent. It's like no other.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:
"OK - I know what you're thinking. Why would I burn a candle that smells like burning in my home? Wait! I was lucky enough to test this candle - and I am here to set the record straight. Upon first glance, I was unsure - a total Charcoal Woods sceptic.
When it arrived, I gave it a sniff, unlit - of course. It was strong. Still unsure, I decided to take the plunge and give it a go. And - let me tell you - what a gorgeous scent. It's quite therapeutic and not-at-all all overpowering. I felt cleansed and content with this one. It smelt lovely. Honestly, give it a go."
Pros
- Smoky, invigorating
- Unique fragrance
Cons
- The charcoal smell isn't for everyone
Scent Profile | Charred Birchwood, Smoky Labdanum, Black Truffle, Cedarwood, Patchouli |
Burn Time | Approx. 50-60 Hours |
Best spiritual autumn candle
Next - we have this autumnal pick from SUN.DAY of London - whose range of candles come complete in amber jars that look so chic. The SUN.DAY Nocturne has a rich and smoky scent - great company with the ability to cleanse any room. Infused with woods (like rose and cedar), and herbs like sage, Palo Santo and neroli, this is a powerful blend.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:
"I had the pleasure of trying SUN.DAY'sturne candle. Coming in a delightful glass pot, this candle looks inviting. My favourite part of this candle is that it contains Palo Santo, which is often used in yoga and meditation. Talking of meditation, I feel extremely calm and relaxed when this candle is lit. When it's not lit, the candle has an unusual and strong smell - which made me even more curious about trying it. I wasn't disappointed. This candle is healing."
Pros
- A strong, powerful blend
- Has healing properties
Cons
- May be too strong for some
Scent Profile | Palo Santo, Sage Leaf, Juniper Tar, Cedarwood Atlas, Rosewood, Birch Smoke, Neroli |
Burn Time | Approx. 40 Hours |
Citrus zest meets earthy spice
Why not try this Rebecca Tracey Oakmoss + Sandalwood candle? This candle is bursting with fragrance, blending beautiful earthy rich notes of bark, pine and moss seamlessly with the sweet, woody and creaminess of sandalwood. Sounds absolutely divine. Plus, this candle is impressively rounded off with the zest of lime, and the spice of black pepper. This is an incredibly inviting and evocative fragrance. Earthy, it's a great option for autumn.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:
"Rebecca Tracey's Oakmoss & Sandalwood candle is another favourite of mine, Delightfully citrusy, this candle is refreshing - not to mention it smells and looks great! Plus, the sandalwood makes a lovely addition. It's a fabulous candle all-around and will be ideal when you have guests over to set the mood for the evening."
Pros
- A rich, vibrant scent
- Hand-poured in the UK
Cons
- Remember to trim the wick before use!
Scent Profile | Bark, Pine, Moss, Sandalwood, Lime, Black Pepper |
Burn Time | Approx. 60 Hours |
Best refillable autumn candle
Pott is a fab, refillable candle brand. This Pott is earthy, speckled and has a beautiful rustic feel. We recommend getting the Pott in Tonka scent and plenty of refills - just in time for autumn. Packed with Tonka, patchouli and cedar, this candle is fab. If you finish it, grab a refill - keep the Pott. Or - try another scent. We love Pott's eco initiative.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:
"I love Pott's eco refill initiative - and the Tonka scent is a delight."
Pros
- Sustainable, refillable candle
- Beautiful stoneware pot
Cons
- Tricky to unpack the refill
Scent Profile | Tonka, Patchouli, Cedar |
Burn Time | Approx. 60 Hours |
Best sweet and fruity autumn candle
Made using completely plant-based wax and hand-poured in the UK, this WXY. Studio 2 in Rhubarb and Anise candle is sweet and inviting. It's scented with notes of rhubarb and anise. Plus, wxy. has a cleaner, better and fairer ethos: 3% of profits go to charity. It's 100 per cent made from soy wax and comes in a uniquely coloured concrete vessel.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:
"Studio 2's soy candle is perfect for autumn. I can just imagine lighting this on a chilly evening. When opening it up, I found the candle a little heavy and tricky to light but smelt great on first impression. When lit, the rich, sweet rhubarb is strong - but very pleasant and delicious. Twinned with the spiced anise, this fruity blend candle is decadent."
Pros
- 100% natural soy wax
- Sweet, fruit fragrance
Cons
- Found it tricky to light
Scent Profile | Rhubarb and Anise |
Burn Time | Approx. 45 Hours |
Best natural-wax autumn candle
This Sicilian Sunbeam Natural Wax Candle captures all of those wonderful, evocative aromas which can only truly be defined by the Italian summer. We think that this makes it the perfect candle to transition from summer to autumn. The luxury perfume oils give this candle a lovely level of depth.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Hannah Carroll:
"The Sicilian Sunbeam Natural Wax Candle by Flora Lab is an absolute delight for the senses. Its captivating Sicilian-inspired fragrance fills the room with a warm and inviting ambience. I love the natural wax and all of the information about sustainability on the packaging - which looks so cool."
Pros
- Gorgeous packaging
- Natural ingredients
Cons
- Limited size options
Scent Profile | Top Notes: Fresh Basil, Lemon, Orange Middle Notes: heart of Neroli, Rose, Jasmine and Cyclamen.Bottom Notes: Rich musk's, precious woods, amber. |
Burn Time | 30-35hrs burn time |
FAQs
The best autumnal scents
There are lots of smells, scents fragrances that we associate with autumn. Do you think of fallen leaves, crisp leaves or pumpkin spice? Or something fruity like orange? Or perhaps spices? Often, these smells are replicated in candle form for autumn candles. Some of the most notable autumn scents are:
Frankincense
Cedarwood
Woody herbs like rosemary and thyme
Apple and orange
Ginger, cinnamon, and clove
Pumpkin spice
Pine and wood
Woodland lily
You might prefer a fruity, lighter scent like apple or orange; together with ginger, cinnamon, and clove, these smells can instantly make you think of autumnal baking and cooking. Speaking of baking... A fruity candle sounds perfect for cuddling up while watching the Great British Bake Off!
On the other hand, you could bring the outdoors indoors with woody scents like pine, fir, and autumnal flowers! That sounds lovely. It'll be like stepping outside - just without the chill. How does that sound? Plus, woody herbs such as rosemary and thyme are often found as base notes in candles and fragrances. Sounds lovely!
You should also consider which room you will place your candle in.
A heady scent like pine might not work in the kitchen while baking cakes; a sweet pumpkin scent in the bedroom might not work for you as you're getting ready for bed. Placement is important.
What is the 'scent throw' factor?
When researching a good candle, you'll often find references to the term 'scent throw'. What is it?
Essentially, this refers to how far the smell will travel - and how the size of the candle will work in the size of your room. If you have a larger room, you won't be able to smell a tiny tealight unless you're right next to it.
Equally, if you have a smaller room, for example - a bathroom, a massive pillar candle can be overpowering.
It's also worth checking the burn time. A big candle won't necessarily last longer than a smaller candle.
Any tips for good candle practice?
Trim the wick
Always trim the wick to under a centimetre before lighting any candle. This helps keep the burn even and means the candle lasts longer. If the wick is too long, the flame will grow too tall and leave marks on the glass, even with soy candles. If the flame touches the glass container, it can cause the glass to crack.
Burn for at least an hour
Before putting the candle out, make sure the candle spools entirely across the top. If not, it can cause ‘tunnelling’ and wasted wax around the inside edge of the candle. For pillar candles, make sure to burn them for at least one hour for every inch in diameter.
…But don’t burn the candle for too long
It’s not a good idea to burn the candle for more than four hours.
After this, the candle gets too hot, begins to evaporate fragrance oil and burns off quicker. That's not what you want. Burning in two to three-hour bursts is best practice. This will help the longevity of your candle.
If the candle gets too hot, the wax can completely liquefy. This can cause the glue holding the wick to release and move across the bottom of the container. If that happens the flame can touch the glass and crack it.
This is a good reason why you should stop burning a candle once there’s around 2cm of wax remaining.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.