17 best autumn candles to spruce up your home

Autumn candles are excellent for boosting your mood, especially when it's getting colder and windier outside.

Best autumn candles

by Piper Huxley |
Updated on

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 ProfilePink Pepper, Clary Sage, Elemi, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Suede, Leather
Burn TimeApprox. 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 ProfileSandalwood, Vanilla, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Neroli
Burn TimeApprox. 48 Hours

Best autumn candle overall

Upcircle, Chai LattePiper / Yours

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 ProfileChai Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla)
Burn TimeApprox. 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 ProfileOrange, Ylang-Ylang
Burn TimeApprox 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 ProfilePine, 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 ProfileGinger, Emerald Forest Leaf, Woodsmoke
Burn TimeApprox. 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 ProfileSpring Flower Honey, Honeycomb, Gently Roasted Oats, Vanilla
Burn TimeApprox. 35 Hours

Transport yourself to Scandinavia

Skandinavisk SKOG Scented Candle
Price: $45.00
Alternative retailers
Nordstrom$49.00View offer

The Skandinavisk SKOG candle reflects the unique aspects of the Scandinavian landscape and fills the room with the wonderful wintery aroma of pine needles, fir, and woodland lily. It's a perfume oil and Swedish rapeseed wax blend that comes in a painted glass jar with a pure cotton wick and engraved beechwood lid. At John Lewis, this candle comes highly rated by reviews for its fresh scent.

Tried and tested by Yours.co.uk Editor, Claire Tapley:
"I love strong and powerful scents and this SKOG candle is one of my favourite aromas ever! It has a lovely fresh, but warming pine smell which is really comforting for autumn nights and even better at Christmas time. When lit in my lunge it fills the whole house with the most aromatic scent and transports me to the pine forests of Norway! If you don't like strong scents you might find this a bit overpowering."

Pros

  • Low environmental impact
  • Makes a fantastic gift

Cons

  • Some customers felt the scent was a little cleaning-product-like
Scent ProfilePine Needles, Birch Sap, Woodland Lily of the Valley
Burn TimeApprox. 50 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 ProfilePumpkin, Vanilla, Coconut
Burn TimeApprox. 55 Hours

Best autumn candle for unusual scent

NEST New York Charcoal WoodsPiper / Yours
Price: $25.00
Alternative retailers
Sephora$15.00View offer
Walmart$26.99View offer

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 ProfileCharred Birchwood, Smoky Labdanum, Black Truffle, Cedarwood, Patchouli
Burn TimeApprox. 50-60 Hours

Best autumn candle for cosiness

Skandinavisk, HyggePiper / Yours
Price: $45.00
Alternative retailers
Nordstrom$49.00View offer

Another candle from Skandinavisk, this vegan Skandinavisk Hygge candle is another favourite. "Hygge" is the Danish word for cosiness. We think this is a promise, rather than a name. In the autumn, as the chill sets in, you want to wrap up and feel warm - and cosy. Burning for an impressive 50 hours, this blend consists of black tea, mint leaves, dried apples and baked cinnamon. As Skandinavisk puts it: "It's a scent designed to complement a room, not overpower it."

Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for Yours, Piper Huxley:

"I love the Hygge candle - it's lasted for a long time. The notes of baked cinammon really top it over the edge - with a fruit, spiced and warming candle for autumn. It creates an intimate, comforting atmosphere like no other. Plus, the candle jar is super-stylish and upcycle-able."

Pros

  • Large candle means a long burn time
  • The scent profile is quintessential autumn

Cons

  • The scent is subtle, yet full
Scent ProfileBlack Tea, Mint Leaves, Dried Apple, Baked Cinnamon
Burn TimeApprox. 50 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 ProfilePalo Santo, Sage Leaf, Juniper Tar, Cedarwood Atlas, Rosewood, Birch Smoke, Neroli
Burn TimeApprox. 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 ProfileBark, Pine, Moss, Sandalwood, Lime, Black Pepper
Burn TimeApprox. 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 ProfileTonka, Patchouli, Cedar
Burn TimeApprox. 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 ProfileRhubarb and Anise
Burn TimeApprox. 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.

Rebecca Tracey, Oakmoss and Sandalwood Botanica Candle, Lit
©Piper / Yours

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.

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