9 Fall Candles Our Editors Burn Year After Year

There’s something about striking a match in September that shifts the mood — suddenly the air feels crisper, your couch feels comfier, and even a random Tuesday night can feel cozy (Though some of us have to dig deeper into our imaginations because it’s still 90 degrees outside). And while pumpkin spice may reign supreme, my PEOPLE co-workers proved there’s a whole range of fall scents worth lighting up. 

From spicy chai blends that fill an entire living room to sweet and fruity twists you might not expect, our shopping team (who I’ve learned are serious candle connoisseurs!), shared their personal favorites. Whether you’re ordering a $20 jar from Amazon as a weeknight pick-me-up or splurging on a luxe candle to keep on display, these are the scents PEOPLE staffers actually burn throughout the fall, including baked-apple, smoky woods, or my own go-to: pumpkin clove.

PEOPLE’s Favorite Fall Candles

Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove

“In my home, the official start of fall is the day I light my Capri Blue Pumpkin Clove candle. The scent is warm and buttery but not too pumpkin-y. What really draws me in are the subtle notes of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla, topped off with a hint of orange zest for freshness. All of those aromas weave together and create a scent that makes my home feel warm and inviting. It’s not too sweet and not too spicy, just the perfect blend of comfort and coziness that will have you craving a night curled up on the couch.” —Jeaneen Russell, shopping writer

Yankee Candle Spiced Pumpkin

“I’m a Yankee Candle fan thanks to my mom. I have vivid memories of going to the store at the mall with my mom to stock up on her favorite fall scents — one being spiced pumpkin, which she’s been burning for over 20 years. The sweet, crisp clove smell reminds me of home, and I keep it lit in my apartment pretty much every day from September to November until I switch to my holiday scent. The large glass jar usually lasts me an entire season and a little into the next, so I only need to purchase a new one once a year.” —Alex Nelson, associate editorial director

DW Home Apple Honey Butter Candle

“They say smell can transport you into your memories, and when I smell this candle, I’m suddenly 18 years old again, walking into the kitchen of my childhood home on a perfectly crisp fall morning. It feels and smells nostalgic, cozy, and warm all at once, and it instantly makes my tiny NYC apartment feel so much homier. Plus, I love that the sweet apple scent is festive without being in-your-face.” —Averi Baudler, senior shopping writer

La Jolie Muse Vanilla Bomb Candle

“Honestly, this candle’s beautiful colored glass jar, which I plan to repurpose as cotton round storage in my bathroom, is what really drew me in. Its zesty, warm vanilla fragrance, however, convinced me to repurchase the candle asap. It burns for up to 40 hours, filling the room with the autumnal scent without feeling overpowering. If you, like me, aren’t a member of the pumpkin spice fan club, this is a great alternative.” —Maggie Horton, shopping writer

Nest New York Pumpkin Chai Candle

“As someone who’s covered candles extensively, and who used to work retail at Bath & Body Works and Anthropologie, I have probably owned close to 250 candles in my lifetime. And that’s a conservative estimate (I can count 19 from where I’m sitting in my living room right now). So when I say I’ve tried them all… I’ve tried them all. My all time favorite fall candle is the Nest Pumpkin Chai scent. It’s the most intoxicating aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, chai, and other spices that fills the entire room. For being such a small candle, it throws scent like an MLB player. It’s made with a clean wax (important to me because I have a dog who’s also breathing it in), and it has a lengthy burn time of up to 60 hours.” —Madison Yauger, shopping editor

Yankee Candle Home Sweet Home Candle

“This candle truly smells like a hug in a jar — it’s that cozy, comforting scent that instantly wraps around you the second you light it. With notes of cinnamon, baking spices, and a hint of tea, it makes my home feel warm and inviting. I love lighting it on crisp fall evenings, whether I’m curled up with a blanket or having friends over, it sets that nostalgic, fresh-from-the-oven vibe that instantly makes everyone feel welcome.” —Toni Sutton, shopping writer

Diptyque Amber Candle

“I’m going to disclose something highly controversial. I really don’t like the smell of pumpkin spice and most other typical fall scents. As such, I lean more towards warm, woody, and earthy aromas to make my apartment cozy. This candle from Diptyque is a splurge that’s 100 percent worth it, from the hand-blown glass exterior to the 75-hour burn time. Plus, it’s powerful enough to fill my living room, dining room, and kitchen.” —Izzy Baskette, shopping writer

Bath & Body Works Vampire Blood Candle

“The jar designs on the Halloween candles at Bath & Body Works are always so fun. Vampire Blood is the go-to in our home because its scent isn’t overwhelming or woodsy (as so many fall-scented candles are). It’s got a fruity, floral smell that matches its bright red coloring.” —Clint Davis, shopping editor

Glasshouse Fragrances In Season Pumpkin Spice Cake

“I’d be remiss to only include one candle when I burn so many throughout autumn. That said, I clearly have a favorite scent profile because I’ve been enjoying this pumpkin spice cake candle from Glasshouse Fragrances since mid-August (can’t a girl start fall early?), and it smells like something delicious is baking in my oven.” —Madison Yauger