9 Fall Candles That Aren’t Cheesy at All, According to Designers

Craving a whiff of the California coastline? Bay Area-based designer Regan Baker loves Maison Louis Marie’s No. 4 Bois de Balincourt, which has top notes of sandalwood and cedarwood that are reminiscent of a coastal forest. “I enjoy spending time in nature and along California’s coasts and forests, and this candle offers a warm, spicy, and earthy scent that also recalls the warmth of autumn,” she says. “It’s not too feminine and has some masculine notes that make it work really well in a home or other shared space.”

A medley of sage, lavender, spruce, pine, and oakmoss is what makes Brooklyn Candle Studio’s woodsy aroma Peggy Haddad’s “forever favorite.” “I love a fall candle that feels like a walk in the forest after rain,” the Denver-based designer explains. “Fern + Moss blends woody notes with a touch of brightness. It’s sophisticated, fresh, and layers perfectly with the season without tipping into anything too sweet or ‘pumpkin spice latte.’”

If you ask Los Angeles designer Jeff Andrews, Diptyque’s La Droguerie offering is the hardest-working candle around. The behind this pick is its special formula that is designed to neutralize unpleasant aromas. Plus, the bouquet of mint, basil, and tomato makes this a particularly great choice for the kitchen. For a power pairing, Andrews lights this pick alongside Flamingo Estate’s Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle. “I’ve always had an aversion to candles that smell like food, but then I found these,” he says. “The elevated scents together are transportive yet ethereal.”

Craving something sweeter? Andrews is also a fan of Trudon’s Cire. Notes of honey, waxed wood, cinnamon, tonka beans, and patchouli (among others) might seem at odds with each other, but Andrews says it works. And, if you can believe it, is actually surprisingly versatile. “I love to blend it with other scented candles,” he explains. “This is one of the label’s classic scents made from beeswax, and I like that its honey scent is slightly sweet and spicy.”

Think of Flamingo Estate’s Coriandoli Candle as the perfect candle to light while entertaining. With notes of santal, musk, and Christmas lilies, which happens to be the national flower of Italy, it’s glamorous and grounded in equal measure. Plus, this 26-ounce canister can burn up to 130 hours. “It’s refined, layered, and entirely transportive,” says San Francisco designer Lindsay Anyon Brier. “Inspired by a decadent evening in Venice, it captures that elusive balance of elegance and atmosphere.” Anyon Brier’s storefront, Anyon Atelier, is the only United States boutique offering this limited-edition scent, so you might as well scoop it up while you can.

While you can get plenty of scent-spo from your garden, Trish Knight of Knight Varga Interiors in Vancouver begs you to think beyond pumpkins and apples. Her choice: Linnea’s Heirloom Tomato candle. “I love the earthy, green, and quietly nostalgic scent and think it is the perfect nod to the tail end of summer here on the west coast and the shift toward heartier, cozier cooking,” she says. “I light it in the kitchen as I prepare fall dinners: It layers beautifully with the scents of the season like slow-roasted garlic, fresh zucchini lasagna roll-ups, or a bubbling pot of chili without overpowering them.” 

Aroma aside, she also loves that Linnea is a small, family-run company that prioritizes sustainability and philanthropy. Not only does Linnea make eco-friendly, cruelty-free candles, but it also partners with charities like Feeding America and One Tree Planted.

Once the temperature drops, Alicia Cheung reaches for Le Labo’s Pin 12, which has notes of pinewood, amber, and musk. “It is very versatile,” the San Francisco designer explains. “We’ve done a project where five of these lovely candles were lit for a couple of days through installation, infusing the home for our big reveal.” Cheung might incorporate this scent into her work, she also spotted this candle at LURRA, a Michelin-minted restaurant in Kyoto, Japan. “It helps to create a warm and cozy atmosphere, and that’s why I love it,” she says.

Scent isn’t your thing? Boulder-based designer Emily Tucker recommends Slow Roads’ unscented, food-shaped alternatives. “Since people can be so particular about scents, these make such a fun alternative,” she says. “Who doesn’t love a candle that’s a little silly and unexpected?” In addition to the  whimsical, asparagus-themed tapers, the brand also sells candles shaped as a Sumo orange and corn on the cob.

If you’re looking for a multi-sensory experience, Miranda Cullen of Inside Stories swears by High Camp Supply’s inventory. The Colorado designer says she was gifted one by a client and has been “hooked ever since.” “They provide a beyond beautiful presentation,” she explains. “When you open the box, it is the most glorious visual experience, and then you light the candle and are immediately transported into the most calming aroma therapy of your life!” Case in point: High Camp’s gardenia and palo santo candle, which comes with garden-length gardenias inside the box. At $285, this one is pricey; however, it’s a candle that’ll leave a lasting impression. “Make sure your recipient is home as the flowers need to go into water ASAP,” she stresses.