Nothing signals the beginning of cozy season more than pumpkin spice scented candles—warming and soothing, pumpkin is the perfect fall fragrance. “Pumpkin spice has become almost shorthand for cold weather in the way that ‘cut grass smell’ equals spring,” says Lizzie Ostrom, author of Perfume: A Century Of Scents. “So when we get our first sniff each year of the scent, our brain realizes that change is afoot.”
Pumpkin spice is a comforting scent making the below choices some of the best candles for colder, darker months—as fragrance expert Jessie Rosenberg explains. “Seasonal scents provide mood enhancement. The spicy notes of ingredients like nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon really draw us into the autumn months.” Everyone from high street brands to indie businesses are embracing the trend—so our homes expert has selected the very best pumpkin spice scented candles to fill your home with sweet and spicy fragrance this fall.
21 best pumpkin spice scented candles
Pumpkin spice candles: US
(Image credit: Bath & Body Works)
Devotees of Bath & Body Works will adore this delicately scented candle, one of the best aromatherapy candles in our line-up, from the cult wellbeing brand. With a triple wick, it’s inspired by all things pumpkin pie. As well as the pumpkin pie tones, it’s also heavily inspired by the ever-popular pumpkin spice latte scent, so you’ll also detect notes of freshly brewed espresso, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar. The cheery orange-and-white jar will make a great fall addition to your countertop, too.
(Image credit: Voluspa)
Add some serious shimmer to your home with Voluspa’s luxe take on all things pumpkin spice, presented in an eye-catching gold jar that will look elegant displayed in your home. Custom embossed, it’s wrapped in ‘the iconic Japonica woodblock inspired print’, with the shimmering design serving only to further accentuate the glow of the candle. This mouthwatering pumpkin spice candle features a blend of Kabocha Pumpkin, Vanilla Marshmallow, Coconut Crema, and Cinnamon Spiced Brûlée, meaning it’s almost (almost) good enough to eat. Hand-poured in America, the candle isn’t tested on animals and is free from phthalates, parabens, and sulfates. It’s also available to buy in a smaller size for $18 if you have less room or want a smaller option.
(Image credit: One Fur All)
Specially created for homes with pets, Pet House’s Pumpkin Spice candle is said to eliminate up to 99% of pet odors. This seasonal favorite boasts a non-toxic fragrance and is paraben, phthalate, and dye-free. But onto the fragrance—as well as the pumpkin-spice scent, this candle also features shades of maple butter, vanilla bean, and cinnamon sugar. It’s an irresistible scent that combines some of the coziest smells and foods of the season. So if you love all things fall food, and want to ensure your candles aren’t damaging to your pets, this is the pumpkin spice scented candle for you.
(Image credit: Ryan Porter)
Ideal for bringing a splash of ’90s cool into any home (did you catch the Spice Girls reference on the jar?), this playful candle from Ryan Porter is hand-poured and scented with natural oils. As well as pumpkin, you’ll pick up on notes of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and vanilla, as well as the delicious-sounding pie crust. Best of all, a portion of all sales is donated to women’s charity, Friendship Bridge, making it a pumpkin spice candle with heart, too.
(Image credit: Walmart)
For a traditional, reliable scent, look no further than Glade’s Toasty Pumpkin Spice candle. A cost-effective classic, this candle would work just as well in the kitchen, eliminating any food smells, as it would in the living room. It’s also super affordable, at just $16.59—the lowest price point on our list. But there’s little sacrifice in quality for the lower price tag, as this Glade option offers a powerful scent and also has a 60-hour burn time.
(Image credit: Anthropologie)
Pumpkin clove and orange zest are masterfully blended in this evocative candle—but also mixed in are twists of vanilla and cinnamon, which means this option neatly treads the line between sweet and savory. We adore the blend of scents in this candle, which feel really sophisticated and not overly sweet at all. As well as smelling incredible, it’s also presented in a stunning bronze jar, which is exclusive to Anthropologie. Ideal for keeping once the candle is no more, the jar arguably makes a great decorative piece on its own and will make a great addition to any mantlepiece or shelf.
(Image credit: Yankee Candle)
Yankee Candle’s Spiced Pumpkin candle is, arguably, the most iconic in the pumpkin arena. While the UK has discontinued it in favor of the Tonka Bean & Pumpkin option, it’s still a best seller in the US. With top notes of spiced pumpkin, citrus and nutmeg, it also comprises cinnamon, clove, vanilla as the intriguing yet instantly hunger-inducing ‘baked notes’. While the $31 option is for the largest jar (which weighs in at a hefty 22oz, or 623g), it’s also available to purchase in a range of other sizes, too. But it’s worth noting that the bigger option has one of the longest burn times, at 110-150 hours (and if that’s a little more than you wanted to spend, you could also see it if features on our list of the best Yankee candle deals). You can also get this scent in the form of reed diffusers, as well as tea lights, and car air fresheners, too, if you’ve already got plenty of candles for your home.
(Image credit: Homesick)
This stylish candle features notes that stretch from pumpkin all the way through to vanilla, with a dash of ginger and sugar in there too, for good measure. It’s presented in a simple jar (ideal for upcycling into a vase once the wax has burned out), with an on-trend industrial label that home decor fans will adore. For an extra $15, you can personalize the candle with the message of your choice, making it a great gift option, too. Homesick’s pumpkin spice candle is presented in an eye-catching vibrant cardboard box, which features tumbling golden leaves dancing amid a field of pumpkins—making it even more of a fun choice for a gift.
Pumpkin spice scented candles: UK
(Image credit: Glass & Wick)
This delicious Spiced Pumpkin candle boasts an uplifting blend of nutmeg, orange peel, and lemon zest, with additional notes of caramel, tonka, and vanilla (among others) layering up the scent. It’s the definition of comforting and manages to be sweetly seasonal without veering towards sickly. Delivered in a luxurious full-color box, Glass & Wick’s Spiced Pumpkin candle is crafted by hand in Nottingham, England. The minimalist white jar is gorgeous too and would make for a stylish addition to any fireplace, desk, or countertop. For an extra £3, you can opt to add a gold lid to your order as well, perfect for keeping dust away from your candle. This is also a candle with a conscience. Two trees are planted with every Glass & Wick order, meaning you’re bringing a gorgeous fall scent into your home and helping the environment, too.
(Image credit: Yankee Candle)
Yankee Candle’s iconic Spiced Pumpkin candle might no longer be available to buy directly in the UK, but the candle giant’s Tonka Bean & Pumpkin scent is here instead. Available to buy in small, medium, or large, the candle boasts an impressive blend of toasted marshmallow, spiced citrus, nutmeg, and pumpkin, with additional notes of amber, firewood, and tonka bean, among others. There’s almost a popcorn-ish overtone in there, too, making it a great pick for movie nights on the sofa. And the fragrance definitely lingers in the room, lasting long after the flame has been blown out. Also of note is the candle’s presentation. Poured into a neat glass jar, it’s topped with a shimmering bronze lid that can double up as a lovely piece of decor.
(Image credit: Select Aroma)
Handmade and hand-poured, Select Aroma’s Pumpkin Spice Soy Wax Candle will bring some bespoke artisan charm into any home. Each candle is delivered in a neat hessian bag, with instructions enclosed that cover everything from that all-important first burn to wick maintenance. Take your pick from two jar types (clear or white), as well as from two sizes, with a mini version of the candle also available to order for £10. It goes without saying that the candle smells divine. As well as the obvious pumpkin notes, it also features a lovely blend of seasonal spices, including nutmeg, ginger, and clove. This pumpkin spice candle also boasts some impressive eco-credentials. As well as being made from vegan soy wax, it has an eco-friendly wick, is free from lead, plastic, and parabens, and features neither paraffin nor mineral wax. Oh, and it’s made from vegan and cruelty-free essential oils, and its paper labels are both recyclable and biodegradable.
(Image credit: Ajouter HQ at NotOnTheHighStreet)
For a Halloween-y twist on the pumpkin spice scented candles trend, these cool pumpkin spice candles from Ajouter HQ are a great pick. There are actually two scents available to choose from—and whilst the mysterious-sounding Black Flame (featuring pumpkin, bourbon, and coconut, among others) is a tempting option, it’s the Pumpkin Spice candle we’re interested in. The Pumpkin Spice option features many of the usual scents you’d except—pumpkin, cinnamon, and clove—but with some unexpected additional fragrances thrown into the mix, too. You should be able to detect subtle hints of raspberry, blackberry, and cherry apple too, resulting in a refreshingly fruity finish. And the jars are a big selling point too for those who prefer quirky design. Available in three trendy shades (stone, orange, and purple), they also have fun ‘Free Spirit’ slogans emblazoned on them.
(Image credit: Nomad Society)
If you’re looking for pumpkin spice scented candles that will bring some serious style into your home, the effortlessly cool aesthetic of the Nomad Society’s Forever Sunday candle will easily manage it. From the typography on the label to the apothecary-inspired jar, it’s an incredibly chic package. And when it comes to the scent, this is a pumpkin spice candle inspired by all things lazy Sundays—with a focus on pumpkin and cinnamon that creates a super-cozy feel. The candle is also available in a larger size too—a 500ml option can be ordered for £35.
(Image credit: Silver Mushroom)
Silver Mushroom’s Pumpkin Spice Soy Candle is packed full of goodness. Crafted from kosher non-GMO vegan soy wax, it’s gluten-free, non-toxic, void of phthalates, and also cruelty-free, too. And it looks great, too—the candle is contained within a rustic-looking jar that’s both country-chic and timelessly elegant. When it comes to the scent, it has strong pumpkin spice notes, as well as wafts of cloves, buttercream, cinnamon, smoke embers, and vanilla. It weighs 340g, which makes its 60-plus-hours burn time even more impressive—and is actually so coveted that it’s temporarily out of stock. We’d suggest getting on that waiting list ASAP.
(Image credit: TK Maxx)
The first thing to say about this candle is how gorgeous and stylish the lid is—while a candle’s lid is usually something to be thrown aside at worst, or occasionally reapplied at best, this engraved wooden number is something that you’ll probably want to keep even after the candle has had its final flicker. Impressive lid aside, this candle is the perfect budget-friendly pick for someone who’s looking to try our pumpkin spice scented candles without breaking the bank in the process. It’s worth noting that it’s absolutely huge too, clocking in at an impressive 607g, so it offers great value for money. Presented in an orange-hued glass jar, the candle offers a subtle scent that manages to be sweet without veering too close to saccharine. A ‘harvest pumpkin’ scent has been blended with buttercream and aromatic allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg—leaving it smelling a little like a wholesome spicy porridge. Warming and delicious.
(Image credit: Kindred Fires)
This pick from Kindred Fires comes in a gorgeously illustrated jar which is one of the major selling points of this candle—and great for those who want their candles to be decor items as well as delicious points of scent. This sweet fragranced candle is actually available in a dozen different flavors, with Candied Pumpkin making the perfect pick for pumpkin spice fanatics. Made by hand in Manchester, free deliveries are available for all UK orders—and if you’re looking for a seasonal gift, the candle’s label can be personalized with the message of your choice. As such, the jar can make for a long-lasting memento, long after the wax has burnt out.
(Image credit: Wolf & Badger)
Calling all caffeine fans—That Charming Shop’s mouthwatering pumpkin spice candle will bring the coffee shop straight to your home with a scent that combines pumpkin with coffee, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Presented in a sophisticated white box and poured into a lid-topped glass jar, this is the perfect pumpkin spice candle option for someone looking to bring a little bit of minimalist elegance into their home alongside a very classic pumpkin spice scented candle.
(Image credit: Marks & Spencer)
Children and adults alike will love this fun color-change candle from UK high street giant Marks & Spencer. It’s as ideal for decorating your home for Halloween as it is for adding to your home as part of party decor, and it’s a great budget-friendly option too. Aside from boasting a pleasingly subtle pumpkin spice scent (it’s not the strongest on our list, admittedly), the jar features a striking ‘Boo!’ engraving that comes to life after dark—a feature little ones will love. And once the candle has been lit, watch the jar flick through a whole rainbow of spooky colors. When it’s not in use, the outer decor of the candle reverts back to a subtle black. Clever!
(Image credit: Anthropologie)
This candle is actually available in three different scents, but the one that’s caught our attention this autumn is, of course, the Pumpkin & Sweet Vanilla option. Every bit as lovely as it sounds, it has a sugary-sweet fragrance that will fill your home, but without overwhelming it. However, it’s worth noting that this is probably not the right option for people who prefer a more musky, masculine candle. And we can’t talk about this candle without drawing your attention to that stunning jar. Ideal for bringing some elegance to any room in your home, it would make for the perfect finishing touch to a mantelpiece, dining table, or kitchen counter.
(Image credit: The White Company)
If you’re looking to find a seasonal scent that isn’t too overtly ‘pumpkiny’ this fall, look no further than The White Company’s Fireside candle, which is akin to a firework display in a jar. The limited-edition scent is a touch darker than your traditional pumpkin spice option, with birch and amber entwining with smoked wood for a more subtle, sultry aroma. Perfect for multiple seasons (namely fall and winter), it’s a great option for those wanting a candle that will work in their home post-Halloween and post-Christmas, too. Packaged in an effortlessly chic black-and-white box, it would make a great gifting option for a seasonal birthday, or as a Christmas gift.
(Image credit: Imperial Candles)
Meet the pumpkin spice candle that contains hidden treasure—no, really. Imperial Candles are renowned for including a sparkling piece of jewelry in each and every one of their candles. Simply begin burning your candle to find a randomly allocated piece within—a ring, necklace, or pair of earrings—with an RRP range that could sit anywhere between £10 and £2,000! But fun gift aside, this is also a great pumpkin spice scented candle all on its own—with a heady blend of pumpkin, lemon, maple sugar, vanilla, and spices. It’s certainly more on the sweet side though, which is something to bear in mind if you prefer musky scents.
And, if you’re looking for more fun ways to illuminate your home this fall, why not take a look at our guides to the best Diptyque candles? We’ve also got a simple nine-step guide if you want to learn how to make candles at home for yourself, too.
With thanks to The Fragrance Foundation‘s Jessie Rosenberg and Lizzie Ostrom, author of Perfume: A Century Of Scents for their expert insight for this piece.