As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, candle season officially begins. But cozy looks a little different this year. It’s not just about pumpkin spice anymore (though we’ll never say no to that first warm slice of pie). The new cozy is warmer, more intentional, and rooted in fragrance as ritual.
Here’s a guide to the candle trends shaping fall — what they mean, how to use them, and the Siblings scents that bring them to life.
🍂 Cozy Spices, Evolved
Why it’s trending: Spiced candles have always been fall staples, but this season they’re evolving beyond pumpkin. Think spiced apple chai, amber with sandalwood, or patchouli softened by clove and cardamom. These blends lean into comfort and nostalgia but with a complexity that feels elevated.
How to use it: Spiced or gourmand scents shine in smaller rooms like kitchens or bedrooms, where they create a cozy hug of fragrance. They’re ideal for family dinners, weekend baking, or evenings in.
The Siblings way: We take cozy spice a step further — adding golden notes of cardamom, warm vanilla, or earthy patchouli for depth. Comfort, yes. But never cliché.
🌲 Grounded in Woods
Why it’s trending: Rich, woodsy candles (teakwood, vetiver, cedar, hinoki) are having a moment. They’re tied to the rise of wellness rituals like “forest bathing” and a craving for scents that feel grounding, confident, and restorative.
How to use it: Woodsy candles are perfect for living rooms or entryways, where their expansive, earthy aroma sets the tone. Light one at night to signal downtime or during gatherings to bring a sense of calm.
The Siblings way: Our Hinoki Bastu and Skogen Set blends are inspired by Swedish forests — expansive yet intimate. They’re quiet luxury in candle form.
🔥 The Crackle Factor
Why it’s trending: Wood wick candles are everywhere for good reason. The subtle crackle adds sound to the experience, turning candlelight into a multi-sensory ritual. It’s the closest thing to a fireplace if you don’t have one.
How to use it: Wood wicks burn slower and often create a stronger fragrance throw. Keep them trimmed to ¼" before every burn for the cleanest crackle.
The Siblings way: We love wood wicks for the ambiance, but whether wood or cotton, it’s the ritual that matters: light, trim, repeat.
🌿 Bright & Herbal
Why it’s trending: Alongside warmth, there’s also a craving for clarity and freshness. Scents like lemongrass, citrus, eucalyptus, and rosemary bring brightness, while patchouli or pistachio soften the edges. They mirror the wellness movement — candles as tools for focus, morning rituals, and post-work resets.
How to use it: Herbal candles are best for daytime moments — in the kitchen, on your desk, or as part of a journaling or yoga practice. They’re a breath of fresh air in candle form.
The Siblings way: We design herbal-forward blends to feel like opening a window — energizing, crisp, and light-filled.
♻️ Cleaner, Longer, Lighter
Why it’s trending: People are thinking differently about what they bring into their homes. Non-toxic candles made with soy and coconut wax, phthalate-free fragrance, and refillable vessels are no longer niche — they’re the new baseline. This shift is about eco-luxury: products that feel good, smell incredible, and respect the planet.
How to use it: Look for candles that clearly state their ingredients and opt for vessels you can keep and refill. It’s lighter on your home and on the earth.
The Siblings way: This is our foundation. Every candle is clean-burning, refillable, and packaged in compostable bags. Cozy, without compromise.
✨ Rituals Over Décor
Why it’s trending: Candles aren’t just about looks anymore. They’ve become tools for wellness and ritual. People are reaching for meditation candles, stress-relief blends, and scents to mark the shift from day to evening. Lighting a candle isn’t just aesthetic — it’s intentional.
How to use it: Create “fragrance rituals” that match your day: herbal citrus for mornings, woods in the evening, spice for gatherings. Pair your candle with other rituals like tea, journaling, or meditation.
The Siblings way: For us, candles are never just décor. They’re small rituals that bring presence into everyday life.
How to Pick Your Fall Candle
For comfort & nostalgia → choose a spiced gourmand (apple, vanilla, cardamom).
For grounding & calm → go woodsy (cedar, vetiver, hinoki).
For clarity & energy →pick citrus or herbal (lemongrass, eucalyptus).
For all of the above, without the waste → start with a refillable Siblings candle.
The Takeaway
The new cozy is layered, intentional, and values-driven. It’s a little more ritual, a little less routine. Whether it’s spice, wood, herbal brightness, or the ease of a refillable vessel, candles this season are about more than fragrance — they’re about how you want to live.
And when the light fades earlier, those little rituals matter more than ever.
