Scented candles can instantly make a space feel more inviting and help set the seasonal mood. As the seasons change throughout the year, consider switching up your candle scents to complement the current time of year. Here are some recommendations for seasonal scented candles to try in your home.
Spring
Spring is a time of renewal and fresh starts. After being cooped up all winter, people start opening their windows to let in the warmer breezes. Capture the spirit of spring with bright, uplifting scents like citrus, floral, and herbs.
Try cranberry pear, pink grapefruit, lemon, or other bright citrus scents to evoke the feeling of warmer days ahead. Floral scents like jasmine, rose, and lilac capture the blooming flowers of spring. Clean scents like lemon verbena, cucumber melon, and rain lend a sense of freshness. Basil, thyme, and other herbaceous scents are reminiscent of spring gardens.
Summer
The sunny days and balmy nights of summer inspire scents that are light, bright and energizing. You want to feel refreshed and rejuvenated when inhaling summer candle scents.
Citrus is always a solid choice for summer, especially lemon, orange, grapefruit and lime. Berries are another quintessential summer scent, so try candles with notes of strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and blackberry. Other fruity scents that conjure up summer include watermelon, peach, mango and pineapple.
For a beachy scent, look for candles with ocean breezes, coconut, palm leaf or driftwood notes. Herbal scents like basil, mint and rosemary can lend a feeling of summer gardens. Avoid heavy, spicy scents and instead go for light, uplifting fruity and floral smells.
Fall
The cooling days of fall call for warm, comforting scents that make your home feel cozy and inviting. Spices, baking scents, and earthy notes help capture the essence of the season.
Spices like cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger lend that perfect autumnal aroma. Vanilla, maple and pumpkin spice scents remind you of all the wonderful fall baking. Chai tea, coffee and hazelnut candles also impart a warm, cozy vibe.
Earthy scents like cedarwood, sandalwood and oakmoss are reminiscent of crisp fall air. Try scents with notes of chestnut, pecan, walnut or honey to evoke fall. Autumn leaves, birch, pine and spruce candles convey the smells of a forest ready for hibernation.
Winter
Frigid winter weather turns our attention inward to the comforts of home. Candle scents can help make the indoors more inviting and instill a sense of warmth and relaxation.
Warm spices like gingerbread, eggnog and peppermint are quintessential winter fragrances. Cedarwood, pine, fir and spruce capture the essence of festive wintertime greenery. Vanilla, caramel and hazelnut are soothing scents perfect for creating hygge moments.
If you need an extra cozy feel, go for smoky scents like firewood, tobacco or bonfire. Sandalwood, amber and patchouli lend a grounding yet uplifting aroma. Balsam, frankincense and myrrh impart a magical touch. Just avoid anything too light or floral, as you want weightier scents in the winter.
Seasonal Scent Recommendations
Here are some specific seasonal scented candle recommendations to try:
Spring
- Cucumber Melon – Fresh, crisp and clean
- Lilac Blossoms – Light floral scent
- Water Lily – A brighter floral scent
- Rosemary Mint – Herbaceous and refreshing
- Grapefruit Bergamot – Bright citrus blend
Summer
- Coconut Lime – Bright and beachy
- Watermelon – Sweet summer fruit
- Strawberry Rhubarb – Fruity and tart
- Pineapple Palm – Tropical fruit blend
- Peach Nectar – Juicy and sweet
Fall
- Pumpkin Apple – Classic autumnal blend
- Maple Pecan – Rich, warm smell
- Birchwood – Fresh, earthy forest scent
- Cardamom Coffee – Inviting blended aroma
- Spiced Cider – Tangy, festive spice
Winter
- Balsam Fir – Natural Christmas tree scent
- frosted Cranberry – Fruity and refreshing
- Sugar Cookie – Sweet, comforting
- Chestnut Truffle – Indulgent chocolate and nutty
- Winter Woods – Outdoorsy pine and cedar
Choosing the Right Vessel
Along with choosing a suitable seasonal scent, consider the candle vessel style. For spring and summer, opt for brighter colors and cuts glass to complement the lighter fragrances. Pastels, ocean blues and sea greens convey the colors of spring and summer.
For fall and winter’s more full-bodied scents, go for darker colors like amber, ruby red, smoke gray and metallic coppers. Or try candles in ceramic crocks or frosted glass for a cozy, hygge vibe. Select vessel materials like real wood, concrete or marble that feel substantial and grounding.
Decorating with Seasonal Candles
Incorporate your seasonal scented candles into your decor for maximum impact. Group candles together in complementary colors and scents to reinforce the seasonal ambiance.
Display spring candles on a pastel table runner or nestle them amongst fresh blooms in a vase. For summer, go for a beachy look with sea glass or shells surrounding ocean-inspired candles.
Pile fall candles on a silver tray next to pine cones, acorns and other finds from a nature walk. For winter, set red, green or gold candles around the holiday tree or on the mantel surrounded by pine boughs.
You can align other decor like pillows, blankets and accessories to match the seasonal candle theme. So let scent and visuals work together to create those perfect cozy seasonal vibes.
Light Up Your Season
Scented candles are an easy way to set the seasonal mood at home. Let fruity, floral and fresh fragrances whisk you away to spring and summer. Then transition to earthy, spicy smells that welcome fall and winter. Consider the candle’s color and style to complement the fragrances. Always burn safely by keeping wicks trimmed, avoiding drafts and not leaving candles unattended. Through the seasonal candle selections, you’ll find the perfect scents to light up each time of year.
