Scented candles by season: how to choose the right fragrance for each season
The scent of your scented candle should match the season. Spring and summer call for the freshness of flowers and berries. Autumn and winter call for the warmth of the forest, vanilla, and earth. Changing your scent with the seasons is one of the easiest ways to follow nature’s rhythm from inside your home.
It’s no coincidence that we’re drawn to different scents depending on the season. The connection between our sense of smell and memory and emotion is well documented. A fresh summer scent in January feels out of place. A warm forest scent on a late August evening, on the other hand, feels like a natural extension of the changing season outdoors. Read more about what makes FOAM’s botanical scented candles unique in our complete guide to botanical scented candles.
Spring: freshness awakens
Spring is all about renewal. Light floral and fresh scents that open up your home after winter are just the thing. Flowery Meadow, with its soft, captivating floral scent, is the perfect spring fragrance. Citrus Sorbet is perfect for bright spring mornings when you want energy and freshness in your home.
Summer: vibrancy and sunshine
Summer scented candles can be vibrant and fruity. Summer Berries, with its crisp scent of sun-ripened berries, is made for late summer evenings. Flowery Meadow works just as well in summer for a lush, floral feel indoors.
Autumn: earthy and warm
As the light changes and the leaves turn color, we want scents that reflect the change of season. Deep Forest, with its deep, Nordic conifer forest character, is perfect for dark autumn evenings. Amber Rain brings a warm, grounding spa feel that’s perfect as the temperatures drop.
Winter and Christmas: warmth and coziness
Winter and Christmas are peak season for scented candles. This is the time for warmth and sweetness. French Vanilla, with its creamy, enveloping vanilla scent, is the Christmas candle of the year. Deep Forest brings to mind a walk in the winter forest and a classic Scandinavian Christmas feeling.
The Editor's Note: Changing your scented candle with the seasons doesn’t have to be complicated. Choose a candle with floral or fresh notes for spring and summer, and one with warm, grounding notes for autumn and winter. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference to the feel of your home.
Scented candles by season: quick guide
| Season | Recommended scent | Feeling |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Flowery Meadow, Citrus Sorbet | Fresh, floral, renewal |
| Summer | Summer Berries, Flowery Meadow | Vibrant, fruity, sunny |
| Autumn | Deep Forest, Amber Rain | Earthy, warm, calm |
| Winter/Christmas | French Vanilla, Deep Forest | Cozy, Scandinavian Christmas feeling |
Want to choose a scent by room instead? Read our guide to scented candles by room. Looking for a scented candle as a gift? Read our scented candle gift guide.