The smell of pumpkin spice is in the air! I've been experimenting with a new warming diffuser, trying out different fall essential oil blends. I love how the spicy scents of ginger, clove and cinnamon make the house feel warm and cozy while the woodsy notes of fir and juniper remind me of a walk through the leaves. We've put together a list of our favorite blends so get your diffuser ready!
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Our Favorite Fall Essential Oils
Be warned, spice oils like clove and cinnamon oils are strong! They will easily overpower other scents and can even irritate the mucous membranes. Citrus scents go well with the spicier ones, so I like to start with a base of orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, or bergamot and then add a drop or two of a spicier oil like cinnamon, clove, myrrh, or nutmeg.
Use these four categories to mix and match oils to make homemade air fresheners that will make your home smell like fall.
Spicy
- Cinnamon bark + leaf: Cinnamon essential oil has a warm, spicy scent that is reminiscent of baked goods and fall spices. It can create a cozy atmosphere and is often associated with the holidays.
- Clove: Clove essential oil has a rich, spicy aroma that pairs well with other fall scents like cinnamon and orange. It can also have a comforting and grounding effect.
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg essential oil has a sweet and spicy fragrance that is perfect for fall. It can promote relaxation and is often used in blends for a cozy atmosphere.
- Other spicy oils: Anise seed, Black pepper, Cardamom, Cassia, Sage
Earthy
- Frankincense: Frankincense essential oil has a deep, resinous scent that can help create a sense of tranquility and spiritual connection. It's great for grounding and relaxation during the fall season.
- Ginger: Ginger essential oil has a spicy and warming scent that is perfect for fall. It can help with feelings of warmth and comfort.
- Vetiver: Vetiver essential oil has a deep, earthy aroma that can promote relaxation and grounding. It's often used in blends to create a sense of stability.
- Patchouli: Patchouli essential oil has a rich, earthy scent that can be both grounding and comforting. It's often used in fall blends for its warm and inviting properties.
- Other earthy oils: Fennel seed, Myrrh
Citrusy
- Orange: Orange essential oil has a sweet and uplifting scent that can add a touch of brightness to fall blends. It's often used in combination with spices for a warm and inviting aroma.
- Bergamot: Bergamot essential oil has a citrusy and slightly floral aroma that can add a touch of brightness to fall blends. It can also have mood-lifting properties.
- Other citrusy oils: Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime peel, Palmarosa, Petitgrain, Tangerine
Woodsy
- Cedarwood: Cedarwood essential oil has a woody, earthy aroma that is reminiscent of forests and autumn foliage. It can provide a grounding and calming effect.
- Juniper Berry: Juniper berry essential oil has a fresh and invigorating aroma that can help create a refreshing atmosphere, which can be especially nice as the days get shorter and the air gets cooler in the fall.
- Rosemary: Rosemary essential oil has a herbaceous and slightly woody scent. It's an excellent choice for fall because it can promote mental clarity and focus, which can be helpful as you adjust to the changing routines of the season.
- Pine: Pine essential oil has a crisp, piney scent that is reminiscent of a forest. It can create a calming and grounding atmosphere, making it ideal for fall when you may seek a sense of stability and tranquility.
- Other woodsy oils: Cypress, Fir needle, Black spruce
25 Fall Essential Oil Blends For The Diffuser
Check the instructions of your diffuser before blending. You might need more or less essential oil based on its size. And if you don't have all of the oils listed, don't fret.
Try substituting something in the same family (grapefruit for orange, for example) or just pick another scent that you like. And to make sure you're using essential oils safely, I like these guidelines from AromaWeb.
And if you don't have a diffuser there are plenty of ways (19 in fact!) to make your own diffuser. We also love these pot simmer, room spray, and potpourri recipes to bring the scents of fall indoors!
🍊 Citrus + Spice Fall Diffuser Blends
1. Autumn Spice Cake
Ginger, clove, nutmeg, and vanilla combine to mimic the fragrance of a freshly baked spice cake, filling your space with the delightful aroma of fall baking and dessert.
2. Wellness Blend
I have a blend called On Guard from DoTerra that contains these essential oils. It's a perfect immunity booster and air purifier when everyone starts coughing and sneezing.
- 2 drops Orange
- 2 drops Clove
- 2 drops Cinnamon
- 2 drops Eucalyptus
- 2 drops Rosemary
3. Warm + Spicy Fall Diffuser Blend
The warm, spicy aroma of this blend makes me think of being wrapped up in a cozy blanket, enjoying a warm cup of tea on a crisp fall day!
- 3 drops Orange
- 3 drops Patchouli
- 2 drops Cinnamon
- 2 drops Black Pepper
4. Autumn Spice Blend
Cinnamon and clove combine in this blend to create a warm and spicy base, while nutmeg adds a touch of sweetness and orange provides a fresh, citrusy top note.
5. Welcome Home Blend
This blend completely reminds me of fall. It's the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and earthy and has such a welcoming aroma.
- 3 drops Bergamot
- 3 drops Fennel
- 2 drops Clove
- 2 drops Frankincense
6. Harvest Harmony
Frankincense provides a serene backdrop for the earthy and grounding qualities of cedarwood, while bergamot adds a hint of brightness. Patchouli's subtle richness ties everything together.
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Bergamot
- 1 drop Patchouli
🌰 Earthy + Woodsy Fall Diffuser Blends
7. Falling Leaves Tranquility
Patchouli's earthiness mingles with the calming influence of frankincense, while lavender adds a serene touch. Vetiver's grounding properties complete the blend.
- 3 dropsPatchouli
- 2 dropsFrankincense
- 2 drops Lavender
- 1 drop Vetiver
8. Autumn Air
This one is simple and uplifting. Citrus always energizes me and boosts my mood.
9. Fall Wreath
If I ever get around to making a fall wreath I want it to smell like this. Peppermint and eucalyptus are my essential oil go-to's.
- 3 drops Peppermint
- 3 drops Pine or Fir
- 1 drop Eucalyptus
- 1 drop Tea Tree
- 2 drops Rosemary
10. Stroll thru the Orchard
Ready for a walk in the woods? I'm new to the slightly more exotic scents of frankincense and bergamot, but they go well with the coniferous oils.
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 3 drops Fir
- 2 drops Juniper Berry
- 2 drops Bergamot
11. Fresh Cut Wood
I just love the smell of fresh cut wood, don't you? It totally reminds me of fall! With a bit of lemon added, this blend is lovely and uplifting.
- 3 drops Lemon
- 3 drops Juniper Berry
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Patchouli
12. Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall
The fennel and pine really add some depth here. This blend is a great way to incorporate those uplifting citrus oils into an aroma that feels less like summer and more like fall.
- 3 drops Fennel
- 3 drops Grapefruit
- 2 drops Scots Pine
- 2 drops Lemon
13. Autumn in the Mountains
This blend reminds me of fresh mountain air on a cool day. The aroma transports me to time spent in the mountains making memories with friends and family.
- 4 drops Lemon
- 3 dropsScots Pine
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 1 drops Rosemary
14. Cozy Cabin Retreat
The blend of pine, juniper berry, and cedarwood creates a rustic forest ambiance, reminiscent of a cozy cabin nestled in the woods. Eucalyptus adds a refreshing note, like the invigorating breeze that sweeps through the trees during an autumn hike.
- 3 dropsScots Pine
- 2 dropsJuniper Berry
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 1 drop Eucalyptus
15. Fall Forest Walk
Frankincense brings a sense of tranquility while cypress and cedarwood transport you to a serene forest setting. Vetiver's earthy depth grounds the blend, evoking the essence of a peaceful autumn forest walk, where the fallen leaves rustle underfoot.
- 3 dropsFrankincense
- 2 drops Cypress
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 1 dropVetiver
🍲 Warm + Cozy Fall Diffuser Blends
16. Fuzzy Sweater Weather
Lavender's calming influence combines with the uplifting qualities of bergamot, and ylang-ylang adds a touch of floral sweetness. Cedarwood's woody undertones wrap you in a metaphorical cozy sweater!
- 3 dropsLavender
- 2 dropsBergamot
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang
- 1 drop Cedarwood
17. Fireside Comfort
Cedarwood and frankincense create a woody, smoky base, while the hints of clove and vanilla add a comforting warmth, reminiscent of sitting by a crackling fireside on a crisp autumn evening.
- 3 drops Cedarwood
- 2 dropsFrankincense
- 2 dropsClove
- 1 dropVanilla
18. Cozy Nights
Vanilla's creamy sweetness is complemented by the soothing qualities of lavender and the uplifting aroma of sweet orange. Sandalwood conjures images of snuggling up on a warm and cozy fall night.
- 3 dropsVanilla
- 2 dropsLavender
- 2 dropsOrange
- 1 drop Sandalwood
19. Cozy Blanket Bliss
Sandalwood and cedarwood offer a woody and grounding aroma, while bergamot's citrusy brightness and a hint of vanilla envelop you in a sense of warmth and comfort, much like snuggling under a soft, cozy blanket.
- 3 drops Sandalwood
- 2 dropsBergamot
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 1 dropVanilla
20. Autumn Evening Snuggle
Lavender's soothing presence mingles with earthy patchouli, while orange and cinnamon provide a spicy sweetness, evoking the feeling of wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a cool fall night.
21. Rustic Retreat
Balsam fir, juniper berry, patchouli, and cedarwood combine to transport you to a rustic cabin nestled in the woods.
- 3 dropsFir
- 2 dropsJuniper Berry
- 2 dropsPatchouli
- 1 drop Cedarwood
☕ Coffee Shop Fall Blends
22. Spiced Apple Cider
Orange's zesty burst mingles with the comforting scents of cinnamon and clove. A hint of ginger adds a touch of zest and spice to evoke sipping spiced apple cider by a crackling fire on a chilly fall day.
23. Comforting Mocha
And my new favorite fall scent is coffee! Diffusing a 'peppermint latte' (coffee, peppermint, vanilla) makes me feel like I'm working from my local Starbucks. This spiced mocha is another fave:
- 3 drops Coffee
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Sweet Orange
Here are few other scents to pair with coffee:
- Coffee and Vanilla
- Coffee, Ginger and Black Pepper
- Bergamot, Ginger, Coffee
- Coffee, Black Pepper,Clove,Cardamom
24. Spiced Chai Latte
Cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and clove come together to replicate the aromatic spices found in a spiced chai latte, filling the air with a comforting and invigorating scent, like sipping on a warm chai by the fireplace.
25. Cinnamon Spice Latte
The next best thing to my favorite latte! Vanilla is such a soothing scent and it pairs well with cinnamon and clove. Add a drop of nutmeg if you have it.
Can't get enough? You might also enjoy these cozy Christmas diffuser blends, perfect for the holiday season!
How to make your own fall essential oil blends for diffuser
It's really easy to make your own essential oil blends, if you know what you're doing. Whether starting from scratch or tweaking one of our recipes, here are some tips for crafting blends that you love.
- Start with one oil in mind. First, define the mood or effect you want from the blend, such as relaxation, energy, focus, etc. Next, choose an oil that embodies that energy. For example, you might choose lemon for energy or cinnamon for warmth. That oil will become the focal point for this particular blend. From there, experiment with complimentary oils that add to, but don't overpower, the main oil.
- Use a 30-50-20 blending ratio. A good starting point is using 20% base note (e.g., cedarwood), 50% middle note (e.g., rosemary), and 30% top note (e.g., lemon) for a well-rounded scent. This ratio helps create depth, allowing the fragrance to unfold over time.
- Blend in small batches. Always make small test batches first, using just a few drops of each oil. This allows you to adjust the scent before committing to larger quantities, avoiding waste if the blend isn’t perfect.
- Give it time to rest. After blending, let the mixture sit for 24-48 hours to allow the oils to meld and mature. The scent can evolve as the oils interact, so be patient before finalizing your blend.
- Know your oils’ strength. Some oils, like eucalyptus or peppermint, can be overpowering in blends, so use them sparingly (even if they're your "main" oil). Start with fewer drops and build up gradually to avoid overpowering the blend.
- Label and record your recipes. There's nothing more annoying the crafting the perfect blend, then forgetting how you made it. So always label your blends and keep a record of the oils and ratios used. This ensures you can recreate successful blends and tweak those that need adjustment.
FAQ
These 25 essential oil blends are perfect for candles, so go ahead and use them in your next DIY candle project (or potpourri, wax sachet, or even salt diffuser project, if you're feeling creative).
Some of the spicier essential oils, like cinnamon or clove, may irritate sensitive skin. So it's best to dilute the blend in a carrier oil and test it on the inside of the wrist before using any of these fall blends in homemade bath and body recipes or as perfume.
Cinnamon, clove, orange, nutmeg, cedarwood, cardamom and vanilla are some of the most common essential oils for fall.
No, essential oils are typically added directly to diffusers with water, so no additional dilution with carrier oils is necessary. However, if you’re making a blend for topical use, you should dilute with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba.
This is a rule of thumb that helps create essential oil blends that have complexity and longevity. It says that 30% of your blend should be top notes, which are light, fresh, and uplifting scents that are easily detected but that evaporate quickly. 50% should be middle notes that provide balance and depth, such as lavender, chamomile, or rosemary. And 20% should be base notes, like sandalwood, cedarwood, or patchouli, that give a blend its staying power.
Lavonda Clark says
I love your site however the Ads take away from it, blocking what I want to see and read, they are a huge distractions and an eyesore, they cover the content.
barb says
I just love your eo recipes... I also use them in my home made wax melts. Thank you for sharing.
Michelle says
Remember to be careful around dogs and cats! Clove and tea tree are toxic to them.
Amanda says
For the Cinnamon Spice recipe, is it 1 drop of vanilla or 5 drops?
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Thanks!
Anna says
I've been using this blend in my diffuser for a long time. It's very flexible to your needs. I always use five drops of vanilla, but sometimes I add an extra of cinnamon or orange depending on my mood. Another good one is equal parts orange and vanilla or equal parts lavender and vanilla.
Stephanie Hall says
How much water are these added to? I have a large diffuser that holds up to 500ml and 2 smalls that hold 100ml.
Stephen says
Jadebloom.com is a great source (they have vanilla oleoresin). They even have FREE - yes 100% free video courses to teach you about oils. And you earn credits you can use to purchase products as you go through the courses (at times you're asked to e-mail 5 friends - I bypassed it by only e-mailing myself and not annoying my friends. :) ). Plus, they have free standard shipping and a good rewards program. Not to mention the oils are sustainably produced, reasonably priced (unless rare) and of top notch quality.
Lisa Price says
I am interested in hiw to find vanilla essential oils so that I can buy a cinnamon as well and muxbyhem, I love my hone to smell like love thru the year. If anyone has any cool refreshing recipes pkease let me kniw and where I can buy them from
Lissa
Derrick Donley says
Plant Therapy sells vanilla CO2 extract and vanilla oleoresin.
Micki says
Hi there! Love your recipes :) Where do you buy your Vanilla essential oil from?
Cynthia says
There is no such thing as vanilla essential oil. Vanilla is an absolute produced through solvent extraction.
Lisa Price says
So tell me hiw do I find a vanilla oil to use
Peggy says
Young Living oils are the best. Lemon,sandal wood, patchouli, jasmine,vanilla. I sell the oils. The whole kit is 160.00 plus tax and shipping. Call me 3347989045 for info after 330pm.
Kay says
Peggy, Young Living oils are overpriced and they promote unsafe practices such as ingesting and applyling neat to skin. I prefer to send my money to Edens Gardens, essential oils that are just as good as YL.
Michelle Baker says
I agree with Kay re: Edens Garden. Have bought from them for years and love their oils
Carrie says
I am loving orange and cinnamon as well!