By the Fireplace Perfume: Why This Cozy Fragrance Deserves a Second Look

By the Fireplace perfume captures the smell of a crackling fire — comforting, nostalgic, and quietly powerful.

I’ll admit — when I first read the name By the Fireplace, I paused. I’m a bit old-fashioned when it comes to fragrance. I’ve always thought of scents as falling into two distinct camps: men’s and women’s. So when a unisex scent like this one comes along, I tend to hold back.

But I’m not just shopping for myself — I curate fragrances for you. And sometimes, one surprises me.

By the Fireplace by Maison Margiela has quietly earned a reputation as one of the most comforting, nostalgic scents on the market. And when I looked into its ingredients and read the stories shared by those who wear it, I understood why.

This isn’t just a perfume — it’s a memory in a bottle.

Top Notes: Pink Pepper, Orange Blossom, Clove Oil
It opens with a gentle warmth — that spicy spark you get from clove and pink pepper. There’s a little floral swirl from orange blossom, but it doesn’t feel too sweet. Think glow, not glitz.

Middle Notes: Chestnut Accord, Guaiac Wood, Juniper
Here’s where the magic happens. The roasted chestnut note is what gives this scent its soul. It’s toasty, cozy, almost edible — paired with dry wood tones and a whisper of juniper. The kind of scent that makes you want to wrap up in a soft sweater and slow down.

Base Notes: Vanilla, Peru Balsam, Cashmeran
As it settles, it softens into something smooth and serene. The vanilla is subtle — it brings comfort without veering into sugary territory. Peru balsam adds warmth, and Cashmeran gives it that cashmere-like finish that lingers on the skin.

Who This Is For
It may be labeled unisex, but I can easily see it appealing to women who love cozy, grounding scents — the kind that feels more like a place than a perfume. It’s perfect for cool weather, quiet moments, and anyone who finds joy in the stillness.

Why I Chose to Feature It Today
This fragrance didn’t draw as much attention in our last campaign, and that surprised me. It’s not flashy or trendy — but it’s deeply lovable once discovered. I think it just needed a proper introduction.

All of my Fragrancia characters are still searching for their own signature scent. We don’t yet know what they’ll each end up with. But if I had to guess, I think By the Fireplace might suit Luna. She’s quiet, thoughtful, and often underestimated — but there’s a strength in her stillness. This scent has that same gentle, enduring magic.

Final Thoughts
No, I probably wouldn’t have picked this one up for myself. But the more I learn about it, the more I understand its charm. If you’re looking for a fragrance that brings comfort, calm, and a sense of familiarity — something that feels like home — By the Fireplace might be just the thing.

Have you ever been surprised by a scent you didn’t think you’d like?

Tell me about it in the comments — or check this one out and see if it sparks something in you.

👉 Explore By the Fireplace perfume in the shop ➤