Is Zara Ebony Wood a dupe of Maison Margiela By the Fireplace?
By the Fireplace and Ebony Wood both aim for woody-sweet profiles, but diverge in execution and intensity. By the Fireplace goes full-on gourmand, emphasizing smoky vanilla and chestnut for a photorealistic fireside experience. Ebony Wood offers a drier, spicier take with dominant clove and a more restrained sweetness. The Zara is less overtly cozy, making it more versatile for year-round wear, while Margiela's creation is best suited for colder months and those seeking maximum comfort. If price is a factor, Ebony Wood is a great choice, but By the Fireplace delivers a richer, more immersive experience.
Where they differ
Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.
ScentArt
How it unfolds
Notes
- By the Fireplace
- Ebony Wood
- in both
Tap a note to light it in both. A+B means both have it
Which Should You Buy?
- You want a hyper-realistic smoky and sweet gourmand scent.
- You love the smell of a crackling fireplace.
- You want a stronger, longer-lasting fragrance.
- You prefer a sweeter, more gourmand fragrance profile.
- You want a budget-friendly alternative.
- You prefer a drier, spicier woody fragrance.
- You need a more versatile, year-round scent.
- You prefer a less intense fragrance.
A modern cult classic that captures the essence of crackling wood and toasted sweetness. Hugely comforting and atmospheric, By the Fireplace is an enveloping, smoky gourmand that balances nostalgia with sophistication.
A surprisingly nuanced woody-spicy scent at a budget price. Ebony Wood layers pink pepper and clove over dark woods for a versatile, unisex signature with niche-like charisma.
Scent Profile
How They Wear
Mood
Notes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Heart Notes
Pink Pepper
13%
vs
27%
Vanilla
23% share of the perfume
Chestnut
21% share of the perfume
Clove
13% share of the perfume
Peru Balsam
10% share of the perfume
Juniper
8% share of the perfume
Guaiac Wood
7% share of the perfume
Cashmeran
3% share of the perfume
Orange Blossom
1% share of the perfume
Chestnut
21% share of the perfume
Juniper
8% share of the perfume
Guaiac Wood
7% share of the perfume
Coffee
7% share of the perfume
Vanilla
23% share of the perfume
Peru Balsam
10% share of the perfume
Cashmeran
3% share of the perfume
Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.
Performance
Season and Occasion Fit
Seasons
With its smoky, sweet, and warm balsamic tones, By the Fireplace thrives in cold weather, wrapping the wearer in a cozy aura. The heavy, woody and gourmand aspects can feel cloying in heat but shine in fall and especially winter.
Occasions
Its moderate projection and comforting, inviting profile suit dates and casual outings, while the smoky sweetness works for formal events with personality. The scent is too enveloping and gourmand for sport or high-activity scenarios, and may be too distinctive for conservative offices.
Seasons
Ebony Wood's warm spicy-woody core and moderate sweetness make it ideal for crisp fall and winter days, while its clean edges and fresh pink pepper allow some wearability in spring. It can be too dense for high summer heat.
Occasions
Its moderate projection and sophisticated woody character suit casual and date settings best. Not too bold for the office if applied lightly, but lacks the formality for black tie and is too warm for sports.
Similarity Breakdown
Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.
Shares 1 of its 9 notes, including Pink Pepper
Adds cashmeran and chestnut, drops coffee and cypress
Where to buy
Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.
Prices before sales tax, which the shop adds at checkout.
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