Which Scent Diffusion Method Should You be Using?
Home fragrances add that extra-luxurious finish to a well-designed space. Here are the tips and 'tools' to make them work in your home
“The best scents do more than make the world a more fragrant place — they tell a story,” luxury journalist Lucia Van der Post was fond of saying. Scent, as the most evocative of senses, can instantly transport you back to a favourite memory, or create an atmosphere more effectively than visual elements can.
With the myriad of options out there for diffusing scent throughout the home, it can be hard to pick the best method for your lifestyle. We weigh the pros and cons of each one for you.
With the myriad of options out there for diffusing scent throughout the home, it can be hard to pick the best method for your lifestyle. We weigh the pros and cons of each one for you.
Best place for this is … the bathroom. Even if you don’t have a bathtub, a scented candle makes for a great spa atmosphere that’ll leave you feeling thoroughly relaxed after a long day. The bedroom is another great option, though do be sure to keep the candle away from the sheets and curtains.
2. Reed Diffusers
Low-maintenance and cost-effective, reed diffusers are the method of choice for people who want a subtly-scented room without the hassle of lighting and extinguishing candles.
To make this work, you’ll need about five to seven reeds, which are usually made of bamboo, rattan, or toko grass. Ensure they’re evenly spaced out in one container, to maximise the area of diffusion for the scent. Left alone, the scent will last for about two to three months, after which you can flip the sticks upside down to get the most out of both ends.
Opt for these if … you prefer a subtler, more constantly-diffused scent. This is also very safe for pets and children, as long as the bottles are not left on a surface where they can easily spill on the floor.
Best method for diffusing … clean, fresh scents, like bamboo, lemon or peppermint.
Consider carefully if … you prefer stronger scents. The strength of the reed diffuser’s scent may decrease over time, so if you prefer a stronger aroma, opt for scented candles or essential oil burners.
Low-maintenance and cost-effective, reed diffusers are the method of choice for people who want a subtly-scented room without the hassle of lighting and extinguishing candles.
To make this work, you’ll need about five to seven reeds, which are usually made of bamboo, rattan, or toko grass. Ensure they’re evenly spaced out in one container, to maximise the area of diffusion for the scent. Left alone, the scent will last for about two to three months, after which you can flip the sticks upside down to get the most out of both ends.
Opt for these if … you prefer a subtler, more constantly-diffused scent. This is also very safe for pets and children, as long as the bottles are not left on a surface where they can easily spill on the floor.
Best method for diffusing … clean, fresh scents, like bamboo, lemon or peppermint.
Consider carefully if … you prefer stronger scents. The strength of the reed diffuser’s scent may decrease over time, so if you prefer a stronger aroma, opt for scented candles or essential oil burners.
Best place for this is … anywhere, really! They’re safe enough to use in the bathroom, study, or even in the hallway for a lovely welcoming scent when you enter your home.
Reed diffusers don’t just come in the form of reeds, either – they can take the shape of flowers or butterflies, which add a pretty touch to the room.
3. Room Sprays
These days, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to room sprays – no longer are our options confined to Febreze when we want a quick spritz to freshen up the room.
The room spray can be used on practically anything, but here’s a tip: use it on your curtains, so that when a breeze blows into the room, it carries a sweet scent with it.
Opt for these if … you’re in a pinch and need your home to smell good as quickly as possible, like when you have unexpected visitors dropping in.
Best method for diffusing … light, cheery scents, like citrus, dewberry, or cherry blossom.
Consider carefully if … you prefer a less high-maintenance method. While quick and convenient, room sprays tend to fade easily, which means more work on your end to keep your home smelling fresh. Alternatively, you can get a reed diffuser in the same scent, so the room spray can be used when you want to layer the scent for longer-lasting power.
These days, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to room sprays – no longer are our options confined to Febreze when we want a quick spritz to freshen up the room.
The room spray can be used on practically anything, but here’s a tip: use it on your curtains, so that when a breeze blows into the room, it carries a sweet scent with it.
Opt for these if … you’re in a pinch and need your home to smell good as quickly as possible, like when you have unexpected visitors dropping in.
Best method for diffusing … light, cheery scents, like citrus, dewberry, or cherry blossom.
Consider carefully if … you prefer a less high-maintenance method. While quick and convenient, room sprays tend to fade easily, which means more work on your end to keep your home smelling fresh. Alternatively, you can get a reed diffuser in the same scent, so the room spray can be used when you want to layer the scent for longer-lasting power.
Best place for this is … anywhere, though we’re assuming the living room is where you’ll be entertaining your visitors.
Opt for a room spray made with natural ingredients if you have pets or children, or alcohol-free at the very least. While alcohol allows scent to be released easily, it also causes it to evaporate faster, and the fragrance doesn’t last as long.
A great way to make your own room spray is to mix an essential oil blend of your choice with mineral water in a glass bottle with a nozzle. Shake well before spraying.
Opt for a room spray made with natural ingredients if you have pets or children, or alcohol-free at the very least. While alcohol allows scent to be released easily, it also causes it to evaporate faster, and the fragrance doesn’t last as long.
A great way to make your own room spray is to mix an essential oil blend of your choice with mineral water in a glass bottle with a nozzle. Shake well before spraying.
4. Humidifier / Air Purifier
Although they’re more expensive, these multi-tasking gadgets not only make your home smell good, but let you breathe better, too.
Humidifiers are great for people who live in drier climates, or who have the air-conditioning on at night. Pour in a few drops of essential oil, switch on the humidifier, and let the scented water vapour ease your breathing. If you’re worried about electricity consumption, most humidifiers have settings that allow you to preset the frequency of vapour release.
Alternatively, if you live in a hot and humid climate, a desktop air purifier works just as well. As the air passes through the machine, the essential oil is also released into the room.
Opt for these if … you prefer a multi-functioning gadget that helps you breathe better.
Best method for diffusing … relaxing scents like lavender, if you’re using this at night. Clean, sharp scents like peppermint work well, too.
Consider carefully if … you prefer a more cost-effective method. The scent also gradually decreases over time, so if you want a longer-lasting scent, you may want to opt for a reed diffuser.
Although they’re more expensive, these multi-tasking gadgets not only make your home smell good, but let you breathe better, too.
Humidifiers are great for people who live in drier climates, or who have the air-conditioning on at night. Pour in a few drops of essential oil, switch on the humidifier, and let the scented water vapour ease your breathing. If you’re worried about electricity consumption, most humidifiers have settings that allow you to preset the frequency of vapour release.
Alternatively, if you live in a hot and humid climate, a desktop air purifier works just as well. As the air passes through the machine, the essential oil is also released into the room.
Opt for these if … you prefer a multi-functioning gadget that helps you breathe better.
Best method for diffusing … relaxing scents like lavender, if you’re using this at night. Clean, sharp scents like peppermint work well, too.
Consider carefully if … you prefer a more cost-effective method. The scent also gradually decreases over time, so if you want a longer-lasting scent, you may want to opt for a reed diffuser.
Best place for this is … in the bedroom, if you have difficulty sleeping in dry conditions, or in the study, where proper breathing is needed for the best focus. Place it on a higher surface for better circulation, as vapour is dense and tends to sink.
TELL US
Do you have any alternative diffusion methods that work for you? Share with us in the Comments!
TELL US
Do you have any alternative diffusion methods that work for you? Share with us in the Comments!
The reigning monarch of the scent kingdom, candles are one of the most traditional methods to diffuse scents throughout the home. Their flickering light lends a warm, cosy touch to any room – what better atmosphere for an evening’s winding down?
Choose double or even triple-wicked candles for extra scent ‘throw’ – the strength of fragrance diffusion. Also, check the type of wax used: soy wax is best for releasing scent quickly and easily.
Opt for these if … you love the romantic atmosphere of candles, and if you have a favourite go-to scent you wouldn’t mind having in your home all the time.
Best method for diffusing … warm, homely scents, like vanilla, chocolate or cinnamon.
Consider carefully if … you have children or pets, who might knock these over. Also, if you’re someone who likes switching up scents every now and then, you may want to opt for an alternative diffusion method, such as essential oil burners.