Whether you want to set a romantic mood for date night or create a soothing atmosphere for a self-care night, it is important to pick the right scents or risk ruining the mood.
From fragrance layering to setting the tone with the best candles, there is little more romantic than a tantalizing fragrance perfectly picked with passion in mind.
According to scent specialists, these are some of the most romantic scents for a home to help set the mood.
The most romantic scents for a home
Pairing these romantic scents with the most romantic spring flowers to give on Valentine's Day is a sure way to win over anyone's heart.
That being said, it is good to ‘remember that fragrance is personal,’ says Karina Alarhadi, CEO and scent expert at Aroma Passions. ‘With your partner’s preferences in mind, build something that addresses the uniqueness of your love story.’
With that in mind, these are the notes to start with when setting the mood.
1. Awaken the senses with citrus
Citrus scents are often touted as some of the best home fragrances for awakening the senses. For this reason, Ope Dina, founder of Kathari Co, a clean fragrance company, recommends using a fresh scent to create ‘an uplifting and invigorating atmosphere.’
She suggests a scent with a heart note of citrus, sensual cardamom, and mature vetiver, ideal for a romantic night in.
2. Build a beautiful bouquet
There is nothing more romantic than a bouquet of flowers, but if you don't have time to wait for plants to infuse subtle scents into your home, then you can build up the fragrance with essential oils, says Samantha Lewis, senior global product manager for essential oils at doTERRA:
‘For a romantic ambiance at home, consider rose oil, embodying the essence of passionate love with its sweet, robust floral fragrance. Alternatively, geranium oil offers a similar floral bouquet at a more affordable price, with a relaxing scent, ideal for setting an intimate atmosphere.’
The best essential oil diffusers make the most of naturally derived essential oils while minimizing the chance of setting off fragrance sensitives.
3. Add some heat with warm undertones
When making a home smell nice for Valentine’s Day, you can’t go wrong with warm, comforting scents that entice you to cuddle up and get close. The easiest way to do this? Vanilla, says Karina Alarhadi, scent expert:
‘Super homey and comforting, vanilla is also alluring and seductive. Scented candles with a vanilla aroma are ideal for creating a cozy atmosphere. Alternatively, try patchouli – its earthy and mystic scent adds depth to any room.’
For a slightly fresher warm tone, Nate Masterson, aromatherapy expert at Maple Holistics, recommends Sandalwood. ‘Sandalwood’s warm, woody, and slightly sweet scent can heighten the romantic atmosphere in a room. It may even help to improve attraction due to its slightly musky scent.’
4. Relax with Ylang Ylang
Ultimately, you want to feel relaxed, so try picking something like Ylang Ylang (also a great way to make a bedroom smell good for sleep), says doTERRA Product Manager, Samantha Lewis:
‘Ylang Ylang essential oil provides a sweet and calming aroma. Used for centuries in wedding ceremonies, it is perfect for deepening your connection with your partner,’ she explains.
5. Pay homage to romance with rosemary
Rosemary may not be your first thought when thinking up romantic fragrances, but this aromatic herb has a long romantic history, reveals Jennifer Pressimone, aromatherapy expert and founder of JennScents:
‘Rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, is symbolic of love and remembrance. It was commonly used during the Middle Ages at wedding ceremonies as a “love charm” and at funerals as a sign of remembrance. Thus, it is helpful on Valentine's Day for those honoring a lost love.’
Essential oil is a great way to infuse your room with this fresh scent.
FAQs
How to scent a space for romance
How you scent your space can have a big impact on the overall mood. Spraying a can of air freshener is not as romantic as lighting several cozy candles, for example.
Hope Freeman, director of fragrance development at Pura suggests that for an all-encompassing scent-scape, you should opt for diffusing romantic scents. ‘Diffusion is a great way to set a mood in your house, as it can run consistently without any thought and provide a full fragrance atmosphere,’ she explains.
How to create a romantic ambiance at home
The best way to create a romantic ambiance at home is to set the tone with scent and lighting. Lowering the lighting and using natural sources of light, such as candles or a fireplace, is a great way to make the space cozy and relaxing.
Be sure that your home is also clean and tidy too. There is nothing romantic about a pile of clutter and unwashed dishes.
What is the most romantic scent?
Rose is often argued to be the most romantic scent due to the flower's connotations with romance and love. However, the most romantic scent can be subjective. When setting the mood for you or your partner, consider their favorite scents – working to their preferences shows that you care and are attentive. This can often be far more romantic than sticking to a cliche.
These romantic scents don’t have to be reserved for date night. They are perfect for making your home smell good all the time and help you relax, too.
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