While I do love burning candles all year round, something about a flickering flame in the middle of summer − dinner parties aside − just doesn't feel quite right.

So, in spells of warm weather, it's richly-scented incense sticks I reach for instead. A low-maintenance, effortless way to fill my entire space with fragrance at an affordable price, this 2-in-1 Incense Holder, available at Amazon, adds a touch of elegance to any mantelpiece or nightstand, while collecting ash as it falls.

Combined with your favorite scents, it's the best home fragrance fix to see out the rest of summer.

Burning incense is one of my very favorite quick ways to make a home smell nice. Not only does it fill a space fast, but it's also a laidback method that's perfectly suited to long, breezy summer days and relaxed evenings.

While you can use a flat, plain incense holder (and even use a fresh orange), the 2-in-1 Incense Holder, available at Amazon, elevates the experience while combining style and function.

With an antique-look wooden base that's filled with charm, it features two glass cups: One for storing incense sticks − my favorite are the Satya Incense Sticks, available at Amazon − and one for catching ash as it falls from lit sticks held in the secure gold crocodile clip above.

The glass can then be conveniently emptied and cleaned, for a clean and controlled burning experience that won't leave your countertops burned, stained, or smudged with soot and ash.

As Kimberley puts it, alongside a five-star review, this incense holder and burner is where 'decor meets function.' 'Absolutely love this incense burner,' they say. 'It holds multiple sticks. The clip is sturdy and [I] love that the ashes fall right into the glass cup for easy clean up.

'The combo of wood, metal, and glass makes this fit into any decor. Great cost for a great designed product.'

Another review, from JJ, adds, 'It's adorable and really great at controlling ash dropping off. Really, the best incense holder idea ever! I have the incense handy, plus I can keep the lighter with it.

'The clip holds the incense perfectly over the container for the ash. Clean-up is as easy as de-clamp[ing] and dump[ing] the container. A quick rinse and it's good to go again.

'It fits our home well, and I'm very happy with how easy it is to use. My mood is always better with some incense either going or recently burned, so this has been a bit of a game changer for me.'

From lifting your space during the day to pairing perfectly with some afternoon meditation and evening scenting, the 2-in-1 Incense Holder, available at Amazon, makes the ritual as simple as possible.

More to Shop

From the lighter to the holder, burning incense is an indulgent yet simple way to scent your space and bring a moment of calm. Below, you can shop everything you need.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If you're interested in more ways to make a house smell nice without burning candles, try a summer simmer pot recipe, best reed diffusers, or fresh eucalyptus.

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Lighting a candle is a simple way to bring a moment of calm to your daily routine. But there's one step you shouldn't skip before reaching for the matches, home fragrance experts warn.

Trimming the wick is more than just a way to ensure a cleaner burn − it's also a crucial way to prevent large, unstable flames from flaring, prevent soot marks, and reduce fire risks.

Here's why it's so important to keep your best candles burning (and smelling) their best.

Why It's Important to Trim Candle Wicks Before Each Burn

Candle Expert Amy Keller has been hand-pouring beeswax candles at Apidae Candles since 2013. The most important advice she constantly gives? 'Don't forget to trim your wicks.' A candle wick trimmer from Amazon makes this easy, and allows for a cleaner, simpler cut than wrestling with scissors.

'Always keep the wick trimmed to half a centimeter,' she advises, to avoid any candle-burning mistakes. 'If the flame gets too high (over two and a half centimeters), the wick needs to be trimmed. Too high a flame is caused by a wick that is too long.

'If the wick becomes mushroom-shaped, the wick needs to be trimmed. This means the candle is using up wax faster than the flame can burn it. And, if the wick begins to smoke, it needs to be trimmed. Too long a wick causes unwanted smoke.'

How to Trim Your Candle Wicks

For trimming wicks, as detailed in our candle care guide, it's best to use a dedicated wick trimmer, also available in this set with snuffer and pick available at Amazon.

As Amy explains, while it's best to do so once your candle has cooled, you can trim your wick during a burn if any of these problems occur. This has the added benefit of making your candles last longer.

'Simply extinguish the flame, trim the wick, and relight the candle. The secret of a perfectly burning candle is proper care of the wick.'

However, as with everything, there is an exception to every rule. 'Don't trim the wick on taper candles,' warns Amy. 'If you trim the wick too short, the fragile side wall containing the wax pool will melt, causing the wax to drip down the side. If a mushroom top forms, you may trim that off, but keep the wick long.'

What to Shop

Whether you're looking to add to your best home fragrance collection or browse candle-care essentials, you can shop my handpicked selection below.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

You may be clued up on wick trimming now, but do you know how long you should burn a candle for? According to our experts, it's best to stick to no longer than three to four hours at a time. Remember to always let the wax melt all the way out to the edge of the vessel before blowing out on the first burn to avoid candle tunneling.

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Summer is my favorite time of year. Between slower mornings and sun that stretches late into the night, there's something about the sunshine that invites a more laid-back, relaxed pace of life.

With the warmer weather, I always switch my home fragrancing to match − throwing open my windows whenever I can, swapping springy florals for easy, breezy citrus and herbaceous scents, and filling my space with fresh blooms to add color, character, and light seasonal notes.

From the best home fragrance picks to bringing the outside in, these are the simple ways I recommend to make your home smell like summer.

'Summer has a scent and bottling that feeling holistically can support your mood, mindset, and mental health,' says Jennifer Pressimone, internationally recognized Clinical Aromatherapy Expert, and CEO at JennScents. 'Summer scenting not only makes your home smell nice, but it also helps you to slow down and breathe deeper. This helps your nervous system unwind, get refreshed, and rejuvenated, so you feel less overwhelmed and stressed.'

Here's exactly how:

1. Open Your Windows

Few things are as effective when it comes to freshening your space as opening your windows early in the morning or after sunset, which also has the added benefit of cooling your home in summer. It's a simple, quick step that allows the outside in, and, as Adriana Green Thompson, Fragrance Expert and Founder of ESTELÍ, a natural fragrance brand, explains, 'It’s one of the most effective scenting tools we have.

'It clears out stale indoor air and brings in the natural smell of the season: Grass, rain, flowers, warm earth, or salt air if you live near the coast. Even ten minutes of cross-breeze can reset the atmosphere of a home before you add any fragrance.'

Speaking of fragrance, this trick also pairs perfectly with your best reed diffusers − my favorite is Diptyque's Roses reed diffuser.

'A simple summer scent hack is to place a diffuser near an open window and let the breeze carry the scent throughout the home,' shares Jennifer. 'Fresh air activates the olfactory system, which is the part of your brain directly connected to emotions and memories.

'That's why a breeze instantly feels like summer and makes you feel relaxed. Not to mention it can cool off hot flashes. You also can sit a bowl of scented salts or scented pine cones in front of an open window, making the scent feel organic and natural.'

2. Use Linen Sprays on Fabrics

Once your windows are open, why not try making your own DIY linen spray?

'Linen sprays work well in summer because fragrance settles gently into bedding, curtains, and upholstery,' says Karen Arcilla, Founder of Set Forth NY. 'That softer layer of scent feels cleaner and more natural than trying to overwhelm the whole room.'

All you need to add a personalized scent to your upholstery is your favorite essential oil, baking soda, a spray bottle available at Walmart, Polysorbate 20 (for emulsification), and lavender essential oil.

Alternatively, the MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Fabric Freshener, available at Amazon, is made with essential oils and without bleach, cyclodextrin, dyes, parabens, and formaldehyde.

3. Make a Summer Simmer Pot

Summer simmer pot recipes naturally fill your home with scent, with virtually no effort required.

'Add citrus slices, fresh mint, rosemary, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil,' says Jennifer. This Essential Oil Blend Scent Discovery Set from NEOM includes six scents to try, from freshly cut lavender to fully-opened jasmine blossoms.

'Let this simmer as the fragrant water releases a sense of comfort, relaxation, peace, and warmth throughout the home.'

4. Create Scent Zones

'I’d also suggest creating scent zones instead of making the whole house smell the same,' adds Adriana. 'A clean herbal note works well in the kitchen, something soft and floral in the bedroom, and a brighter scent near the entryway.

'This feels much more natural, almost like moving through a garden, rather than walking into a home that has been sprayed all at once.'

Fragrance layering is also an easy way to create your home's own signature scent. Try burning your best candle in one room (the Malin+Goetz tomato candle is perfect for summer), and add a mist of homemade room spray in the next.

5. Fill Your Home With Fresh Flowers and Herbs

Nothing says summer like flower arranging and a vase filled to bursting with fresh blooms.

'Fresh flowers and herbs are another beautiful way to scent a home seasonally,' shares Adriana. 'Gardenia, jasmine, roses, lavender, basil, mint, rosemary, and eucalyptus all bring a living quality that is hard to recreate synthetically.'

And, while it might sound a little more unusual, don't forget about using aromatic herbs, too.

'Herbs are especially useful in the kitchen because they smell clean and green without competing with food,' she continues. 'A small vase of basil or mint can make a kitchen feel summery in a very understated way.'

I like this pretty Distressed Rose + Vine Terracotta Vase, available at Anthropologie, which is intentionally distressed with a subtly sheeny, iridescent finish.

6. Scent After Cleaning, Not Before

It can be easy to think fragrancing and cleaning go hand in hand − I often light a candle while cleaning the bathroom or dusting my open shelves using my Joseph Joseph CleanTech Cleaning Set, available at Amazon. But, warns Adriana, fragrance should enhance freshness, not cover odors.

'In summer, homes can hold onto humidity, cooking smells, laundry odors, and pet smells more easily, so I like to clean first, then add a botanical mist, diffuser, or fresh herbs as the finishing layer,' she explains.

7. Make Summer Refresh Smelling Salts

Finally, suggests Jennifer, make summer smelling salts, using four ounces of Epsom salt, available at Walmart, in a jar or bowl, with six drops of eucalyptus oil, four drops of lavender oil, two drops of sage oil, and three drops of lemon oil.

'This works beautifully on a kitchen counter, bathroom shelf, or coffee table (don’t let the kids or pets eat it),' she advises. 'Eucalyptus opens deeper breathing, lavender relaxes the body, sage cleanses stress, and lemon refreshes the mind,' and helps to instantly boost focus.

What to Shop

If you feel inspired by any of these ideas for making your home smell like summer, I've curated a selection of six essentials to shop below, from reed diffusers to a beautiful copper pot, perfect for creating your own summer simmer pot.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

This hidden fragrance hack subtly scents living rooms and barely costs a dime.

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There's something about the resinous scent of pine groves that instantly reminds me of long poolside days sat beneath towering Mediterranean pine trees in Crete, accompanied by the busy hum of cicadas and a rustling breeze.

Now, perfectly captured by Diptyque's new limited edition summer candle Pinède, I can bring that same scent straight home and enjoy it all summer long − and there's one unexpected benefit to burning it, too.

As pine notes work to naturally repel mosquitoes, it's also one of the very best home fragrances for creating the perfect atmosphere when hosting or relaxing al-fresco throughout the balmy months of warmer weather.

In my opinion, the best candles combine a beautiful design with an equally beautiful scent, a clean burn, and a persistent, room-filling fragrance when lit. As I've learned to expect, Diptyque's Pinède effortlessly ticks off all three.

It's not just that, though, that makes it such a perfect summer scent. Pine is also a scent that deters mosquitoes, which means lighting it is also an easy way to get rid of mosquitoes in the house naturally and get rid of mosquitoes in outdoor spaces, too, like patios, balconies, and terraces.

For that reason, while I wouldn't usually pair a scented candle with a meal indoors, it's my perfect pick for giving any outdoor dining ideas an elevated look and feel.

There's plenty more to love from the whole Diptyque summer collection, too. The Citronnelle (or lemongrass) Classic Candle is another of my favorites, and lemongrass is another plant that Martha Stewart suggests for keeping your yard mosquito-free. And, for making your house smell nice without burning candles, there's also the option of the Citronnelle Incense, available at Diptyque.

Elsewhere, my favorite Diptyque Figuier, or Fig Tree, candle also enjoys a moment in the summer spotlight.

Of course, when it comes to repelling mosquitoes, a candle, and particularly one that's not specifically designed for the task like Diptyque's Pinède, can only work so effectively (though the scent and gorgeous vessel are enough to justify the purchase either way).

So, for maximum effect and a fragrant boost, I'd recommend pairing any scents with container plants that repel mosquitoes, like rosemary, lavender, and peppermint, or trying your hand at making your own DIY natural mosquito repellents, like a lemon eucalyptus spray, lavender oil spray, or using apple cider vinegar and herbs.

More to Shop

Browse more goodness from Diptyque's limited-edition summer collection below, along with more affordable alternatives for scenting your space all throughout the warmer months.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If you've found yourself wondering how long you should burn a candle, I usually stick to three hours at a time, which experts agree is the ideal length of time.

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Jo Malone's new Veggie Collection has perfectly captured the nostalgia of the summer scent of a vegetable patch in full flourish. These kinds of earthy, sweet, ripe scents take me straight back to long, hot days spent in my grandparents' garden and provide a welcome fragrancing break from the citrus notes we usually see enjoying a reprise over the warmer months.

I was lucky enough to recently be among the first to sample the scents from the brand-new, limited-edition Jo Malone Veggies Collection, inspired by traditional British gardens.

With summer just around the corner, I am certain that the fresh, bright, yet unexpected scent profiles, such as Velvety Butternut, are set to become among the best home fragrance picks for a balmy season.

Come summer, I'd argue that there's no better scent profile than fresh vine tomatoes − I'd even go so far as to say it's my favorite fragrance of all time. I'm not the only one, either. Anyone who knows anything about the tomato girl summer trend will know that it's an enduring staple for a refreshing space that brightens and uplifts.

The Malin+Goetz tomato candle already appears in my guide to the best candles, and now the Jo Malone Green Tomato Vine Townhouse Candle is sure to become a firm part of my scenting rotation to make my home smell nice all throughout the sunnier seasons. Available in two sizes and housed in a gorgeous green ceramic vessel, it promises that same punchy scent distribution and clean, even burn that made Jo Malone a household name, this time with a vibrant, herbaceous aroma.

If you prefer to make use of the best reed diffusers instead, there's also a Green Tomato Vine Townhouse Diffuser, available at Jo Malone, for a more low-maintenance way to make your home smell nice without candles, and there's a Green Tomato Vine Diffuser Oil Refill and Tomato Leaf Hand Wash, too.

In terms of perfumes, the new limited-edition collection also sees a Carrot Blossom Cologne, Scarlet Beetroot Cologne, and Velvety Butternut Cologne entering the Jo Malone line-up this summer. I've smelled them all, and they're all equally as interesting, unusual, and beautiful.

The collection makes a delightfully refreshing departure from the usual clean citrus notes that rise in popularity for summer home scenting, and it smells luxurious and unique.

What to Shop

If something from the limited-edition Jo Malone Veggies collection has caught your eye, you can shop my top picks below, along with some affordable alternatives for bringing the refreshing scent of vegetables into your home this summer.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If you're feeling inspired to explore more from Jo Malone, this candle is Kate Middleton's signature scent, so much so that she even burned it in Westminster Abbey on her wedding day, and Catherine Zeta-Jones swears by Jo Malone's Lime Basil & Mandarin candle and has done so ever since she was first gifted it by Elton John.

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After recently spending two weeks travelling between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and more rural spots along the Southwestern coast, every shop, temple, onsen, and hotel I entered all had one thing in common − they all smelled incredible.

Most noticeably, it was clean, citrussy, and fresh scents that I noticed: Think floral sakura, warm hinoki wood, and aromatic notes of green tea. Everywhere I went was a calm, curated, fresh-smelling space.

Eager to replicate the results myself, I spoke to scent experts to learn their favorite Japanese-inspired ways to make your home smell nice.

5 Japanese Home Fragrance Favorites

1. Yuzu

As Maiko Shimazaki, founder of Revitalist15, a wellness brand rooted in Japanese relaxation rituals, shares, yuzu has long been used in Japanese baths, especially during the winter solstice tradition called yuzuyu, where the fruits are floated whole in hot baths.

'Compared to Western citrus scents like lemon or grapefruit, yuzu is softer and more nuanced, with a gentle bitterness and subtle herbal undertone,' she explains. 'The scent feels fresh and uplifting without being overpowering, which is why it’s so commonly used in Japanese homes, spas, and wellness spaces. It’s often associated with relaxation, warmth, and emotional calm.'

To enjoy this lightly bitter, citrussy scent at home, the LA JOLIE MUSE Yuzu & Neroli Blossom Candle, available at Amazon, will make a worthy addition to any best candle collection.

Alternatively, if you're green-fingered, you could also try your hand at growing yuzu at home, which will flower in late spring next year.

2. Hinoki

As we walked part of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, the subtle smell of hinoki wood lingered beautifully in the air, and quickly became one of my favorite parts of the trip − so much so that we bought some home to fill a bowl in our bathroom.

'Hinoki, a Japanese cypress wood, is one of the most iconic scent notes in Japan,' says Mint Pattanan, founder of Kandlery, an eco-luxe home fragrance brand specializing in Asian inspired scents. 'It is commonly used in temples, onsens, and traditional bath rituals.

'The scent has a soft woody aroma with subtle citrus and earthy undertones that many people associate with calmness, mindfulness, and relaxation. It creates a spa-like atmosphere and helps make a home feel peaceful and uncluttered.'

For that reason, it's particularly perfect for making a bathroom smell like a luxury spa. Both hinoki essential oil, available at Amazon, and this hinoki reed diffuser will hit all the right notes.

'These scents are popular because they feel clean, restorative, and mentally calming,' adds Maiko.

3. Green Tea and Matcha

'Tea scents are deeply connected to Japanese culture through tea ceremonies and everyday moments of pause,' says Mint. 'Notes like green tea and matcha are popular because they feel soft and balanced.

'They bring a subtle freshness to the home while also creating a comforting and meditative atmosphere.'

This Rewined Gourmand Matcha Latte Tin Candle, available at Anthropologie, perfectly captures the warming, earthy, creamy scent of matcha, which I enjoyed each and every day in Japan, and regularly drink at home, too.

4. Sakura

I was lucky enough to experience Japan at the start of spring, and blooming cherry blossom was a frequent sight − and smell − throughout our stay.

'Sakura is one of the most culturally symbolic scents in Japan because cherry blossoms represent both the arrival of spring and the fleeting nature of life,' says Maiko. 'The scent itself is soft, delicate, and slightly powdery.

'Unlike heavier floral fragrances, sakura creates a gentle ambient softness rather than dominating a space. It feels calming, nostalgic, and quietly optimistic, which is why it remains such a beloved home and personal fragrance in Japan.'

I have the cherry blossom and rice milk RITUALS The Ritual of Sakura Candle, available at Amazon, in my own home, and it's also the scent I wore every day on the trip. You can also grow flowering cherry trees in pots for bountiful blooms next spring.

5. Musk

Finally, says Mint, 'In Japanese fragrance preferences, musk is often used in a lighter and cleaner way compared to heavier Western interpretations,' and it's perfect for fragrance layering.

'Soft musk adds warmth and softness to a space without becoming overwhelming. It helps fragrances feel calming, skin-like, and minimal.'

The Honeypot Fresh Neroli & Vanilla Musk Glass Candle, available at Anthropologie, combines those more subtle notes with uplifting floral neroli, while the LA JOLIE MUSE Ginger & White Musk Candle, available at Amazon, features spicy ginger and fresh lemongrass.

What to Shop

If you want to bring a touch of Japan into your space, these quick ways to make your home smell nice are easy to add and enjoy.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

These Japanese sleep secrets pair perfectly with a beautifully fragranced home.

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I'm a big believer that the way you fragrance your home should blend seamlessly with your decor. From gorgeously intricate candle vessels to fluted glass diffusers with statement reeds, the scents you choose should become an intrinsic part of your interior design, not a standalone aspect.

One area where I've noticed this takes on a particular tune all of its own is essential oil diffusers, where models tastefully designed to look like stone sculptures blend into surrounding spaces without the usual bulky, plasticky look of more traditional options.

This is something we're coining as 'Botanical Minimalism,' in an ode to the way they blend with biophilic design, and interior designers agree that these elegant essential oil diffusers work to make a home feel cohesively sophisticated.

Why Stone Home Fragrance Diffusers Look Effortlessly Stylish

There are so many ways to make your home smell nice, but they're not always necessarily the most attractive additions to your space. While I love the look of a lit candle, and, in my experience, the best reed diffusers tend to combine style with functionality, it's essential oil diffusers that I feel often fall short when it comes to being design-forward.

Of course, though, like with anything, there are exceptions to that rule − sculptural diffusers, such as the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser, available at Williams Sonoma, are thoughtfully designed to blend with the natural elements of your home, like flowers and indoor plants, which make a living room smell nice, for example. This is what we're calling 'botanical minimalism.'

Kanika Bakshi Khurana, Founder and Principal Designer of Kanika Design, works on residential interiors where small details like scent and objects are carefully integrated to feel cohesive with the overall design.

'Diffusers that have a stone finish work beautifully because they match natural materials used throughout the house,' she says. 'The materials, the weight, and a matte finish give them something of a sculptural feel that makes them more like decor as opposed to a device.

'On the other hand, plastic diffusers tend to come across as mostly utilitarian. They can break the visual rhythm of a space, particularly as interiors become focused on more natural materials and a calmer palette.'

And, in terms of styling this non-toxic way to make your home smell nice, 'Placement is key,' advises Kanika. 'We know stone diffusers are meant to fill a home with fragranced air,' she explains, 'but I like to think of them as decorative objects that I place on trays, shelves, or side tables near art books, ceramics, or other elements from nature. It makes them feel part of something instead of separate.

'Sticking to a palette for the surroundings also helps. The use of neutral tones, soft textures, and organic materials, like wood and linen, reinforces the botanical minimalism aesthetic. And to achieve that, it helps not to crowd the area and allow the diffuser to be a light show.'

What to Shop

Below, you can shop from a selection of beautiful stone ceramic essential oil diffusers and essential oils for a perfect pairing to scent your home all spring and summer long, without open flames or any high maintenance.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

If you prefer the flicker of a flame when scenting your space, shop my selection of the best candles for spring and summer.

For more home fragrancing inspiration and advice, you can sign up for our newsletter so you never miss the latest features.

It's no secret that scent is one of the most evocative senses. From light, bright, florals that lift your space in spring, and cooling mint to refresh you on humid May nights, the right fragrance can do more than just set the mood.

In fact, say our home fragrance experts, some scents can actually make your space feel cleverly cooler.

Here, they explain which specific notes to use to make your bed feel cool in summer, and exactly why they work.

It's important to note that no scent is going to actually cool down a bedroom fast and physically reduce the temperature. But, as Jennifer Pressimone, internationally recognized Clinical Aromatherapy Expert, Author, Formulator, and CEO at JennScents and Aromaversity, explains, diffusing cooling scents in the bedroom can help you to sleep better.

'The top main culprits behind sleep issues that I see with clients are stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and burnout,' she explains. 'This causes mental chatter, ruminating thoughts, frustration, and irritability, all of which are heat-triggered emotions.'

So, she advises that, in particular, peppermint and spearmint are among her favorite 'heat reducers,' along with Roman chamomile, lemon, and ylang ylang. 'Their chemical make-up helps lower the physiological and psychological thermostat, providing a cooling sensation,' she says.

'The menthol content in peppermint, for example, binds directly to certain receptors in your skin and mucous membranes, which send a signal to the brain to cool down.

'You’ve heard the saying, “Don’t go to bed mad." The premise behind this is that heat-triggered emotions can keep your sympathetic nervous system on high alert.

To give you a visual, it would be like doing cardio exercises, then trying to go to sleep immediately after. You’ve stimulated circulation so much that you need a buffer to calm your nervous system down.

'When you don’t, it causes mental chatter, anxiety, and nervousness. This is the power scent has when you smell the right ones. It moves you into a calm, cool, and collected state.'

How to Use Cooling Bedroom Scents

To use these cooling scents, Jennifer advises against using your best candles or anything with open flames, which can work to make your space feel psychologically warmer and burn off some therapeutic benefits. Instead, she says, use your best essential oil diffuser (my favorite is the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe) or a room spray to get the best scent therapy benefits.

'Scent inhalation, of course, is my first choice of use,' she adds. 'It has been scientifically shown to be the best route to create the quickest physiological and psychological effect.

'When you inhale a scent, it goes instantly to your emotional and memory center, bypassing your logic region, or what I call your overthinking region. This means your body can calm down faster than you can complete a blink.'

For topical application, Jennifer also recommends combining cooling essential oils, such as peppermint essential oil, available at Walmart, with a carrier oil such as sunflower or jojoba, to further help your body reduce heat.

'For example, a combination of Roman chamomile, peppermint, and ylang ylang emulsified in sunflower oil, and applied to your wrists, the crease of your arm, and the bottoms of your feet, can calm physical heat, as well as emotional heat,' she shares.

What to Shop

If you're interested in trying cooling scents in your own space, below I've rounded up a collection of products to shop, including essential oils to browse, and my favorite essential oil diffuser.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Interested in more scenting inspiration? Jennifer also shared her thoughts on the best scents for boosting productivity.

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To scent your space, you might light your favorite candle or use a fruity essential oil in your diffuser. But, as our home fragrance experts agree, there's a natural Victorian way to scent your home, which requires minimal effort and just two ingredients, currently making a comeback.

While modern DIY smelling salts are not the same formulation as those used within the Victorian era in the 19th Century, which typically included ammonia, they are a modern twist that is perfect for non-toxic living.

I spoke to the experts and tried this impressively effective trick that has now become a staple in my home fragrancing routine.

Why Making Scented Salts to Is Becoming a Natural Go-To for Health Conscious Fragrance Aficionados

I first found out about using scented salts for home scenting from Jennifer Pressimone, who is an internationally recognized Clinical Aromatherapy Expert, Author, Formulator, and CEO at JennScents and Aromaversity, when I spoke to her about using lemon essential oil to instantly boost focus.

'Smelling salts are a great, non-electric and non-toxic way to calm nerves, balance your mood, and enhance focus throughout the day,' she says.

At a time when more households than ever are concerned about the secret toxins that can appear in their home, be it leached microplastics from an air fryer, or the smoky toxins of a paraffin wax candle, turning to natural ingredients for safer home fragrancing is a key consideration in creating a non-toxic home.

Victorian smelling salts are being increasingly used for straightforward and natural scenting, which you can change at any time with minimal cost.

Chiana Dickson, our resident expert for non-toxicity in the home, says, 'DIY home fragrancing hacks are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. We have never been more conscious about what we are introducing to our homes, from furniture to cookware, so it is hardly surprising that home fragrance is seeing a shift, too. They are a shift away from the synthetic, artificially fragranced products commonly found on store shelves.

'Taking full control over your home’s scent allows for a more intentional and personalised approach, while also offering greater peace of mind about avoiding ingredients that may irritate airways or affect children and pets.'

How to Make Your Own Scented Salts for Home Fragrancing

To make a four-ounce smelling salt, in a glass jar, Jennifer advises combining four ounces of Epsom or sea salt with 10-20 total drops of essential oils.

For this, I recommend using the Edington Handmade Glass Apothecary Jar, available at Wayfair.

The essential oils you use will depend on the effect you'd like to achieve − for example, says Jennifer, for a relaxing smelling salt, combine 10 drops each of lavender essential oil, Lavandula angustifolia [available at Amazon], with 10 drops of red mandarin essential oil, Citrus reticulata.

'Place the cap on the bottle and shake well,' she advises. 'Label your jar so you know what it is, and how it helps you. When you need a whiff of relaxation to quiet mental chatter, open the lid and sniff.

'You can also place this jar, with the lid off, on your desk or counter so the scent gets emitted into the air. Make sure your pets don't lick or eat it. Lavender is known to calm your nerves, while red mandarin helps you combat fatigue.'

Equally, you may prefer something a little more uplifting, either to use alone or for fragrance layering.

'If you'd like a refreshing and invigorating smelling salt, one of my favorite combinations is pink grapefruit and peppermint essential oils,' Jennifer adds. 'These are wonderful to give you energy, help you focus, and refresh a tired mind.'

To make the process is just the same: 10 drops of pink grapefruit and peppermint essential oils, with four ounces of sea or Epsom salt, available at Walmart.

'Shake it up and use it anytime you need a quick pick-me-up in the morning or afternoon. Peppermint is wonderful to smell, especially when you are working on a project. Pink grapefruit gives your motivation level a boost, so you don't feel stuck.'

I Tried Making My Own Scented Salts

Intrigued by Jennifer's advice and with a large bag of Epsom salt and bottles of essential oils at home, I decided to give it a go for myself.

To first try it, I combined about one ounce of unscented Epsom salt (I keep these on hand for bathing after running) with five drops of my current favorite essential oil − the Happiness Essential Oil Blend, available at NEOM.

It only took me a minute to make, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the essential oil didn't cause the salt to clump at all.

The result was impressively fragrant and powerful, and I've decided to leave my jar with the lid off beside where I work from home, for a fragrant mood boost whenever I need it.

I love lighting my best candles for this, usually, but I also love how affordable, simple, and low-maintenance this natural scenting trick is, and that I don't have to remember to blow the flame out when I head out after work.

What to Shop

If you're interested in making your own scented salts, below, I've curated a selection of six essentials to get you started. Choose an essential oil based on your scenting preferences: I love orange notes generally, and lavender, as Jennifer suggests, specifically for my bedroom.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Do you know what your home fragrance says about you? From floral and fruity to earthy and gourmand scents, the fragrances you gravitate towards can speak volumes.

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Few brands are as deeply entwined in the public psyche for glamour as the Ritz-Carlton. For decades, this legendary hotel, situated in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, has defined the gold standard of luxury, hosting Hollywood royalty and setting a bar for service.

But alongside its gilded lobbies and impeccable suites, there is an ethereal secret to its mood-setting mastery that catches my attention as a Home Fragrance editor: Clever scenting.

Intrigued by how the hotel uses fragrance, I found the best home fragrances that carry the same opulent notes, as well as an affordable alternative use, so you can enjoy the scent profile aura without a premium price tag.

This $10 Essential Oil Blend Makes Your Home Smell Like the Ritz-Carlton

The fig fragrance oil, available at Walmart, does a fantastic job of channeling the hotel's olfactory luxury, and here is why we think it's a great match.

Since partnering with Diptyque in 2022, there is one signature scent you'll find in every Ritz-Carlton hotel and resort worldwide: Diptyque's Philosykos.

It happens to be one of my personal favorites, and is made to be a 'tribute to the entire fig tree', with its fresh leafy notes and woody bark scent.

There's just one problem: It's not available as a candle, diffuser, or for use with your best essential oil diffuser – instead, you'll find the bestselling scent in soaps, shower gels, hand washes, and body lotions in every hotel room.

But, if burning your best candles is your preferred way to make your home smell nice, the equally fresh and figgy Diptyque Figuier also embodies that same Ritz-Carlton fragrance. It's an absolutely stunning, fruity scent that invokes sunbaked Mediterranean strolls.

An Affordable Alternative

Ultimately, you don't have to have a big budget to make a home smell expensive, or to take inspiration from one of the world's most luxurious hotels. You can easily take advantage of one of the very best mood-boosting aromas for spring at a fraction of the cost.

Putting the fig fragrance oil, available at Walmart in play at home makes for an easy way to lift and freshen your space.

Published Aromatherapy Researcher Darlene Killen agrees on the suitability. She says, 'Fig scent reads as uplifting, while seasonal, because it brings with it scent memories to anyone who has been to the Mediterranean in late summer.

'The smell of green leaves, ripening fruit, warm skin, all delivered through bright top notes, which are perfect and natural in warm weather, rather than heavy base notes,' she says. 'Spring and summer fragrances usually favor green and creamy over those that are deep or smoky. Fig sits exactly in the sweet spot between the two in the nose.'

To use it at home, Darlene suggests adding a few drops to your essential oil diffuser (the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe is my favorite), or use one to two drops on cotton balls, available at Walmart, in linen drawers or near air vents for diffusion. You can also hide the cotton balls in your bathroom for luxury scenting on a budget (try inside the toilet paper holder or an open basket).

And, for some customized fragrance layering, 'Use two drops of fig with one drop of bergamot essential oil [available at Amazon], and one drop of cedarwood to create depth and give it a longer scent throw than fig alone.'

Adding your chosen scent to a non-scented carrier such as fractionated coconut oil, available at Amazon, will also increase the longevity of each little fragrance bomb.

What to Shop

Meet the Expert

Using some of the best reed diffusers is also an easy, low-maintenance way to fill your home with the scent of fig. For example, Diptyque's Figuier is also available as a refill for their home fragrance diffuser.

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Nowhere around the home is fragrance more important than in the bedroom. Scent sets the mood and tone for sleep, and relaxing notes help to create and curate a sense of calm.

According to home fragrance experts, however, there's one scent that firmly doesn't belong in your sleep space – bold florals might be a favorite for spring and summer in your kitchen or living room, but in your bedroom, these lively, fresh scents can serve to keep you alert and awake, rather than ready to drift off.

Fortunately, you don't need to wave goodbye to using your best home fragrance in your bedroom altogether. Instead, grounding, earthy aromas help you to relax and unwind.

Using Floral Scents In Your Bedroom Could Be Waking You Up

There's an important distinction when I refer to florals – it's the powerful florals, rather than soft, romantic iterations, that are of concern for disrupting sleep.

The difference is between those floral scents that make you feel enlivened, like sweet jasmine, botanicals, orange blossom, and any mint-infused blends, and those that subtly float into the background.

Certified Aromatherapist Amy Galper explains, 'How an aroma makes you feel is because of the different aromatic molecules that they are composed of. When the scent detector nerve endings in our noses get triggered by one of these molecules, it sends a signal to the emotional part of our brain that influences our mindset and behavior.

'So, smelling flowers has been known to uplift us, balance our mood, and make us feel good. Those emotions can invite us to feel more “alive” and “awake."'

Similarly, she continues, scents that come from the needles of trees, like pine, cypress, and juniper, have similar molecules. 'They uplift our mood, make us feel more positive, and can help focus.'

Therefore, while all of these scents might be among the best scents to boost productivity in a home office or to make an entryway more luxurious, using them in your sleep space is a bedroom scenting mistake to avoid, and can seriously throw off your bedroom Feng Shui, too.

The Feng Shui Scent Fix for Deep Sleep

So, what's the best way to marry Feng Shui and fragrance in your bedroom?

'On the other hand, atoms that come from the actual wood of the tree, like cedar wood, rosewood, sandalwood, are known to be heavier and more grounding, and the molecules in these oils trigger the relaxation mode in our minds and bodies,' advises Amy.

Think earthier and heavier – the P.F. Candle Co. Woody Amber & Moss Glass Candle, available at Anthropologie, the Mahogany Teakwood Candle, available at Bath & Body Works, and LE LABO Santal 26 Scented Candle, available at Selfridges, are all gorgeous options.

Importantly, though, don't forget that your home's (and your bedroom's) signature scent should be just that – signature.

'No one scent “is better” than the other,' adds Amy. 'It all depends on what you need them for.

'For example, if you are looking to reduce tension and nervous energy, sniff floral oils, but if you are looking to relax and feel sleepy before bedtime, smell some grounding wood oils.'

What to Shop

Below, you can shop my edit of relaxing, soothing scents, all of which will suit any bedroom space. Opt for a candle or my best essential oil diffuser for added ambience, and one of my best reed diffusers for something a little more low-maintenance.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Looking for more information on how to pick non-toxic candles? Choosing the right brands and ingredients is a surefire way to avoid polluting your indoor air.

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If you regularly work from home, the 3 pm slump might be a familiar feeling. It's actually an entirely natural dip in energy, caused by your circadian rhythm and an increase in melatonin, commonly known as the sleep hormone.

It's usually staved off with a brisk walk, a cup of coffee, or a snack, but there's one simple trick that home fragrance experts recommend instead – and all you need is an electronic oil diffuser and some lemon essential oil, available at Amazon.

Here, they explain just how using some of the best home fragrances can keep you alert, awake, and help you to beat that afternoon crash without caffeine or sugar.

How Aromatherapy Works to Improve Cognitive Focus

As Jennifer Pressimone, internationally recognized clinical aromatherapy expert, author, formulator, and CEO at JennScents and Aromaversity, explains, 'The reason scent therapy is so powerful, especially for brain health, is because it is your only sense that bypasses the logic regions. Meaning, when you inhale a scent, it provokes an instant response in your brain and body, before you can overthink or judge it.

'Scent connects with your limbic system to activate the emotion and memory centers. This stimulates cognition and helps reduce mental fatigue.'

In terms of the best mood-boosting aromas for beating that afternoon lull citrus scents, like lemon, are the way to go.

'Lemon, Citrus limonum, sharpens focus, concentration, and mental clarity while inspiring creativity, articulation, and accuracy in your brain performance,' continues Jennifer. 'It has also been shown to inhibit neurodegenerative conditions.'

Darlene Killen, who is a member of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA) and the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), and the founder of MoonInMental, agrees.

'Lemon essential oil improves working memory per electroencephalogram research and is the mildest entry point for daytime use,' she adds, referencing the diagnostic test used to record the brain's electrical activity.

'Lemon balm is the most underused option for cognitive work. It supports calm alertness rather than stimulation, making it especially effective for extended focus tasks and for people whose attention struggles under pressure rather than under stimulation.'

Therefore, using lemon essential oil, available at Amazon for just $10, is a simple way to make your home workspace more productive. If you do not have one of the best essential oil diffusers, you can pop a few drops on a cotton wool ball and place it nearby.

Adding a fragrance-free carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil from Amazon, will increase the longevity of those few drops. This is a really simple way to make a bathroom smell luxurious, so it absolutely works beyond your home office.

How to Use Lemon Essential Oil to Improve Cognitive Focus

The simplest way to enjoy the benefits of lemon essential oil is by using your best essential oil diffuser – the NEOM Wellbeing Pod Luxe is my personal favorite.

'Inhalation of an essential oil’s scent has been scientifically proven to be the most effective way to elicit physiological and psychological responses,' explains Jennifer. 'When scent enters through the nose, it activates the limbic system to help you regulate emotions, memories, and stress.'

Simply add five to eight drops of lemon essential oil into a diffuser and run for 30 to 60 minutes, right around 3 pm, as an effective way to boost brain power, alertness, focus, and concentration.

'Avoid continuous diffusion as olfactory adaptation reduces the effect over time,' adds Darlene.

Alternatively, for a non-electric option, you can also mix in five to six drops of essential oil to a four-ounce jar of Epsom salt, available at Amazon, or sea salt.

'Let the jar sit on your desk or counter with the lid open,' advises Jennifer. 'This offers a great aromatic experience. Seal the lid on the jar after 30-60 minutes, and reuse this “smelling salt” for five days.'

What to Shop

Interested in harnessing all the benefits of lemon essential oil? Below, you can shop a selection of diffusers, oils, and salts, all of which can be used to help beat that afternoon fatigue and keep focus when working from home.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

Alternatively, why not learn how to grow lemon balm for a natural gift that keeps on giving?

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Of all items to shop at Diptyque, their classic candle has to be the most iconic. First released in 1963, it's graced the countertops, coffee tables, and mantels of celebrities and home fragrance enthusiasts alike, and has not had a redesign since it launched – until now.

The newly-upgraded Classic Candle collection, which launches this fall, remains as chic, elegant, and timeless as ever, with a glass vessel, white wax, and label, but with one big change: For the first time, the design will be refillable, making it kinder to the planet and even better value for fans.

That's not all – along with the 10 classic scents, there are also five fresh, new scents to shop from next week, too, from the zing of Ortie (nettle), to the deep roasted scent of Sésame Noir (black sesame). Your best candles just got even better, and I can't wait to shop the entire collection.

Diptyque's Relaunching Their Entire Classic Candle Line With a Twist

As a lover of Diptyque, this new sustainable release couldn't be more exciting for me. The French luxury brand has long defined my best home fragrance collection, and this new redevelopment couldn't have come at a better time, when more people than ever are concerned with being sustainable at home.

As Diptyque highlights, the brand has always envisaged a second life for the vessel that houses its iconic scented candles. I've spotted them filled with makeup brushes in countless Vogue videos, and once I get the candle wax out of the jars myself, I use them for the same purpose.

While this is just one way to reuse candle jars around your house, with the upcoming fall relaunch, your favorite Diptyque candle becomes a lasting object, with the entire Classic Candle collection available as refills, reducing the candle’s carbon footprint by around 22 per cent. The weight of the vessel itself has been reduced by 10 per cent, too, with eco-responsibility in mind.

Once your candle is all used up, simply pop the insert out and swap it out for a refill, which is sold ready for use in a protective case made of paperfoam: A bio-sourced and recyclable material containing cellulose fibers similar to those used in paper.

There are also five brand new scents to shop this April: Café (coffee), Ortie (nettle), Sésame Noir (black sesame), Rhubarbe (rhubarb), and Shiso. I've been testing and loving the black sesame scent – it's truly one of the most unique I've ever tried – but with lighter, fresher, or fruitier scents available too, there's something for everyone.

If you're shopping for a luxury Mother's Day gift every home-loving mom will adore, this is a perfect pick. The quality of the clean-burning Diptyque candles is an enduring feature.

Diptyque candles may be more expensive, but as a professional home fragrance tester, I truly do believe that you get what you pay for. Diptyque's scents quickly and effortlessly fill a space once lit, with stronger scents like Feu de Bois (another of my favorites) and the new Black Sesame fragrancing even larger living rooms in next to no time.

The clean burn is also something to note, and is one of the main reasons why Diptyque candle vessels are so commonly reused. The candles burn right to the edges with no tunneling, residue, or leftover wax once you reach the bottom. They last a while, too, with a typical burn time of 50 hours, though they are available in smaller and larger sizes, and, though just a small thing, the chic look of these iconic candles makes them a perfect gift for anyone, and any occasion.

I will add that the new redesign still looks and feels exactly like the classic Diptyque we all know and love, with the subtle addition of an oval-shaped ridge of glass carved around the label, and the all-important option to refill and reuse them.

And, the new candles will still burn just as cleanly and evenly as before – the wick of each is specially selected for its diameter and braiding, and varies individually to suit each scent.

What to Shop

Diptyque is just one of the many home fragrance brands I love for its quality and premium scenting. They're just one of

I've curated a selection of my all-time favorites, suitable for all budgets. All six make gorgeous gift ideas, too.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If you're looking for more tips on what to do with a candle when it's burnt out, you can reuse any remaining wax to make wax melts or letter seals.

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When you've invested in a scent you really, truly love, lighting a candle is one of life's simple luxuries. It's one of my favorite quick and easy ways to lift and refresh any space, bring a sense of cozy calm, or add a touch of everyday indulgence to my home.

As the resident home fragrance expert here at Homes & Gardens, however, I've learned the hard way just how much tunneling can affect the experience of burning a candle, not to mention how much wax can be left unmelted and unusable. Fortunately, there's a fix, and it comes in the form of this Candle Warmer Lamp, available at Amazon.

It won't just prevent the annoyance of tunnelling, either. The absence of any flames also makes for a far safer home environment, without the risk of fire, and you'll find your best candles last longer, too.

This Stylish Candle Warmer Prevents Tunneling

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

When in need of a quick way to make my home smell nice, a candle is always my first port of call, particularly when guests are on the way. But when hosting late into the evening, or between the kitchen and garden, a lit candle can be a bothersome extra to remember to blow out at the end of the night, and blowing it out too early almost always spells candle tunneling.

More generally, too, sometimes a flame-free, low-maintenance option, that's even simpler to use than my best essential oil diffuser, is a welcome alternative. For this, I've currently got my eye on the Candle Warmer Lamp, available at Amazon, which allows you to enjoy mood-boosting spring aromas, without the hassle and worry of wicks, flames, and melted wax.

'I absolutely love the GODONLIF Candle Warmer Lamp,' reads a recent review. 'It’s both beautiful and incredibly functional. The design is elegant and looks like a piece of decor rather than just a candle accessory, so it fits perfectly in my home.'

It's dimmable, too – just keep in mind that the brighter the light, the stronger the fragrance, and the faster your candle wax will be melted and evaporated.

'The dimmable light is one of my favorite features because you can easily adjust the brightness to create the perfect cozy atmosphere,' the review continues, and it also includes a timer option that's described as 'super convenient.'

'I can turn it on and not worry about remembering to shut it off later,' they add. 'It warms candles evenly and fills the room with fragrance without having to light a flame, which feels much safer.' With a cleverly adjustable height, it's also suitable for use with almost any candle.

Offering a safe and clean ambiance for households, apartments, and offices, it's never been easier to enjoy non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice, without the air pollution of smoke and danger of flames.

All that's left for me to do is add it to cart and stock up on my favorite candles for scent-scaping this spring.

What to Shop

It's not just a candle warmer that makes your candle last longer – a snuffer, wick trimmer, and the right matches can make a world of difference, too, if you opt to light yours. Below, you can shop my curated candle favorites, including my favorite candle to melt or burn at the moment.

If you're wondering how to pick non-toxic candles, our expert guide includes everything you need to know about shopping more healthily and sustainably.

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With the start of March, I'm preparing for warmer, longer days and readying my home to greet spring.

While this includes cleaning, tidying, and filling my home with blooms of daffodils – I'm sitting beside a vase bursting with sunny blooms right now – as the resident home fragrance expert here at Homes & Gardens, it also means switching out my scents for the new season.

Retiring my woodfire, pine, and berry scents for cozy winter months, I found myself pondering what the best home fragrances are to boost my mood and lift my space now that the sun is shining a little more. Here, scent experts reveal everything you need to know.

The 7 Best Mood-Boosting Aromas

1. Bermagot for a Pick Me Up

As Jennifer Pressimone, internationally recognized clinical aromatherapy expert, author, formulator, and CEO at JennScents, explains, bergamot, or Citrus bergamia, is a great 'pick me up' scent, to help when you're sad, exhausted, or have ruminating thoughts that won't stop. For that reason, it's a perfect pick as the seasons transition from winter to spring.

'Its citrusy scent puts a smile on your face, by calming overwhelm and nurturing your nervous system,' she explains, so it's also a great option if you're wondering which are the best scents for boosting productivity.

For this scent profile, I recommend the Lulu Candles Jasmine Infused Bergamot Soy Jar Candle, available at Amazon, which is hand-poured, highly scented, and long-lasting.

2. Sage for a Boost In Motivation

Clary sage, or Salvia sclarea, is one of my very favorite scents, and, as Jennifer says, it's one of the best to help you to take a step back and breathe this spring.

'I call it the "high on life" motivator, as it helps you tap into your fun, playful, and adventurous side,' she says. 'This euphoric and uplifting scent expands your creativity to see different perspectives.'

If you don't feel quite ready to grow sage or grow salvia in pots for that real, fresh scent, I'm a long-time big fan of the Malin+Goetz sage home spray, which works to actively eliminate odors and is non-toxic and safe to use around pets.

Alternatively, you could also make your own homemade room spray, with sage essential oil, available at Walmart, distilled water, and unscented witch hazel.

3. Lavender for a Calm, Soothing Lift

It might be a little more stereotypical, but lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, is one of the best aromatic herbs to fill your home with in spring for calm, harmony, and nervous system ease.

Adora Winquist, award-winning master aromatherapist at The Soul Institute, says, 'Spring is uplifting, but it can also be stimulating – more movement, more social energy, more transitions.

'Lavender harmonizes the home by soothing tension and helping everyone settle. It’s a “peaceful baseline” oil that pairs beautifully with brighter notes.'

To use it at home, Adora recommends adding three to five drops of lavender essential oil, available at Amazon, to your best essential oil diffuser, placing it in your bedroom to support rest and help you to sleep better.

You could also make lavender sachets or dry lavender and enhance its fragrance.

'It makes a home feel safe, soft, and restorative – especially when life speeds back up,' adds Adora.

4. Grapefruit Notes for Momentum

If spring represents a new beginning to you, Jennifer explains that pink grapefruit, or Citrus paradisi, helps you to release bitterness and resentment and embrace love and acceptance.

'It helps when you feel stuck or lost in life, and need help taking a step forward,' she advises.

More generally, it's also a refreshing, energizing scent that's known to boost your mood and inspire positive emotions. To use grapefruit to make your home smell nice, I'd suggest creating a spring simmer pot, or burning your best candle – the NEST New York Scented Classic Candle in Grapefruit, available at Amazon, would be my recommendation.

5. Rosemary for Comfort, Clarity and Intention

If you've ever grown rosemary indoors, you'll know how beautifully and fragrantly it fills a space.

'Rosemary is an aromatic “mental sweep,”' says Adora. 'It supports clarity, alertness, and a sense of forward motion – perfect for spring projects, home refreshes, and those “let’s finally tackle that closet” days.'

In particular, Jennifer recommends using rosemary notes to scent your kitchen or your entryway.

'It keeps the home feeling bright, crisp, and organized,' she explains. 'Rosemary’s scent reads as fresh, intentional, and clear – like putting your whole home on a clean schedule.'

In these areas, low-maintenance scenting solutions, like using your best reed diffuser, are best. For that reason, I'd opt for the LAFCO New York Rosemary Eucalyptus Classic Reed Diffuser, available at Amazon.

6. Lemon for Crisp Freshness and Pest Control

Next, says Adora, lemon verbena, or Aloysia citrodora, is perfect for creating 'fresh start' energy in spring.

'Lemon verbena is the quintessential spring reset – bright, clean, and clarifying,' she says. 'It’s especially helpful when your home feels a little stale after winter. Energetically, it’s purifying and awakening; practically, it’s an instant “windows open” feeling in scent form.'

For this, my favorite recommendation is the NEOM Squeeze the Day Reed Diffuser, which I love using to make my bathroom smell like a luxury spa. Fresh lemons are also one of nature's best deodorizers to use around your home.

'It signals renewal to the senses and creates a crisp, optimistic baseline that makes everything feel lighter,' adds Adora.

7. Spearmint to Ease Life's Changes

Finally, says Jennifer, spearmint, or Mentha cardiacia, is beneficial to help you adapt to changes, and life and seasonal transitions, especially when paired with lime.

'It’s fresh, rejuvenating, minty scent calms emotional overwhelm and helps you take in new ideas without resistance,' she explains, helping to lift your mood and your space with its cool, herbaceous notes.

There are several mint varieties you can grow, but bear in mind that mint is fast-growing and invasive, so container gardening is recommended. If you're not naturally green-fingered, instead, I recommend the LA JOLIE MUSE Citrus Mint Candle, available at Amazon, which is made from natural soy wax and comes in a beautiful glass jar that will have plenty of uses later.

What to Shop

If you're looking for more quick ways to make your home smell nice for spring, shop my curated seasonal scenting essentials below. To scentscape for spring without losing heat in unpredictable weather, place your candles or essential oil diffusers either on or near a window.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

As an all-natural solution, you can also make use of the best fragrant spring-flowering perennials, dotted around your home in pots or vases.

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We may be out of the depths of winter and almost into spring, but in many places across the US, it's still not warm enough to throw open your windows and welcome fresh air into your home.

Fortunately, as temperatures continue to shift and change day to day, you can still enjoy that 'fresh air' feeling, even when it's too cool to enjoy the real thing: The ScentAir Infused Liquidless Reeds, available at Amazon, are my favorite solution for elevating my home for spring, and filling it with a light, welcoming scent that feels far more luxurious than it really is.

While all the best home fragrances should always deliver on a beautiful fragrance, not all are non-toxic. On the contrary, these liquidless reeds are certified safe, liquidless, and look stylish when placed on a shelf, making them my best recommendation for faking a 'fresh air' feeling that lasts.

This Non-Toxic Reed Diffuser Makes Your Home Smell Like the Windows Are Always Open

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Once spring begins, I tend to open my windows at the smallest glimmer or shimmer of sunshine – I consider it part of my spring home cleaning ritual.

And after months of hunkering down at home, it feels refreshing to let in natural light and air, and let out all those stagnant, stale winter odors. But, done before the weather has fully warmed to the temperatures expected in mid to late spring, it can leave my space feeling cooler than desired.

For fragrancing my home, I've always favored my best reed diffusers for their easy, low-maintenance qualities, and The ScentAir Infused Liquidless Reeds, available at Amazon, are even more low-maintenance than most, with no liquid to worry about spilling or staining surfaces.

For that reason, I use mine in the 'Golden Bamboo' scent, a perfect mood-boosting aroma for spring, on my windowsill to emulate that 'fresh air' feel, even when colder weather prevents you from improving ventilation in your home.

Dan Fauzi, our Home Tech Editor, explains, 'Filling your home with fresh air is essential for making a home feel inviting and clean, but sometimes the weather simply doesn't permit it.

'This isn't a problem just for the fall and winter, as pollen, temperature swings in spring, and high heat in the summer mean that opening your windows can result in difficulty keeping your home cool, or leave you in need of the best hayfever remedies for the home.

'Therefore, a non-toxic diffuser that brings the outside in, even when your windows are firmly closed, is perfect for spring.'

In particular, Dan adds, to really make your home smell fresh and clean, shopping for the best air purifiers to use alongside your non-toxic reed diffuser is essential.

'These work to banish any odors in your home, and quietly remove allergens and pollutants when you do have your windows open,' they add. 'On test, the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier, available at Amazon, outclassed all the others I tried.

'It may be more expensive, but its highly effective air purification makes it a solid investment. I've been using one in my home for over a year now and seen a stark reduction in asthma attacks and allergy symptoms compared to previous years without it.'

And, unlike burning your best candles, using the flameless, non-toxic ScentAir Infused Liquidless Reeds, available at Amazon, won't result in any air quality mistakes. Instead, you can enjoy a beautifully fragrant home that smells spring-fresh, whilst its sleek, matte design blends perfectly with your decor.

What to Shop

With my curated collection of fresh air essentials, purifying the air and keeping your home smelling clean and inviting has never been easier.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Wondering how to keep bugs out of a bedroom when sleeping with an open window? Our expert-led piece has everything you need to know about this spring and summer annoyance.

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I'm lucky enough to live with four dogs of all shapes and sizes, but sometimes a pet odor eliminator spray is admittedly necessary to freshen up my space. While I like to keep my home smelling lovely all year-round, this need becomes particularly more apparent after wet and muddy winter walks.

For this, I swear by the Malin+Goetz Sage Room Spray – I attended the launch last April and saw it in action myself, before trying it at home and loving its efficacy. It's still my favorite way to banish pet odors almost a year later.

It may not be the most affordable option – at $56 a bottle – but it's effective, safe for use around animals, and smells amazing, which is why I go back to it time and time again.

I Swear By This Fresh-Smelling, Pet-Safe Room Spray

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

My lazy dogs are usually lounging around on their designated beds (or naughtily on the couches) in our living room. I love their presence and spending time with them, but what I love a little less is their smell after a wet winter walk. That's why I swear by the Malin+Goetz Sage Room Spray.

I never burn my best candles or put my best reed diffusers in the rooms where my dogs tend to roam, as I know either can cause respiratory distress or issues. While, of course, this is something I avoid at all costs, it can make it a little more tricky to get rid of dog odor in my house, which is where this room spray comes in handy.

At the launch, I was intrigued when they mentioned that these sprays are specifically formulated with innovative odor-neutralizing technology that targets and reduces unsavory odors by more than 98%, and, even better, it's suitable for use around pets. Since trying it for myself, I fell in love.

I adore Malin+Goetz (the Malin+Goetz Cannabis Candle and Malin+Goetz Peppermint Shampoo are a couple of my other favorites), and this spray is certainly no exception. For starters, it smells incredible, with notes of sage, eucalyptus, and leather, and the scent really lingers. I also use and love the Malin+Goetz Otto Home Spray, too.

In fact, studies conducted by Malin+Goetz found, based on an independent third-party clinical research study with 15 trained sensory evaluators, that kitchen odor was reduced by more than 95% immediately after use.

This lasted up to two hours, with bathroom malodors reduced by more than 99% immediately after use, again lasting up to two hours, and pet malodor was reduced by more than 98% immediately, and over 99% by 90 minutes. I have to say, I agree with all these claims.

In general, I love how thorough they were as a brand when developing the Malin+Goetz Sage Room Spray, testing the spray using dog blankets collected from a local Animal Humane Society, and using cat litter clumps from two feline rescue foster homes.

This is definitely reflected in how well the spray works – it's a match for my dog-filled home, and genuinely combats pet odors, replacing them with its fresh, herbaceous scent.

It's just a small thing, but I like how the spray pump also mists the earthy and soothing fragrance beautifully around my space.

More to Shop

If you like DIY-ing, you can also make your own homemade room spray.

Despite the high price point, I'm a long-term lover of Diptyque's Roses scent – it's fresh, delicate, and effortlessly romantic, and the one I always go for when buying a candle to gift a friend.

That being said, as beautiful as it is, there's no denying that $78 for a candle is certainly not cheap. That's why I went on the hunt for a more affordable swap and spotted the Yankee Candle in Fresh Cut Roses, available at Amazon. It has a host of glowing five-star reviews from shoppers who love its scent. I am also a big fan of the quality candles they make so affordably, having tested many myself in the past.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I'd wager that it's one of the best home fragrance picks for gifting (if you're after a more affordable pick than Diptyque), or for treating yourself this February.

This $15 Candle Is Perfect for Valentine's Day

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

As I said, I love Diptyque and their candles (Feu de Bois made the cut in my tried and tested guide to the best candles), so I was definitely excited to spot the new limited-edition Roses Classic Candle, available at Diptyque, which is also Kim Kardashian's favorite scented candle.

The Skims' owner and reality TV star uses Diptique's Roses scent to make her famously minimalist home smell amazing, according to her assistant, who confirmed the heritage fragrancing brand was among Kim's favorites.

Megan Slack, celebrity style expert at Homes & Gardens, explains, 'Diptyque is a cult favorite among the world’s most famous figures (Kate Hudson, Victoria Beckham, and Beyoncé sit among its admirers), but Kim’s choice, Roses, is arguably the most classic. It’s the perfect match for her minimalist home, where subtle neutrals reign supreme.

'If I were to pair any scent with such a minimalist aesthetic, it’d be Roses. The scent is just as timeless as the style, and proof that design sensibilities and scents really do go hand in hand. Kim could have her choice of any candle, and she returns to this – that’s all the confirmation we need.'

But I have to say that Yankee Candle is definitely up there, too. I've used and loved the Yankee Candle Clean Cotton Scented Candle, available on Amazon, which also made its way into the aforementioned guide, and I always appreciate its strength and affordability, as well as the others I've tried from the brand.

For that reason, I was excited to spot the Yankee Candle in Fresh Cut Roses, available at Amazon, as an easy way to enjoy the most romantic scents for the home at less than a fifth of the price of the Diptyque option, and even more so than the limited-edition version, which costs $88.

During testing, I've found that the scent throw of Yankee candles is unbelievably impressive for the price point, and they also burn really cleanly, with minimal, if any, candle tunneling. Just make sure you burn all the way out to the edge of the vessel on the first burn.

The only thing to note is that I do tend to notice the wax melts and vaporizes a little quicker than other alternatives. Luckily, with a 150-hour burn time, that's not something you'll have to worry about with this affordable swap.

They're also made with premium plant-based wax and a natural-fiber wick, making the $14.99 Yankee Candle in Fresh Cut Roses, available at Amazoneven more impressive.

What Shoppers Love About The Fresh Cut Roses Yankee Candle

As one recent five-star review from Joyceanne Flanagan assures, this candle is 'beautifully scented.'

'I have enjoyed the scent of these Yankee Candles Fresh Cut Roses for years now,' they write. 'Strongly scented, I keep the candle in the living room, but you can smell it through the first floor. Genuine smell of fresh roses...Enjoy, you will not be disappointed.'

Another, from Wendy Poma, dubs it 'perfect,' and details how the scent is subtle, and the candle lasts a long time, while a third from Elaine Thomas, adds that it 'smells just like three dozen pink roses!'

I personally think there's nothing better than enjoying the soft scent of the best fragrant roses on Valentine's Day and year-round, and this candle makes the perfect long-lasting accompaniment. I'm adding it straight to my basket.

Shop My Valentine's Day Rose Candle Edit

Candles are only one of the quick ways to make your home smell nice – you can also use wax melts, such as Shortie's Highly-Scented True Rose melts on Amazon, incense, and linen sprays.

Christmas may be over, but the long, icy nights are far from behind us. The fire is roaring, the sofa is calling, and the right candle can turn even the bleakest January evening into something wonderfully comforting. As someone who spends entirely too much time sniffing candles, I can say with confidence that a well-chosen home fragrance can make winter feel almost glamorous.

I’ve selected the best home fragrances to see you through the grey weeks ahead. These aren’t festive scents in disguise – they’re sophisticated, comforting, and surprisingly invigorating, the kind of aromas that make a home feel cocooning while the wind lashes against the windows and the heating does its valiant best.

January need not be joyless. Traditionally, it was a month of rest and reflection, when people hunkered down after the harvest, tended the hearth, and planned for the year ahead. Consider this your gentle nudge to order one of these candles now – and when it arrives, light it every day for a small, luxurious pocket of joy. Think of it as my personal guide to surviving January, one glowing wick at a time.

I have the Daylesford Kindling candle burning in my kitchen from September through to March, and I can’t recommend it enough – its warm, comforting scent is one to fall in love with.

For me, January isn’t about a frantic reset; it’s about living seasonally and intentionally. I keep only what brings joy and warmth, and each candle I light becomes part of that carefully curated, comforting rhythm.

Our Favourite Scents for Long January Evenings

January has long been a month for slowness rather than self-improvement. Historically, it was a time of slumber, quiet routines, and staying close to the hearth, and I think there is something to be said for honouring that pace at home.

January decluttering is gentle and intentional, editing just enough to let beautiful things breathe. A well-placed wool throw, a ceramic bowl for evening rituals, or a considered storage piece can bring a sense of order without disrupting the softness of the season. Winter still has its hold, and the home should reflect that, calm, comforting, and made for lingering.

You might know your birthstone or flower, but do you know your best-suited birth month candle scent?

As a home fragrance expert and obsessive, I'm always switching out my scenting picks. I'm also a firm believer in birth month characteristics (my birthstone is turquoise, and my flowers are holly and narcissus, by the way), which got me thinking how my birth month could be used to pick the best home fragrance to suit me.

To find out more, I spoke to a professional astrologer and home fragrance expert to find out his thoughts and recommendations – here's what he had to say about utilizing your birth month scent.

Discover Your Birth Month Candle Scent

As Diego Tomljanovic, home fragrance expert and master astrologer at Cosmos Within, which specializes in personalized birthdate candles, says, 'Nature moves in cycles, and our bodies and emotions respond to the changing seasons. Light, temperature, routine, and pace all shift throughout the year, and we adjust to those changes often without noticing it.

'Each month carries its own tone, and the fragrances we are drawn to tend to change along with it. From an astrological perspective, certain scent families naturally align with different times of the year, supporting what that period already emphasizes, whether that is grounding, clarity, comfort, or momentum.'

Read on to find out the best candle for your birth month.

January: Woods, Resins, and Fresh herbs

With the start of a new year and the need to make your home feel like your own after hosting for the holidays, January tends to feel quiet, focused, and somewhat austere, says Diego, which is why he recommends tapping into the key notes of cedarwood, pine, vetiver, frankincense, rosemary, and eucalyptus.

'With Capricorn setting the tone, heavier but clean woods work best,' he advises. 'Think cedar, pine, vetiver, or frankincense. These scents help with grounding and mental clarity after the overstimulation of the holidays.'

For this, I recommend Diptyque Feu de Bois, one of my personal favorites, or, for a more affordable alternative, the 100 per cent soy CoCo Benjamin Rosemary Eucalyptus candle, available at Amazon.

February: Soft Florals, Clean Musks, Light Fresh Notes

'February softens things,' says Diego. 'Aquarius and Pisces bring introspection and emotional sensitivity, so lighter, airier fragrances feel more supportive. Subtle florals like lavender or violet, soft musks, and clean, almost atmospheric notes work well without overwhelming the senses.'

You can't go wrong with the Yankee Candle Clean Cotton Scented Candle available at Amazon for this, to make your home smell like fresh laundry year-round, or the Peony & Blush Suede Scented Candle available at Jo Malone.

March: Aquatic Florals, Fresh Spice

March is a transitional month, signalling the shift from winter to spring. For that reason, says Diego, there's a 'dreamlike quality,' for which he recommends, 'Water notes, neroli, jasmine, or sea salt paired with a touch of spice and citrus help bridge rest and action.'

The LA JOLIE MUSE Yuzu & Neroli Blossom Candle, available at Amazon, combines those fresh citrus notes with a floral, fruity scent. Alternatively, you can also use a spring simmer pot.

April: Citrus, Green, Herbal

Come April, the month is 'more straightforward and energetic,' says Diego, as the Aries season favors freshness and movement as the weather continues to warm.

'Bright citrus, green herbs, and crisp botanical notes like basil, mint, or fresh grass help spark motivation and momentum,' and make your home smell nice, he suggests. For something a little more unique, opt for the Loewe Cucumber medium scented candle, available at Net-a-Porter, or the Loewe Tomato Leaves scented candle, also available at Net-a-Porter.

May: Florals, Creamy Woods, Soft Sweetness

'By May, the body wants comfort and pleasure,' explains Diego. 'Taurus season is deeply sensual, so richer florals and creamy, comforting notes feel perfect for this season. Rose, ylang-ylang, sandalwood, vanilla, or anything slightly sweet and indulgent tends to resonate,' and are also among the most romantic scents for a home.

The Roses candle, from Diptyque, is one of my all-time favorites, and the MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Rose candle, available at Amazon, is an affordable alternative made with plant-derived soy wax.

June: Light Florals, Soft Fruits, Gentle Gourmands

June, which Diego explains is mostly 'Gemini time,' feels lighter and more playful, but with an emotional undercurrent as Cancer season approaches.

'Scents that are soft and approachable, like orange blossom, chamomile, gentle fruits, or light gourmands like almond or coconut, create warmth without heaviness,' he recommends, working well to make a home smell nice for summer.

The Loewe Perfumes Orange Blossom large scented candle, available at Net-a-Porter, is a gorgeous luxury pick.

July: Comforting Notes, Creamy Accords, Soft Woods

According to Diego, July is all about emotion and familiarity.

'Cancer season responds well to comforting, almost nostalgic scents,' he explains. 'Vanilla, milk notes, soft woods, rice, oats, or gentle florals can feel grounding and soothing, especially during warmer days,' such as the WoodWick Nature's Wick Lavender & Oat Milk Scented Candle available at Amazon.

August: Bold Florals, Amber, Warm Spice

'August wants presence and expression,' advises Diego. 'Leo season can handle bolder fragrances. Warm florals, amber, sun-warmed spices, jasmine, tuberose, cardamom, or cinnamon support confidence and creativity without needing to be subtle.'

The Diptyque Ambre candle is one of my all-time favorites, as is the Skandinavisk Fjord Scented Candle available at Amazon.

September: Herbal, Green, Tea, Light Woods

With September and a general 'back to school' feeling comes a return to order.

'Virgo season benefits from clean, herbal, and earthy scents that feel clarifying,' says Diego. 'Sage, green tea, fig leaf, thyme, and light woods help reset routines and focus the mind.'

The herbaceous Cannabis candle, available at Malin+Goetz, is one of the most unique I've ever smelled, while the M&SENSE Sage Wood Scented Candle, available at Amazon, is ideal if you strive to pick non-toxic candles.

October: Balanced Florals, Smooth Woods, Soft Sweetness

If your birth month is October, seek balance.

'Libra season prefers harmony over intensity,' says Diego. 'Soft florals, gentle sweetness, and smooth woods like rose, peony, sandalwood, or tonka create a sense of calm and emotional equilibrium.' The Sand + Fog Vanilla Sandalwood Scented Candle, available at Amazon, is perfect for this.

When celebrating in October, you also may want to make use of the best fall candles.

November: Deep Resins, Spice, Smoky Woods

'November naturally turns inward,' says Diego. 'Scorpio season supports depth and transformation, making it a good time for darker, more complex scents. Patchouli, incense, myrrh, clove, leather, or smoky woods align well with this introspective energy.'

Though expensive, the TRUDON Ernesto scented candle, available at Net-a-Porter, is a tried-and-tested favorite at Homes & Gardens, as is the diffuser version, included in our best diffuser guide.

December: Festive Woods, Spice, Resin, Citrus

Finally, says Diego, 'December carries both celebration and reflection. Sagittarius brings warmth and openness, while Capricorn begins to anchor things again.

'Festive spices, citrus peel, pine, frankincense, and cedar feel seasonal while still grounding, helping close the year with intention.'

My collection of essentials to make your home smell like Christmas is filled with scents that are ideal for this birth month, which also happens to be mine. For example, the Holiday Winterfest available at Yankee Candle is a brilliant budget recommendation.

Shop a Collection of My Favorite Candles

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Another excellent way to scent your home is by using one of the best essential oil diffusers.

Cooking for guests is part of the joy of hosting – but all too often, the smells of simmering sauces or roasting dishes can overstay their welcome. And, of course, nobody wants their home to smell like yesterday’s dinner during a party.

So, to prevent this, top hosts rely on a simple strategy known as the 'Open Kitchen Rule.' Just open a window every time you open the oven – it really is that simple.

It’s an easy trick that keeps your home smelling inviting without masking anything with artificial fragrances. Here's how it works to erase cooking odors.

The Open Kitchen Rule

The open kitchen rule is somewhat self-explanatory. Before you open the oven, you open the kitchen window.

While it is best to cook with a window open all the time, in the dead of winter, this can be pretty uncomfortable, not to mention its negative effect on your heating bills. Sticking to opening it just as you open the oven is more than enough to send odors packing, while keeping a home warm all day and making heating more efficient.

Why The Open Kitchen Rule Works

It might seem too simple, but opening a window is the quickest and most efficient way to neutralize kitchen odors. As with shock ventilation, the sudden draw of air helps to pull odors straight out of your home before they become ingrained.

Polya Petrova, kitchen cleaning and laundry expert at Fantastic Services, explains, 'Opening a kitchen window briefly when you open the oven door can help reduce lingering odors because most strong cooking smells are carried by warm, moisture-rich air. When you open the oven, a burst of hot vapor escapes, and if there’s no quick pathway out, that vapor disperses through the kitchen and settles into soft furnishings, which can hold the smell for hours.

'A short window opening creates an immediate pressure pathway for that warm air to exit instead of spreading indoors. It doesn’t eliminate all odors, but it can noticeably reduce how much the smell lingers, especially when roasting meats or cooking high-fat foods.'

And, as Sara Aparacio, cleaner and home expert at Homeaglow, adds, 'It won't make your house colder either if you only open it for around 20-30 seconds, but it will massively help with airflow and ventilation.'

Both Polya and Sara warn, however, 'You can't expect it to do all the work.'

Sara advises, 'Just make sure to wipe down surfaces after cooking, keep lids on pots when needed, and run your extractor fan if possible to keep everything flowing.'

Additionally, be sure to clean your range hood with a quality degreaser, such as the plant-based Method Heavy Duty Degreaser from Amazon, before hosting to boost efficiency.

Keeping a bowl of vinegar beside your stove, such as the affordable Great Value White Vinegar from Walmart, can also help with low-level odors from pots and pans, while an Arm & Hammer Moisture Absorber, also at Walmart, can help prevent mold and absorb cooking smells, both in your kitchen and to get rid of fridge odors.

What to Shop

Meet the Experts

It isn't just your kitchen that needs attention when hosting. We have rounded up some quick ways to make a home smell nice to ensure your whole space is odor-free for guests to enjoy.

As a home fragrance enthusiast and tester here at Homes & Gardens, I've tried budget-friendly, averagely priced, and high-end candle splurges. And, if there's one shop I love going into for a snoop and a sniff, it's Anthropologie.

Naturally, the brand new Hobby Lobby x Anthropologie candle collection, which launched just yesterday, couldn't be more exciting to me.

Inspired by the 'grandma hobbies' we all know and love, and cutely named the 'Hotel Hobby Collection,' the new Mahjong and Needlepoint scents are going straight in my basket, soon to be nestled among my best candle collection. Here's everything we know so far.

The Hotel Lobby x Anthropologie Collection is Now Live

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Over the past year, I've been lucky enough to spend so much time testing and writing about home fragrance, but there hasn't been such a new and exciting launch, in my opinion, for a while.

That's been no problem – I've got plenty of tried and true candles and best home fragrance picks that I use daily as quick ways to make my home smell nice – but now I can't wait to add the new Hobby Lobby x Anthropologie candle collection to my arsenal.

'When Anthropologie asked us to explore the renewed love of ‘grandma hobbies’ through scent, we immediately said yes,' says Lindsay Silberman, the founder of Hotel Lobby.

'People are craving rituals that ground them – moments that feel unplugged, tactile, and intentionally slow.

'Anthropologie understands that world deeply, and partnering with them allowed us to translate this return-to-coziness movement into fragrances that truly feel comforting.' And while I haven't tried them yet, they certainly sound it.

The first of the two is the Mahjong candle, available at Hotel Lobby, described as a green, smoky and fresh scent that I think would work beautifully to make my bathroom smell like a luxury spa, with notes of jade bamboo, saffron, incense smoke, orris, and sandalwood.

'Mahjong was a constant in my grandmother’s life – something she played with her friends for decades,' explains Lindsey. 'As I started taking my own lessons, I fell in love with the rhythm of it: the clack of the tiles, and the ritual of getting together with friends… away from our phones for a few hours.

'I wanted to capture Mahjong’s calming, communal energy in a scent. We layered crisp, green notes with gentle smoke to evoke the quiet focus and warmth of gathering around a table.'

The other Needlepoint candle, also available at Hotel Lobby, is a warm and powdery scent, with notes of blush peony, lily of the valley, antique rose, vintage lipstick, and silky musk – bringing all that cozy comfort of visiting your grandmother's house.

'Needlepoint was inspired by the idea of stepping away from our phones and sinking into something more tactile – a ritual that keeps your hands busy and your mind calm,' says Lindsey. 'When creating the scent, I kept coming back to the charm of vintage perfumes: soft powder, quiet florals, a touch of warm vanilla.

'We wanted something that felt familiar and comforting... a fragrance that could accompany you while you’re stitching, unwinding, or simply taking a moment to slow down.'

While both scents sound beautifully nostalgic and comforting, the candles are comprised of vegan, non-toxic 100 per cent soy wax with a braided cotton wick, both of which, I've found, guarantee a clean burn and a room-filling sensory experience. This also makes them the perfect choice if you strive to pick non-toxic candles.

They feature a burn-time of up to 65 hours, too, weighing 9.75 oz each, which is excellent value for money at $58, particularly against other more luxury brands.

Additionally, the vessels are designed for reusing candle jars around the house – I use mine for organizing makeup, but they also work perfectly in bathroom cabinets or on countertops, for storing toothbrushes, tubes and other essentials.

So, if you're looking for a beautiful, thoughtful gift idea for friends and family (or yourself) look no further – this collection is guaranteed to delight this holiday season.

Shop My Hotel Lobby Holiday Gifting Picks

Got guests coming to stay over the holidays? These are the fall scents hotels use for luxurious guest rooms – and now you can too.

Holiday cooking can make a house smell wonderful, but not all odors are quite as charming as freshly baked cookies. Oven grease, simmering sauces, and winter slow cooker recipes can bring lingering smells that clash with the cozy vibe you want to create.

Rather than try to eliminate them and cover them up, one fragrance pro reveals that picking a home fragrance that complements the natural aromas of your dinner will prevent unseemly clashes and make your home smell like a luxury hotel this Christmas.

It is an effortless way to make a house smell nice – here’s what the experts recommend this winter.

The Scenting Trick That Compliments Your Cooking

Your home’s scent is one of the things guests notice instantly in your home at Christmas, but removing cooking odors can be time-consuming, and when you are in the throes of preparing and plating, there is little time to start deep cleaning your kitchen.

When the weather outside makes it hard to throw open windows, the best solution is to find home fragrances that complement the food you are cooking, says Caitlyn Grubb, a fragrance evaluation specialist at ScentAir.

‘When it comes to holiday scenting, there are so many fun ways to enhance the festive mood while also keeping lingering cooking smells in check. One of my go-to tricks is choosing scents that won’t clash with whatever’s happening in the kitchen. The easiest way to do that is to lean into fragrances that naturally complement food, think of warm savory spices,’ she shares.

‘These types of scents don’t just help mask cooking odors; they blend seamlessly with them so the atmosphere still feels intentional and not overwhelming or mismatched.’ It is the simplest way to make your home smell good this Christmas.

When freshening up Christmas Day house odors, Caitlyn continues, ‘Some of my favorite notes to reach for include cinnamon, clove, and other classic cooking spices. They feel homey and festive, and because they have a subtle savory edge, they pair beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes.’

To keep your home safe at Christmas, we suggest using an essential oil diffuser from Walmart, with cinnamon essential oil from Amazon. This eliminates naked flames in your home (especially important if your home is very busy, or you have children and pets around), and keeps your air cleaner. It is one of the best customizable, non-toxic ways to make a home smell nice.

Fahim Ibrahimi, CEO of Wizard Wellness, follows a similar approach; however, they use both neutralizing and complementary scents together to create the luxury hotel effect.

For example, he starts with clean, bright notes like eucalyptus, citrus, or fresh herbs, focusing their efforts in the kitchen itself. ‘These cut through heavy smells and instantly create a fresher, hotel-like environment,’ he explains. ‘Once the air is more neutralized, you can layer in warm, festive fragrances such as cinnamon, clove, or amber in guest spaces to bring in that cozy holiday mood everyone loves.’

The Scent Fill 100% natural eucalyptus plug-in, from Amazon, helps to create a non-toxic home while offering great odor coverage. As it is a plug-in, you can simply plug it on and forget about it, so you don’t have to worry about open flames or someone knocking over incense.

This is an especially useful trick in larger spaces or open-concept homes, Fahim adds, ‘It’s a simple technique that makes the entire experience feel more elevated, intentional and luxurious.’

What to Shop

Meet the Experts

Of course, it helps to combat the things that make your kitchen smell bad by limiting bad odors at the source. Taking the trash out regularly, avoiding piling plates with food scraps on them, and using an air purifier to improve indoor air quality can all help with keeping your home fresh when hosting.

Some objects quietly drift into the cultural current – until suddenly, they’re impossible to ignore. This season, the Byredo Bibliothèque Candle is exactly that. Tastemakers and design enthusiasts have been raving about it for months. It’s the gift everyone covets, the item that sells out the moment it hits shelves, and the undisputed must-have (albeit a luxury one) of the season.

What sets it apart is not only its scent but also its striking scale. This is a super large candle that feels architectural in the room, and unusually, it rises tall rather than spreading wide. It is one of the reasons so many editors have called it the best home fragrance of the year. It seems to be everywhere at once, and now there is a small window of opportunity to bring it home with a rare reduction at Space NK. For anyone who has their eye on the Byredo Bibliothéque Candle, previously £110, it is now appearing at £88, which makes it an irresistible moment to secure a modern icon.

Byredo has long been the Swedish brand to watch, and in terms of their homeware offering, this candle has become its defining icon. It is the gift that feels both perfectly current and deeply luxurious. With Space NK offering it at a limited-time price, it may be the only excuse you need to secure the scent everyone is talking about.

The Byredo Bibliotheque Candle is the it girl of interiors. Everyone wants it, and everyone who owns it instantly joins the conversation. It is the ultimate home decor gift of the season, the candle that signals you know what is current, coveted, and worth chasing.

The Byredo Bibliothèque Candle is as much a sculptural object as it is a fragrance. Its tall, architectural silhouette gives it a presence that elevates any space, making it perfect for coffee table styling ideas where it adds instant drama and sophistication or for styling a mantlepiece to create a curated, magazine-ready feel.

Candles are often written off as predictable gifts, but the right one is something everyone will actually want.

I run a mile from saccharine scents, and vanilla candles leave me cold, which is why I am completely obsessed with the Byredo Bibliothèque Candle. It smells nothing like anything sugary or cloying and everything like a beautiful, luxurious library filled with polished wood, soft leather, and a hint of ripe fruit in the air.

Candles Everyone Wants Right Now

In a season that can feel rushed and overstimulating, investing in something that adds calm, ritual, and a touch of luxury is a subtle but impactful way to make your home feel like your own sanctuary.

While lighting a candle is the perfect way to create a sense of welcoming calm with holiday guests on the way, using an essential oil diffuser is one of the easiest ways to freshen your space and banish bad odors, all at the click of a button.

In particular, the bestselling Vitruvi Stone Diffuser available at Amazon, which I tested and loved in my best essential oil diffuser guide, is now reduced by $52 for Black Friday.

If you're still at a loss for your Christmas shopping, as Homes & Gardens' resident home fragrance expert, this is the deal I'd nab to pop under the tree and gift to a loved one this season. Here's what makes it so good.

This Bestselling Electronic Diffuser is Now Reduced by $52

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

It's no secret that essential oil diffusers are one of the easiest, non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice, and this Black Friday, we're all about the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser available at Amazon.

Chic, elegant, and available in five different colors (though I have to say, the Sage is my favorite), this 90 ml diffuser makes a perfect gift for friends and family – or for yourself – this festive season.

What I love most is the design. All too often, essential oil diffusers can look cheap and plasticky. With this model, though, you get a high-quality matte ceramic cover that will look well at home among any relaxing bedroom ideas, cozy living room ideas, and even on display as part of your mantel decor ideas. I really do think it looks that stylish.

Don't worry – it's not all style and no substance, either. Though only 7 inches tall and 3.4 centimeters wide, this small but mighty diffuser is actually powerful enough to scent rooms up to 500 square feet.

It also comes equipped with two timers, so you can pick between four or eight hours, which I personally love as I often go to sleep with my diffuser on, paired with a relaxing essential oil. The NEOM Bedtime Hero Essential Oil Blend, also available at Amazon and currently reduced for Black Friday, is my favorite.

With this Vitruvi diffuser, I can safely do this, as the safety auto-off feature shuts off the machine if or when the water runs out. There's also an optional LED light, which provides a soft, cozy glow for added ambience.

It's all well and good for me to recommend this diffuser, but so too do 400 happy Amazon shoppers, all of whom left glowing five-star reviews after trialling theirs.

'Worth it!,' assures one, Anna. 'First off, the design of this diffuser is so aesthetic,' they explain. 'It gives off a nice chic, elegant, and matte ceramic look. The material is so sturdy. It blends so well anywhere in the house I place it.

'At first I thought it was a bit pricey, but it was definitely worth it – from the design, to the brightness and the colors, the lovely scent it gives off from the essential oils in it, and the overall functional ability of it. It gives off a consistency of mist that diffuses so quickly and well in the atmosphere. I’m just a week in, but I’m loving it so far!'

Another, TL Lago, also loves it as a quick way to make their own smell nice, and dub it the 'best diffuser ever,' explaining: 'I bought this diffuser based upon so many excellent reviews,' they say. 'I love it so much I bought another for where I work, and another to give as a Christmas gift.

'What I like: appearance. It’s beautiful – the stone cover is really pretty and heavy, sturdy and streamlined. It has a minimalist design, and the colors available are wonderful. I chose a black one and two white [ones]. You use regular tap water, and it’s easy to remove the cover and inside piece to fill, and the light at the base can be bright, dimmed, or turned off.'

They noted the convenience of the diffuser turning itself off when the water has gone, adding that it's 'worth every dollar' with its great functions, easy setup, and beautiful packaging.

Just ensure you know how to clean an essential oil diffuser, and do so properly, if you're adding this great deal to your cart this Black Friday. If your diffuser ever gets musty, empty the water, wipe down with white vinegar and allow to fully dry. This usually deals with any mildew.

What to Shop

If you'd prefer something with minimal maintenance, invest in one of the best reed diffusers instead.

When I have guests on the way, whether for dinner, drinks, or a cozy night in, the first thing I do is light a candle. It's a simple yet so effective way to create a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere, but where should you never place a scented candle when hosting?

The answer, really, is obvious once you think about it – strongly scented candles on the dinner table can heavily affect the way you smell and taste food and drinks.

Here, our home fragrance experts explain exactly why it's best to keep your best candles off your carefully curated tablescaping and what to use instead.

Why A Scented Candle Doesn't Belong on Your Dinner Table When Hosting

While I personally love scented candles and love swapping them out with the seasons (I'm currently using them to make my home smell like Christmas), Amy Keller, a candle-maker and the founder of apidae candles, says she tends to avoid scented candles in all parts of the home, as she finds that manufactured scents can often be too overpowering.

'However, most importantly, a scented candle should not be placed on the dining room table during a meal,' she warns, no matter how beautiful they look on your dining table decor ideas.

'Part of the pleasure of eating is enjoying the smells of the food. Smell allows us to distinguish the nuances of complex flavors. Without a proper sense of smell, food tastes different.'

Certainly, after all that preparation, the last thing you want to do is ruin your hard work cooking up party food recipes and seasonal menus for late Autumn.

What To Do Instead

Luckily, you don't have to sacrifice your dinner table styling. All you need, instead, is to pick non-toxic candles, specifically those that are unscented.

Darryl Do, senior perfumer at Delbia Do Fragrance, advises, 'Use unscented taper candles at your table, and keep scented candles or your best reed diffusers in your hall, living room, and bathrooms.'

For this, I recommend using colorful candles to still add a touch of flair or personality to your table – these Fluted Taper Candles, available in a pack of four at Anthropologie, would be my pick.

Alternatively, recommends Amy, burn beeswax candles. 'The bees give the beeswax its natural, subtle, honey scent, which is never overpowering,' she explains. These dinner candles are ideal for a holiday table setting. They are dripless and burn clean. The golden beeswax adds a touch of warmth to any festive table.

'And most importantly, they will never overpower the food, which should be the star at the dining table. The subtle scent of beeswax candles takes a backseat to the aromas being served up at the dining table. They burn elegantly in the background.

'In addition to being a beautiful source of light, beeswax candles are also a conscious and healthy choice. Made without additives or artificial fragrances, they offer a pure and natural alternative to conventional scented candles.'

If you're crafty, you can also try your hand at making your own candles, using candle wicks and beeswax, both available at Amazon.

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

Our candle care guide is packed full of actionable expert tips to make your candles last longer and burn better.

Céline Roux is the Vice President of Global Fragrance Development at Jo Malone London and a veritable doyenne in the world of scent, having led hugely successful campaigns for some of the brand's most popular fragrances, including English Pear and Peony and Blush Suede. Hailing from France and now living in London, Céline is also a globally recognised voice on the philosophy of fragrance, which goes far beyond creating the best candles, and fragrances for Jo Malone London, but also encapsulates cultural moments and the exploration of all the senses to enhance wellbeing and peace of mind. I caught up with Céline ahead of the busy run-up to the festive period to find out what brings her joy and calm at this often chaotic time of year.

Céline Roux Shares Her Favorite Things

1. Christmas in New York

I lived in New York for eight years, when I was in my twenties, so it's a second home for me, and whenever I go back, it feels very familiar. I especially love it just before Christmas, and I'm quite traditional, so I love seeing the tree at the Rockefeller Center, and seeing Fifth Avenue all lit up. Whenever I hear Christmas songs playing in stores, it takes me right back to doing Christmas shopping in New York. Now, every year, wherever I am, I have to go to a Christmas carol concert – whether it's in a church, at school, or in the street – as that's always a reminder of New York for me.

2. Scents of the Season

Jo Malone's Orange Bitters Cologne was the first personal fragrance we did for Christmas. When I thought about what could be nice in a scent that makes me think of Christmas, it was a cocktail – something a little bit warm, a little bit citrussy, and a little bit bitter. It's both woodsy and warm but has the zestiness of the orange. It's very unisex, and it became a classic, which comes back every year, so I totally associate this scent with Christmas. We also have a Golden Barley Candle, which smells of baking biscuits without even turning the oven on – it's comforting, homey, and it takes me back to baking cookies with my mom when I was young.

3. Hugo Guinness' Dog Print

I love Hugo Guinness' work and he has a very famous outline drawing of a bull terrier dog, and it really looks like my old rescue dog that I brought back with me from America, Marty. He's not with us anymore, but old friends who see it and don't know the artist think it's actually a picture of my dog that I've had done. I just love it.

4. Advent Traditions

One year I was gifted an Advent candle, and since then I've burnt one every year with my children – I have two boys aged 10 and 14. It's a lovely daily ritual that we always do together. I love decorating the Christmas tree with the children, too. We have a very eclectic mix of ornaments, from ceramic to paper, and handmade ones, to things I've collected from my travels. There's even a glittery sushi and a Santa in a swimsuit! It looks different every year. I also do a customized Advent calendar for the boys, using the box from the Jo Malone Advent calendar. I do it a bit like a treasure hunt so there's a clue on a sticky note, and they have to find something in the apartment, or it might say: 'at 5pm be ready for a surprise with your boots and coat', or it could be just some chocolate or Legos. It's a lot of work to plan, but great fun.

5. Making Christmas Cards

I like to make my own Christmas cards. I do it at night when I should be asleep, but I actually find it quite therapeutic. I used to do collage, but that takes too long, so now I've switched to watercolors or drawings. I always draw something related to the recipient, so if it's a friend who lives in a hot country I'll add a palm tree ornament, for example.

6. My Grandmother's Angel

I have a ceramic angel from my Grandmother that I've always kept and makes me feel like she's always looking after me. It's a Christmas piece, but I keep it up all the time, so I have a bit of Christmas all year round. I don't mind that though, as I love Christmas.

7. Vintage and Global Finds

I collect a lot of random pieces from travelling and vintage markets. I like Broadway Market and Columbia Road Flower Market in London as they're my closest, as well as Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Racecourse, but whenever I travel I look for flea markets – you never know what you're going to find there. When I was in New York I went to Chelsea Flea Market every weekend. I like the idea of picking up pieces with history, as it brings a bit of character. I moved to my apartment in The Barbican almost ten years ago, and it's quite mid-century, so the style is a blend of mid-century furniture and items from my travels. I have vintage Persian rugs and Mexican dishes – it's quite eclectic.

8. Collecting Exhibition Posters

I started a few years ago to fill a wall just with exhibition posters to as a memory. Now I'm on the hunt for posters from exhibitions I've been to in the past. It's quite a nice project to remind me of the ones that were dear to my heart. There was a Basquiat exhibition in The Barbican years ago that I really liked, and I was able to find the print of the poster (Basquiat: Boom for Real, Barbican 2018 at King & McGaw), but there are a few more I'm still searching for in the museum archives.

9. Museum Trips

In London, I love the Tate Modern, and try to see all the exhibitions there. I went to The Young V&A in Bethnal Green recently and think it's quite a nice one to go to with older children. And we have great exhibitions here in The Barbican. In New York I love The Met – I used to go there all the time when I lived there, but I would say my favorite is The Neue Galerie on the Upper East Side, which has works by Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka – German and Austrian expressionists. I love this place, and it has an amazing coffee shop called Café Sabarsky, where you can get Austrian cakes. It's a wonderful haven.

10. The Great Outdoors

I grew up in Marseille near the sea, but I really took it for granted. So whenever I'm near the sea now I really enjoy it. Even if it's a walk by the estuary, or a day trip to the English coast, I find it quite comforting. I also love skiing and think it's great after Christmas. I was lucky to grow up in the South of France where ski resorts were not that far away. But having lived in the city for years now, it's easy to forget the feeling of the crisp air, and the purity of the mountains until you arrive. It's an amazing break, and the children enjoy the freedom and space. My parents have a flat in a small ski resort called Les Orres, and the boys learned to ski on the same slopes that I did when I was young, which is lovely.

Shop Céline's Essentials for a Joyful Christmas

My Life in 10 is a series of interviews with tastemakers in the world of design and hosting that reveal their essential rules, rituals, and objects for beautiful living – from entertaining essentials they can't host without, to inspirational travel destinations and treasured pieces from their homes – to help you to live beautifully, too.

It might not be the first space you think of when hosting over the holidays, but your powder room – and the way it smells – is just as important as the kitchen or living room in setting a welcoming tone for guests.

While adding a candle or a diffuser is a quick, reliable fix, if you want to try something a little more unique, our fragrance experts have one simple essential oil potpourri trick that's so easy to DIY, yet so effective.

Here, they explain why paying attention to this space is one of the things people with nice-smelling powder rooms always do, and what they recommend for a fresh yet festive fall space.

The One Trick Fragrance Experts Use to Make a Powder Room Smell Luxurious

For some non-toxic, zero-waste ways perfumers scent homes for fall, and more specifically, powder rooms, we spoke to Riccardo Soff, founder of Incensesticks.com, who recommends making potpourri, infused with luxurious essential oils.

'Scents like apple, cinnamon, vanilla, forest, cinnamon, orange, and sandalwood evoke warmth and comfort, while complementing fall décor,' he says. For this, we recommend the HIQILI Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil available at Amazon, or the MAYJAM Pine Needles Essential Oil, available at Walmart.

'Pot pourri not only scents the room naturally, but also doubles as an elegant decor element,' adds Riccardo.

To try it for yourself, he recommends, arrange dried botanicals such as flower petals, leaves, citrus peels, or cinnamon sticks in a decorative bowl.

'Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil blend to infuse the mix with fragrance,' he continues. 'Refresh with a few more drops every few days to keep the aroma vibrant.

'Essential oil-based fragrances gently diffuse and linger without overwhelming the senses. The natural botanicals help release the scent slowly, ensuring your powder room stays fresh and inviting throughout the day.'

Punteha van Terheyden, Head of Solved at Homes & Gardens, worked in perfume for years. She adds, 'If you add your essential oil to an unscented carrier oil such as organic fractionated coconut oil, available at Amazon, and then add it to your potpourri, you won't have to refresh the scent as often as the carrier oil will help it stick around longer.'

Alternatively, and more simply, you can also use your best essential oil diffuser to make a 'seasonal diffuser elixir,' suggests Savannah Britt, the founder of The Fragrance Affair, using concentrated fragrance oil and warm water.

She explains, 'Fill a stylish ceramic or glass diffuser with warm water and add 8-10 drops of a fall-inspired fragrance oil blend. I recommend one with notes like vanilla, marshmallow, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and a hint of sandalwood for a balanced mix of warmth and depth.'

For this, we recommend using the ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser available at Amazon.

With this non-toxic way to make your home smell nice, the best part is that you can easily refresh the scent every few days, simply by adding a few more drops of essential oil.

'Unlike sprays or candles that fade quickly, diffuser oil slowly releases fragrance over time – ensuring your powder room smells inviting for hours without being overpowering,' adds Savannah. 'The warm water helps to gently diffuse the scent throughout the space, while fall notes like cinnamon and vanilla create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that instantly elevates the guest experience,' when hosting for the holidays.

As Sandra Barvaux, the vice president of Aera, adds, using an essential oil diffuser works so well, as you can 'pair it with a fragrance that reflects the mood of the moment.

'This means I know my guests will feel reassured they're in a well-cared-for space, and enjoy a beautiful scent that lingers just enough to leave a lasting impression. Your powder room will be taken care of – smelling fresh, clean, and welcoming without any extra effort.'

Powder Room Scenting Essentials

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

For larger spaces, you can make your bathroom smell like a luxury spa with a simple cotton wool ball hack. You can also decorate with dry flowers so easily, and it brings a beautiful and stylish personal touch to any room.

As hotels prepare their guest rooms for the colder winter months, one subtle, simple shift can make all the difference – switching scents from citrussy summer notes to cozy, warm fragrances for a quietly indulgent feel that oozes sophistication.

It's a simple switch we can all make in our own homes, too. So, we spoke to fragrance experts to find out exactly which fall scents top hotels use, and why.

Here, they share their tips on the best home fragrance buys to transform your bedroom into a grounded and serene space that welcomes sleep and relaxation.

5 Fall Scents Top Hotels Use in Guest Rooms

As Susan Ankersen, co-founder and perfumer at Susan James Fragrances, explains, 'Luxury hotels use scent the same way they use lighting or art, to shape emotion and reinforce their brand identity.'

To try this in your own home, our experts recommend these fragrance profiles:

1. Amber

One of the easiest ways to provide warmth and elegance to your bedroom ideas and guest bedroom ideas, Caitlyn Grubb, a fragrance evaluation specialist at ScentAir, says, is to use amber fragrances, which are 'perfect for the cooler fall months.'

'Warm, slightly spicy, and subtly sweet, amber scents create an atmosphere of refined comfort – their golden, glowy essence evoking both richness and intimacy,' she explains

For this, Caitlyn recommends the ScentAir Santal & Red Cedar Fragrance Cartridge in Santal & Red Cedar, available at Amazon.

'The creamy smoothness of sandalwood is balanced by warm cardamom and amber, creating a fragrance that feels both inviting and sophisticated,' she says, helping to make your bedroom smell like a luxurious hotel suite, particularly when paired with tips to design a luxury hotel-style bedroom.

Additionally, says Susan, many hotels rely on pairing grounding scents like amber with sandalwood and leather, creating 'a trio that communicates warmth and belonging.' The Trudon Ernesto Scented Candle, available at Net-a-Porter is a good example of this.

'Leather exudes lounging and legacy; it carries that sense of heritage, confidence, and understated luxury,' she explains. 'Amber adds a golden glow with a touch of familiar sweetness from vanilla, while sandalwood softens everything with a lactonic tranquility.'

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

2. Jasmine

On the other end of the scent spectrum, Karen Arcilla, founder of Set Forth NY, suggests using floral notes, like jasmine or iris, for a 'timeless,' 'lived-in,' and 'not perfumed' feel.

'Subtle florals mimic fresh linens and bring balance to heavier wood or musk notes, inviting a sense of calm intimacy,' she advises.

If you love the clean scent of linen, you can also enjoy the fresh laundry smell all year with the Yankee Candle Clean Cotton Scented Candle available at Amazon, included among our best candles, which will pair beautifully with floral notes.

Alternatively, the Loewe Honeysuckle scented candle, available at Net-a-Porter, boasts a low-intensity, floral aroma.

3. Vanilla

'Vanilla fragrances are often associated with sweet nostalgia, but the trend we’re seeing in luxury spaces is to push vanilla beyond its traditional gourmand comfort zone,' says Caitlyn. 'Today’s innovative pairings create striking juxtapositions, adding depth and intrigue to a note we thought we knew.'

Indeed, vanilla fragrances, such as the WoodWick Vanilla Bean Candle available at Amazon, are a favorite among many, for a sweet yet subtle twist that elevates any space.

In fact, even Sydney Sweeney is a fan of this scent profile, as her favorite Zara candle is the Poetic Mind Scented Candle available at Zara Home, which she says is 'calming' and 'cozy', and has a 'vanilla aspect to it.'

4. Sea Salt

Another scent that hotels use for guest rooms, says Karen, is sea salt, paired with notes of mineral air. 'These are often layered in coastal retreats to create openness and clarity, even as temperatures drop,' she explains.

So, whether you strive to bring a touch of coastal elegance to your space or want to hold on to the scent of summer, opt for salty notes, such as the Airkeep Ocean Mist & Sea Salt Reed Diffuser, available at Amazon.

Professional cleaners also use these fresh scents to make your bathroom smell fresh, so they'll work just as well there, too.

5. Wood

Finally, a fall classic for a reason, 'Deep woody fragrances are another great option to add a touch of luxury, while also bringing the outdoors in with their grounding presence,' says Caitlyn. 'They’re incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with many notes while remaining a solid base.'

For this, try Diptyque's Feu de Bois candle, available at Amazon, which is one of our best fall candles – and for good reason. It will look gorgeous at home among any fall mantel ideas, too, as will the Trudon Altaïr candle, available at Net-a-Porter, which features notes of sandalwood, cedar and oud.

What to Shop

Meet the Experts

'Familiarity also plays a role,' says Susan. 'Studies show that familiar scents tend to evoke stronger feelings of comfort and safety than new ones. So when guests inhale the familiarity of leather and wood, their brains register it as comforting.'

For that reason, the scents you use should perfectly compliment your cozy bedroom ideas, for a homey, comforting space.

For many of us, fall fragrances are one of the best parts of the season – from pumpkin spice to freshly baked cookies, there is nothing more comforting. But rather than reach for synthetic scents, why not opt for a more intentional, zero-waste approach?

For perfumer Susan Ankerson, co-founder of Susan James Fragrances, this non-toxic approach is non-negotiable.

These are the four non-toxic, zero-waste ways she makes a home smell nice for fall, using Danish-inspired rituals and Mother Nature's helping hand.

4 Zero-Waste Non-Toxic Fall Home Fragrancing Hacks

1. Make Danish Glogg

While you can make simmer pot recipes for fall and winter, you are often left with stewed fruit and spices that you have to throw out with the liquid. To minimize food waste, why not make a simmer recipe that you can later drink?

Susan begins, ‘Growing up in Denmark, we made Glogg quite a bit, and it smelled fantastic and nice on cold evenings.

‘To make it yourself, infuse red wine [or an alcohol free alternative] with orange peel, clove, fresh cardamon and ginger slices, a couple of cinnamon sticks, and then squeeze the juice of the orange. Let it sit overnight before warming up with a dash of sugar the next evening. It smells like the holidays!’

Consider adding a small OXO Good Grips Countertop Compost Bin, from Amazon, to your counter to collect food waste over the holiday period and reduce waste.

2. Soak Pinecones in Essential Oils

Making potpourri is a fantastic non-toxic way to make a home smell nice, and using items you find in your yard means it’s zero waste (and very affordable at an otherwise expensive time of the year).

Susan shares, ‘If we take a trip to Big Bear in the fall, I collect pinecones and soak them in an essential oils blend of Sweet orange, Virginia cedar, Vanilla, and a touch of Patchouli. This is also great to spray around the house for fall, and a few drops each week keeps the cones fresh.’

This set of 20 essential oils from Amazon contains scents such as cinnamon, vanilla, and cedar, making it ideal for holiday fragrancing.

Once you have finished with them, simply return the pinecones to your yard or compost heap to break down.

3. Bring the Outdoors In

Towards the end of fall, when we start to think more of the festive season, Susan suggests bringing spruce and fir sprigs indoors to help make a house smell nice and try evening scenting without harsh chemicals.

‘I love to bring the outdoors inside,’ she shares. ‘I like fir or spruce branches in big vases when decorating for fall, and after Thanksgiving, I get trimmings from Christmas trees. They add subtle forest scent and visual texture to a space.’

As with pinecones, once you are finished with them or they lose their fragrance, simply return them to your yard to decompose naturally.

The Clara Bow Vase, from Anthropologie, is the ideal festive option for the holiday season, while a pair of sharp garden shears, from Walmart, will make collections easier.

4. Bake Vanilla Extract (or Cookies)

Is there anything that screams fall quite like freshly baked goods? From caramel pear cobbler to bay and cinnamon baked fruit and the perfect vanilla cookies, your fall food trends can help to scent your home without waste, Susan suggests.

After all, who wouldn’t want to eat up every crumb?

Don’t fancy yourself a home cook? Don’t fret. You can heat up some vanilla extract (from Walmart) after cleaning an oven without chemicals, she assures, or even use a vanilla vinegar cleaner to deodorize a fridge for a similar, gourmand effect.

What to Shop

Meet the Expert

Scenting your home only goes part of the way to making it more welcoming over the fall and winter period. Don’t forget to hone in on the essential fall cleaning jobs everyone forgets for a thoroughly fresh space, too. You can use a fast baking soda trick to make a home smell like fall to tackle those tasks.

Something as simple as lighting your best candle or switching on your best oil diffuser will also instantly elevate your space if you're expecting visitors.

Until recently, I'd never heard of evening scenting. Now, it's at the top of my priority list as I transition my home fully to fall, and pay particular attention to cozy corners and hosting family and friends.

Inspired by warm, rich, and comforting scents that plants naturally release at night, this clever trick focuses on bringing the outside in, when the colder weather naturally means we retreat indoors more and more.

Here, I spoke to home fragrance experts for their tips on why evening scenting is one of the most impactful ways to make the most of the best home fragrance options.

What is Evening Scenting?

To find out more about evening scenting, I spoke to Marissa Mosseri, co-founder of Set the Mood. She explains, 'Evening scenting is about enjoying the natural fragrances plants release as night falls, like jasmine, gardenia, or night-blooming honeysuckle. It's nature's way of signaling calm, perfect for winding down at home.'

As Marissa adds, this matters in fall and winter, as shorter days and cooler temperatures can make homes feel darker and quieter. 'Evening scenting adds warmth, coziness, and a relaxing, inviting vibe that helps people feel grounded and calm.'

Darryl Do, Senior Perfumer at Delbia Do Fragrances, agrees, and highlights that this is also important in terms of making your home appealing, warm, and welcoming when hosting for the holidays.

'Everyone wants to be a wonderful host,' he says. 'This goes from the food you serve to the ambiance of your home. Visually, flowers can make an impact, but scenting the air with candles or the best reed diffusers can only increase your impact to your guests.'

How to Try Evening Scenting

When it comes to evening scenting in fall and winter, 'The fragrances we choose reflect the season's mood, color, and temperature – evoking cozy rituals like wrapping up in a blanket, sipping mulled wine, or wandering through crisp forests filled with woodsmoke and evergreens,' says Sandra Barvaux, vice president of Fragrance at Aera.

'Evening scenting in fall and winter is about togetherness, unwinding, and letting go. In the absence of sunlight and warmth, fragrance becomes a powerful tool to evoke lightness, intimacy, and emotional warmth.'

Here's how to try it yourself, with quick ways to make a home smell nice:

1. Burn a Candle

Simple yet effortlessly effective, burning one of your best candles is one of the easiest ways to embrace fall scenting and take advantage of the fall scents hotels use for luxurious guest rooms.

'There are many ways to bring evening scenting to life,' says Susan Ankersen, co-founder and perfumer at Susan James Fragrances. 'Being from Denmark, the land that consumes the most candles, I love to burn candles.

'Mixing grounding notes like vetiver and sandalwood, with rich florals like gardenia and jasmine are my favorites.'

For this, we recommend the Diptyque Vetyver Scented Candle, available at Bluemercury, or the Yankee Candle Midnight Jasmine Scented Candle, available at Amazon, if you're after a more affordable option.

2. Bring Plants Inside

Another tip Susan recommends is taking advantage of the best fragrant flowers.

'I love to bring plants inside,' she says. 'Today, I cut large branches of mountain ash with red berries – it looks gorgeous, brings nature and the season inside, and gives me joy.

'I have an outdoor jasmine that I bring inside in the winter, too, and it smells heavenly. As with all living plants inside, the leaves promote a healthier indoor air, which is especially good when we keep the windows closed in the colder months.'

For collecting your cuttings, we recommend using Gardening Scissors, available at Amazon, to avoid any plant cutting mistakes.

Learn how to make a wildflower bouquet with Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens here at Homes & Gardens:

3. Make a Simmer Pot

You can also, as LaRen Johnson, fragrance director at ScentMatch, suggests, try some simmer pot recipes for fall and winter.

'I love putting together a simmer pot for more natural fragrances,' she says. 'Here's the combination I put together for a warm and rich night in: Sandalwood oil, rosemary, and lemon peels.'

The HIQILI Sandalwood Essential Oil available at Amazon is a bestseller.

Alternatively, to make your home smell like fall, simmer pods and spices, like cardamom, clove, and cinnamon, in a pot, all of which are also essentials to make your home smell like Christmas.

'I reuse the spices for several simmers,' adds Susan.

4. Burn Incense

While burning incense might be part of your regular scenting ritual, at this time of year, LaRen recommends burning incense that mirrors night-blooming florals.

'I recommend incense for warmer blends, like sandalwood or jasmine, to evoke the richness of dusk, and to provide a complete experience.'

For this, LaRen uses the HEM Precious Jasmine Incense Sticks, available in a box of 120 at Amazon.

5. Create Your Own Holiday Pomander Balls

Finally, says Sandra, 'My own DIY to scent my home, especially during the festive season, will be to create my holiday pomander balls.

'Using fresh oranges, outline a pattern using a toothpick on the orange – stripes, spirals and stars – and insert fresh cloves into the skin of the orange.

'Then, let it dry and harden for a couple of weeks. Tying a festive bow, I will hang it or place it in a bowl, and it diffuses a warm, spicy aroma into the room.'

For a quicker make, you can use your air fryer at 180-200° Fahrenheit for several hours, turning every 30 minutes. The best air fryers often have settings for dehydrating.

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Experts

'I believe evening scenting is a sensory slowdown, the soft scent and golden flicker from a candle, the fragrance from jasmine or mint tea, the beautiful scent from natural blooms deepening into night as the day exhales, helping us quiet the mind for rest in a world that rarely slows,' says Susan, and we agree.

You can learn more about the night-scented plants to consider for your garden in our dedicated guide, and explore the benefits of burning rosemary indoors.

I'm always burning candles – in fact, I've got one lit beside me right now. Nothing says 'fall' more than a cozy evening spent reading (another passion of mine) with one of my favorite scents filling the air and setting the mood.

When it comes to shopping for luxe home fragrance picks, be it candles, diffusers, or room sprays, Net-a-Porter is my absolute go-to, with home fragrance options that make wonderful Christmas gifts for friends and family, too.

Here's my edit of the best home fragrance picks available there right now.

6 Fall Scents I'm Shopping from Net-a-Porter

If you're still wondering where the Homes & Gardens editors are shopping for holiday gifts, I've also curated a buying guide on the best candles, the majority of which can be shopped all in one place at Bluemercury, and are ideal for evening scenting.

You can also shop the fall scents hotels use for luxurious guest rooms, and our edit of the best home decor gifts, or browse our Homes & Gardens holiday gift guides, for lovers of gardening, home decor, keen cooks, and those after a savvy style steal.

Plug-in air fresheners are a very convenient way to make a home smell more inviting, but they are often packed full of harsh chemicals that can trigger headaches, allergies, and leave a lingering artificial odor.

That's why these 100% natural Scent Fill Plug-in Air Fresheners, available at Amazon, are a game-changer, relying on essential oils instead of synthetic fillers.

The best part? They last longer, too. This is why hundreds of people bought them last month to create a non-toxic home.

100% natural, non-toxic plug-in air fresheners

While there are several non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice, plug-ins are among the most convenient.

You don't need to watch a pot boil, as with simmer pots, they last far longer than the best fragrant flowers, and they mitigate the fire risk of the best non-toxic candles (perfect if you have clumsy children or curious pets).

Better yet, they have thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon alone, with many shoppers mentioning that the plug-ins did away with the chronic headaches synthetic plug-ins, which, if you have them, are one of the toxic items to remove from your bedroom right now, had triggered for them.

Verified Amazon shopper Red Ink, for example, praised the plug-ins for finally defeating year-long odors to make their home smell nice.

They shared, 'I live in a 1400-square-foot home built in 1912, and I have three cats. A previous owner of our house was a cat hoarder, and even though we have taken down walls to the studs and replaced the flooring, the house still smells bad when it warms up in the summer.

'A few times I tried various sprays and plugins, but they typically gave me headaches. Today, we were away all day with the air conditioner barely running, and the house was warm – a usual time when we smell that unpleasant smell upon returning home.

'Instead, we opened the front door, and the whole house smelled amazing! Soft peppermint lingered in the air. My daughter loved it, and I did too. No more funky odors!'

If that wasn't enough, Amazon shopper Bea has had success using the Scent Fill natural peppermint fragrance from Amazon as natural pest control to help get rid of mice in their home.

'We have a garage apartment, and when no one is in there, we’ve had occasional rodent guests. I researched that the peppermint smell could work as a deterrent. I feel that it has. And when I open the apartment for use, it’s easy to freshen up because of the clean scent.'

With scent families ranging from gourmand to spicy to fruits and even ozonic, there is a scent option to suit every taste.

Shopper N Puroff-Main gave their fragrance selection five stars, sharing, 'My house smells like a high-end hotel, without the cost of something like Drift, which you have to subscribe to. Inexpensive and perfect!'

What's not to like?

What to shop

Now that you have swapped your home fragrance, consider switching to the best non-toxic cleaning products to help cut even more harsh chemicals from your home.

As I prepare to hunker down for fall, I have to ask myself two important questions: Do I really need more scented candles? And can I fit any more on the already crowded surfaces in my apartment?

While the answer to both is probably obvious, that doesn’t stop me from hunting down the best candles for my collection – and the Ceramic Scalloped Rim Jar Candle from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia has completely won me over.

Part of Joanna Gaines' fall 2025 collection at Target, the candle offers a fresh take on one of this year’s biggest interior design trends: scalloped edges. With its subtle ribbed finish, it nods to a trendy silhouette while still feeling distinctive and unique.

I love that Joanna Gaines’ Ceramic Scalloped Rim Jar Candle is both compact and elegant, with a warm, woodsy scent that’s perfect for the harvest season.

But there’s more than meets the eye: with two wooden wicks, lighting this candle treats you to a gentle crackle reminiscent of a cozy fireplace. And once the wax has fully melted, you’re left with a gorgeous, reusable jar – perfect for adding a touch of style long after the candle is gone.

‘This candle smells like heaven,’ reads one review of Joanna Gaines’ Ceramic Scalloped Rim Jar Candle on the Target site. ‘I love the crackling wick and the chic jar,’ adds another. ‘It smells like every bit of fall in the best possible way.’

With its classic seasonal design and an earthy fragrance perfectly balanced by a touch of sweetness, I have a feeling this candle will easily earn a spot on my list of the best fall candles of the year.

Shop more candles from Hearth & Hand with Magnolia

Looking to explore more Joanna Gaines designs? Discover Magnolia’s fall 2025 candle collection – it seems my own collection is about to grow even more.

It’s hard to move the aromatic needle right now – too many options, too many sandalwoods. So when I came across ripple+ home, a relatively young brand founded in 2019, I wasn’t expecting much beyond another pretty bottle of home fragrance. Instead, I think it might have actually cracked the code with its art-forward aromatherapy reed diffusers – one of which has been living in my apartment for the past four months.

ripple+ home's reed diffuser collection spans six blends, each imagined as a kind of 'destination' – a mood or state of being, united in the goal of quietly elevating a room. Formulated with natural, sustainable ingredients and developed with master perfumers in Grasse (the famous perfume regions of France), the scents are purposeful: relaxation, focus, joy – or, in my case, a bit of South of France escapism for just $40.

Now, four months later, I'm reassessing: did it hold up? Did the design survive multiple apartment reshuffles? Did it actually deliver on that Riviera fantasy? My unfiltered take on ripple+ home’s Château Gardenia reed diffuser, below.

First impressions

The biodegradable packaging was the first win – always nice – but what really impressed me was the single reed. Not twelve slender sticks jammed into a jar, just one, which is a small but refreshing change. It looked good alongside the asymmetric crystal-glass vessel, which read to me more like jewelry (Elsa Peretti for Tiffany came to mind) than tabletop accessory.

Candidly, at that point I wasn’t too worried about how it smelled. For $40, I’d unwrapped something that I knew would inhabit one of my shelves or tabletops for the foreseeable future. But then the scent – Château Gardenia – wafted through, crisp and refreshing, with a flicker of spice I didn’t expect to enjoy. Light enough to make your home smell nice, not something you’d get sick of in a week.

I followed the instructions: reed in, let it drink for a few hours, flip. After that, a once-a-week turn was enough to keep it going (the brand says every few days, but I occasionally forgot). The diffuser still managed to send this steady, low-key lift through my apartment – nothing aggressive, just a gentle reminder that I was supposed to be on the Côte d’Azur instead of in my walk-up.

How long did the scent last?

ripple+ home’s reed diffusers are built to scent medium spaces – about 250 sq ft, according to the brand – which feels ambitious given the vessel itself is only five inches tall and two wide. But the claim tracks. The fragrance lingers in the background, and travels from across the room, but slip too far to either side and it fades.

I don’t consider that a drawback – the always-on, heavy-hitting diffusers usually give me a headache. This is detectable in a lighter, more elegant way, drifting in behind me as I work at my desk, even months later.

As for the scent itself, I can’t say Château Gardenia transported me straight to the Côte d’Azur (to be fair, my time in actual French châteaux has been limited), but it stayed fresh, light, and just green enough. Not a total knockout, but reliably pleasant – which, for a home scent, is its own kind of success.

It’s been four months now – a month past ripple+ home’s three-month promise – and as you can see from the bottle on my shelf in the above photo, there’s still plenty left.

At this pace, I’d expect another three or four months of use. Maybe that’s down to me only flipping the reed once a week, maybe it’s the humidity of my studio – but either way, it feels like a win. Underpromise, overdeliver: exactly what you want from a new recruit.

Final thoughts

My blue-green tinged Château Gardenia vessel has made its rounds these past several months – bookshelf, coffee table, and now perched on my new credenza, beside a bouquet of forever roses and a trio of my favorite perfumes.

So, do I recommend it? Yes – it’s relatively affordable, surprisingly sculptural, and a scent you can actually live with. For $40, it outlasted its promises. I also think it would make an excellent gift for the design-minded person in your life. But my bigger takeaway about ripple+ home’s reed diffusers is more zeitgeist-y: I think this is where the future of home fragrance is heading.

Gen Z is obsessed with the multi-sensory. If a luxury brand launches a product, it probably comes with a perfume collab, a matcha tie-in, a limited-edition ice cream, and an influencer trip to Mykonos. Nothing exists in a vacuum anymore – and scent, being the most transportive of senses, is often at the center of the whole experience.

That’s a tall order for a humble reed diffuser, but the fact that ripple+ sparked the thought at all says more than any other home scent I’ve tried in recent years.

I’ll be buying more. Below, three more ‘destinations’ I haven’t yet visited – but fully intend to.

More ripple+ home reed diffusers

If you’re as skeptical about home scents as we are, Homes & Gardens also put Oprah’s favorite candle to the test. Does Purple Love by Harlem Candle Co. really deserve a spot on her famed Favorite Things list?

Late August might be devoted to that languorous, end-of-summer feeling, but I've always felt that it's the perfect time to start getting cozy for fall. So, I've resumed my hunt for the best candles, and Magnolia's new candles and fragrance are at the top of my wishlist.

Joanna Gaines certainly knows how to curate show-stopping seasonal decor – just take a look at the Magnolia fall collection for 2025, the one thing missing, however, was fragrance – but Magnolia has just dropped two new seasonal candles, and I can't wait to bring them into my home for fall.

Perhaps the most anticipated piece in the collection is the Magnolia Gathered Candle, which Joanna described last fall as her favorite scent. Bursting with notes of nutmeg, pumpkin and coffee, it's the dreamiest seasonal addition to any mantel, shelf or side table, and I love that it's available in both a small size and a larger, three-wick alternative. I'll be purchasing a few extra to top off my fall table decor ideas.

'To shift my home from summer into fall, I always change up the scents,' says Hebe Hatton, our head of interiors. 'No more zesty citrus or fresh linen: the second I light Magnolia's Gather candle, fall has started. I usually get it going in the first week of September when I sense a freshness in the air; it's my sign that summer has faded and fall is closing in.'

The second scent in Magnolia's new collection is the Amber Candle, which offers an enticing blend of musk, amber and Madagascan vanilla. This is a brilliant choice if you're after a transitional alternative to those heady fall spices; I'll certainly be burning a few during my final outdoor evening parties.

While the Gathered and Amber candles are the star of the show, Magnolia's new drop also includes matchsticks, a brass candle set, and a reed diffuser. Every item is American-made and utterly stylish; as usual, Joanna Gaines' impeccable homeware has me brimming with fall decor ideas.

Shop more Magnolia fall candles and fragrance

For me, the allure of high-end hotels has always been about more than grand design – it’s the subtle details that linger. Fragrance, in particular, can define a stay long after checkout, making it one of the most powerful elements of the hotel experience. So when I discovered H&M’s new hotel-inspired collection, the Dark Honey-scented candle immediately rose to the top of my wishlist.

As someone who loves curating the best candles to bring that same hotel-level atmosphere into my own home, this collection feels like it was created with me in mind. The Dark Honey candle stands out instantly with its luxurious glass vessel, finished in a beautiful swirled effect that feels far more elevated than its price tag suggests. Layered with rich notes of plum, tobacco blossom, and herbal davana, it promises to be one of the best fall candles of the season – and perhaps the closest thing to recreating that five-star ambience at home.

It might be dainty, but the Dark Honey candle boasts a burn time of 10 hours (and the largest size, which is priced at just $34.99, will last for up to 30 hours). Additionally, I'd be more than happy to reuse the stunning glass votive as a trinket dish or jewelry holder once the wax has melted out.

While the smallest candle in the collection is available in three different scents, the larger options offer even more variety. If you opt for the medium size, for example, you can choose between four fragrances (including an Ember Vanilla scent and a Grapefruit Nectar candle in a striking green holder). The biggest, three-wick candle boasts five scent options, including Salted Sea and a sultry Papyrus Oud.

'When fall arrives, I struggle to find candles that create an uplifting ambiance – without the overbearing presence of pumpkin spice,' says Charlotte Olby, our Style and Trends Editor. 'However, H&M's papyrus oud candle manages to blend my favorite sweet orange with a rich, woody undertone that feels like the perfect way to transition my home for the new season. Plus, I'm a sucker for anything tortoiseshell, and the glass votive is so chic, I'll be repurposing it to store cotton pads on my vanity afterward.'

Each of the candles in H&M's new collection was developed in partnership with French perfume house Robertet, and the collection itself is designed to emulate the opulence of five-star hotels (think crisp bedding, pleated cushions, and sleek accessories). If you're on the lookout for the best home fragrance, this Dark Honey-scented candle could be a brilliant alternative to some of the more high-end brands, creating that luxurious feel without the steeper price tag.

Shop more from the H&M hotel collection

Novelty candles have never been my thing. In the past, they often felt too gimmicky, too bright, or overly scented. I would glance at them in stores and keep walking. ALDI’s LED Novelty Pumpkin Candles changed that entirely.

They might not make our best candles list, but they’re undeniably charming. Each pumpkin has its own subtle shape and warm autumnal tone, echoing the beauty of the real thing. The soft, flickering LED light casts a gentle, inviting glow that fills a room without the risk of an open flame. They are small, but the impact is big.

Perfect for fall table decor, a mantel, or even a windowsill, they add a warmth and sophistication that feels effortlessly seasonal.

I began with just one pumpkin in the corner of my fall living room, but within days, I was gathering a few more for the mantel and dining table. The amber light dances softly across the walls, giving the whole room a gentle glow and turning ordinary evenings into something a little more special. They’re simple, charming, and proof that novelty can be done beautifully.

At $7.99 each, they are an affordable way to introduce a touch of autumn style into any home. They are practical and safe, ideal for households with children or pets, yet stylish enough to work in more formal settings. I’ve reached for them again and again, not just for Halloween or Thanksgiving, but for casual fall nights in, when a small, flickering light can transform a space and create a sense of comfort.

ALDI’s pumpkin candles have completely changed the way I view novelty candles. They are thoughtfully designed, easy to use, and surprisingly elegant. They are a small seasonal detail that delivers warmth, style, and just the right touch of fall charm.

Shop novelty candles

Even if you don’t have an ALDI nearby, or they don’t deliver to your area, you can still enjoy shopping for beautiful novelty candles. Here are some of my favorite designs to bring a cozy, fall-ready touch to your table.

My obsession with home diffusers started in my student days, and I used mine regularly to keep my dorm room smelling fresh and to give off a calming scent when I was stressed out with my studies. But it was a basic model, without the bells and whistles.

If I'd seen this ASAKUKI oil diffuser from Amazon back then, it would definitely have piqued my interest. With 64,000 reviews and a long list of 5-star ratings, it's hard to believe it's just $21. It's no surprise then that a portable version of it (great if you want to move it around different rooms in a house, but not so important for a dorm room) features in our best essential oil diffusers guide.

Our tester said that unlike most water-based diffusers, which make a little noise, this one was 'completely silent', and was impressed with the fact that it 'was easy to adjust the strength setting and the run-time'. They also mentioned that water-based diffusers like this one are 'great for humidifying rooms that would otherwise feels cold and dry', while you may be tempted by a waterless option if there's no sink in the dorm room.

While the best candles and luxurious reed diffusers can be a splurge, I'm a firm believer that simple diffusers like this, is one of the best home fragrance options out there, and you can ring the changes with different oils to suit your preferences, too.

The ASAKUKI diffuser has a 500ml capacity, and it's quick to start dispensing fragrance (I'm partial to eucalyptus oil or patchouli). I love how it looks on a desk or shelf too, thanks to its minimal design. It's both a statement and something that blends in beautifully without taking up much space – especially as it doubles up as a stylish mood lamp thanks to 7 color-changing LED modes. The light can be controlled independently from the mist function, too – so even if you run out of essential oils, you've still got a chic and functional decor piece for a dorm room.

It also has an adjustable timer, which is great for when you're winding down before bed without having to worrying about getting up to switch it off. It will automatically shut off when the water is low, too, which brings peace of mind, particularly if you forgot to switch it off before running out to a lecture. Plus, it's BPA-free, meaning it's low-toxin – another tick from me.

While some reviewers had issues with the diffuser, warning that it stopped working properly after a few months, the majority of comments were positive, many describing it as a durable option that's lasted them for years.

'I'm absolutely thrilled with this,' reads one review. 'From the moment I unboxed it, I could tell it was a quality product. It works great – it quickly and effectively disperses essential oils, filling my living room with a lovely aroma. I've used several diffusers in the past, and this one truly stands out for its performance.'

Buyers were also impressed with the multiple setting options. 'I absolutely love these diffusers,' adds another customer. 'They’re well-made and super versatile, with multiple mist and light settings that let you adjust for whatever mood or situation you’re in.'

While starting or going back to school can take some getting used to, especially if you're sharing a dorm room. A few home comforts like a diffuser can make all the difference, and make the transition as stress-free as possible. Just be sure to check with any room mates about allergies or fragrance sensitivities before using as you don't want to get off on the wrong foot at the start.

Decorating a dorm room can be a really fun experience, too, and I'd say this Amazon diffuser is definitely worth a spot on your college dorm room checklist.

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Phthalates are a common ingredient in thousands of products that we use all over our homes, including some surprising sources of phthalates you may have never given a second thought.

However, a recent study in the Journal of Environmental Pollution found that this toxic ingredient is ‘associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.’ While they stress the need for further studies to corroborate the results, they have advised that regulatory action and steps towards reducing exposure are needed.

That’s why we have asked environmental lawyers and designers to shed some light on the surprising sources of phthalates and what to replace them with to help you create a non-toxic home.

Surprising sources of Phthalates in your home

Before you start with the decluttering tips, it's best to understand what phthalates are and why they are dangerous for our health.

Aminah Taariq-Sidibe, manager of End Plastics Initiatives at EARTHDAY.ORG, explains, ‘Phthalate particles leach into the air, attach to household dust, and are inhaled and ingested. They can also be absorbed through the skin, especially from personal care products. Long-term exposure has been linked to hormonal disruption, reproductive issues, and other health concerns.

‘To reduce exposure, opt for natural materials like cotton, glass, line or wood, choose fragrance-free or phthalate-free personal care items, and replace vinyl items with safer alternatives like PEVA (Polyethylene vinyl acetate) EVA (Ethylene vinyl acetate) which are both still made of plastic but are generally phthalate-free. Best of all pick natural fabric-based options if you can.’

The most common sources, as listed in the study, are plastic food containers and non-stick cookware. But there are some less obvious sources in your home worth tackling.

1. Scented air fresheners

One of the top surprising sources of phthalates in a home is home fragrance. Luckily, however, there are some great non-toxic ways to make a home smell nice instead.

Consumer environmental attorney Vineet Dubey, co-founder of Custodio & Dubey LLP, shares, ‘Scented air fresheners often contain phthalates hidden in the chemicals used to create the fragrance. So that “spring meadow” scent may be poisoning you a little bit even as it sweetens the air.

‘The safer alternatives include scented oil diffusers and beeswax or soy candles with cotton wicks.’

The non-toxic, phthalate-free candles hand-poured by the Sugar and Salt Candle Co. at Etsy are also a great swap if you want to make your home smell nice when you’re sensitive to fragrance.

2. Vinyl flooring

Vinyl kitchen flooring ideas are an affordable, low-maintenance option for busy households, but they are yet another surprising source of phthalates in your home.

Vineet continues, ‘Other common and surprising sources of phthalates are many types of vinyl flooring, especially sheet vinyl, LVP, or vinyl tiles. In California, newer vinyl flooring products are labeled “phthalate free” because regulations were tightened.

However, the same products sold elsewhere likely carry that same label on their packaging. Look for those products, or consider bamboo or wooden planks, stone, or ceramic tiles for your flooring ideas instead.’

3. Some school supplies and toys

Perhaps one of the most worrying sources of phthalates in homes with children is their school supplies and toys, especially for younger children who regularly put toys in their mouths.

Vineet says, ‘Parents may be surprised to learn that many school supplies contain phthalates. Anything made of soft vinyl – backpacks, pencil bags, notebooks, and vinyl pockets or packaging. Every time your child touches that product, their skin is being exposed to phthalates.'

This applies to their bedroom or playroom storage ideas.

'Opt for fabrics or alternative materials such as canvas, cotton, or phthalate-free certified by organizations like OEKO-TEX or GreenGuard,' Vineet advises. 'Choosing these safer alternatives helps limit daily exposure and supports a healthier learning environment.'

‘The same goes for a lot of toys, especially those made of soft plastic. Be choosy. Look for wooden toys, fabric dolls made of cotton or felt, non-toxic paints, and so on.’ We have some smart tips for decluttering toys and encouraging your family to declutter to make this task a little less painful for everyone.

When swapping toys, this Magnolia wooden toy cooking set from Target, is a great option, and for younger children, the Magnolia wooden play table, also from Target, limits their ability to put toys in their mouths.

4. Interior paints

There are several important reasons to use low VOC paints, but the lower phthalate levels are at the top of the list.

Marc Jambert, cofounder and interior design consultant at MAREDI Design, shares, ‘Our very first rule of thumb is talking about healthy paint options, some of which are mineral-based.

'We avoid acrylic paint, which is the most common type of paint used globally, as these often contain VOCs and can contain PFAs. This is an easy product swap that anyone can pursue.’

The one downside is that Eco paints are often a little more difficult to source or come at a higher price point. When you weigh up this effort with the long-term impact on your health when making a remodel more eco-friendly, however, it’s worth it.

5. Some textiles and upholstery

When choosing the best upholstery fabrics, we usually think about the patterns and colors first, then the comfort. We rarely think about the chemicals, including phthalates, that we are introducing to our spaces.

Marc adds, ‘We also avoid using any textiles that claim to be water or stain repellent. What this typically indicates is that they have been treated with chemicals that contain PFAs, which release the toxic chemicals in our homes over time.

'We typically work with natural textiles and fibers, such as wool, cotton, jute, or hemp. These are some of the most natural and longest-existing fabrics that have been used for centuries to create upholstery and textiles – with the right care and maintenance, when cleaning upholstery, products made from these materials can last a lifetime.’

The Puracy Professional Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo, available at Amazon, works when cleaning carpets and upholstery by hand, and with the best carpet cleaners for pets to lift stains and odors with its 99.36% natural formula.

6. Scented body products

If you are concerned about phthalates, you may also want to declutter your bathroom. Beyond the phthalates in plastic shower curtains and non-slip mats, many body products are also packed with phthalates.

John Gardella, chair of PFAS, environmental, risk management, and consulting groups at CMBG3 Law, suggests, ‘With cosmetics and body care products, look for products that say phthalate free, or look at the ingredients for acronyms like DBP, DEP, DMP, BBP and DIDP, which are common phthalates used. Beyond that, look for products using any sort of “fragrance” or “perfume” as an additive. That commonly signals phthalates.’

Attitude, the manufacturer of EWG-Approved non-toxic cleaning products, also offers oatmeal sensitive non-toxic body wash, at Walmart, to help you detox your routine.

Tips for avoiding phthalates at home

Given that phthalates seem to be everywhere, they are pretty tricky to avoid altogether. However, there are some steps you can take to limit your exposure at home.

Jen Baxter, designer and founder of Baxter Hill Interiors, explains, ‘The good news is that our bodies quickly clear them from our systems when we stop our exposure – so it's a good thing to target these and remove them from your home.

‘A great source about harmful chemicals that I learned about in my studies at NYSID on this topic is the Six Classes (by the Green Science Policy Institute).

'Their recommendations to avoid phthalates are to minimize the use of plastic altogether, especially avoid those with recycle code three, avoid fragrance products unless you are confident they are from a health-conscious company, and be aware that phthalates can remain in household dust.

'The Yuka app tells you when there are harmful chemicals in a product, and it works for food. I use it all the time before I bring new products into my home. Keeping your home clean and washing your hands before eating will help reduce exposure.

It can also be helpful to invest in some healthy home upgrades to improve your wellbeing, such as the best air purifiers, such as the Shark NeverChange Air Purifier from Best Buy, which we rated the best air purifier overall.

Meanwhile, water filtration systems such as the Waterdrop Under-Sink Filter System, also from Best Buy, helps eliminate chlorine and fluoride before the water leaves your faucet.

Meet the experts

When it comes to limiting your exposure to PFA's and phthalates, it is also a good idea to swap to non-toxic cleaning products to help fully detox your home and improve your health.

Many of us pick a scent for our homes as an afterthought, grabbing whatever candle or diffuser smells best from the shelf at the store and calling it a day. But have you considered using functional fragrances?

More than just a scent, functional fragrances are scents that can impact your nervous system, bringing a tangible positive effect on your mood, emotions, and productivity.

We spoke to home fragrance experts to learn more about how functional fragrances work and how to pick them to make your home smell nice while hacking your brain.

What are functional fragrances?

Roshni Dhanjee, fragrance manager at ScentAir explains, ‘A functional fragrance is a scent that has been composed specifically to interact with your brain, and not just for aesthetic purposes. This may be applied to your eau de parfum, but it may even be designed for your fabric conditioner or living room diffuser.’

For example, these could be the best scents for well-being or the best scents for boosting productivity, with the benefits of this method stacking when you find non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice, fragrancing your home without polluting your air.

A great example is the ScentAir Infused Liquidless Reeds, available at Amazon in an array of scents from dark vanilla polemo, to green clover and aloe. Head of Solved, Punteha van Terheyden tried them and loved them.

She says, 'Five sticks of the Golden Bamboo pumped out a delicate and lovely scent for just shy of four weeks, and didn't need turning. There was no risk of oil spilling either, as the fragrance is infused in the reeds themselves. Every time the smell hits me, I feel a little moment of joy as it's really so enjoyable. A five out of five for me on these.'

Roshni continues, ‘The way your olfactory system works (your sense of smell), is that your olfactive neurons receive certain odorant molecules and send signals to your brain, to help translate that message. With most of your senses, your cognitive system, in the frontal lobe, is likely to do all of the hard work of translating the information before then sending it on to your limbic system.

‘With the sense of smell, though, your limbic system receives the message first. The limbic system (especially the amygdala, sometimes termed the ‘monkey brain’) controls your most primitive responses such as emotions, memory, and physiological responses.

‘Unlike traditional perfumes, which focus on aesthetics, functional fragrances use neuroscientific evidence to evoke targeted psychological and physiological effects, such as reducing stress, enhancing focus, or boosting energy.’

What to consider when picking a functional fragrance

Every home needs a signature scent, but how do you find the best home fragrance that doubles as a functional scent?

The trick, Roshni says, is to pick the best scents for every room of your home, opting for specific blends that complement the room’s function. For example, she suggests, ‘Having a scent for your home office that is different from the rest of your home can help promote that sense of focus and boost your concentration.

'You may like to signal to your brain that work is over by lighting a candle with a comforting, relaxing scent as well. Or, before you do your yoga session, bring in that calming vibe.

‘Home is a sanctuary, and the right fragrance can enhance well-being by helping to shape the mood and atmosphere.’

An easy way to quickly customize the fragrance around your home is to invest in a quality essential oil diffuser, such as the VSEA faux-flame diffuser from Walmart, and a set of natural essential oils, also available in Walmart.

They offer great home fragrance without a naked flame and do not pollute your air as much as traditional candles or plug-in air fresheners.

The best functional fragrances for your home

Your home fragrance can say a lot about you, so, to avoid some common home fragrance mistakes, consider the following aromas to create the right effects:

• Relaxation: There are two scent families you can turn to to make a home more relaxing. Roshni suggests, ‘For relaxation, scents that incorporate lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, or geranium can help reduce stress, support a sense of calm, and even enhance restful sleep.’ The Eversring Lavender and Bergamot candle from Target is made with 100% soy wax to avoid polluting your air.
  Sal Raichbach, chief clinical officer at The Recovery Team, adds, ‘Clean scents, like linen or fresh cotton, are subtle, calming, and create a sense of freshness and purity, making your space feel neat and inviting. I find that these types of fragrances are perfect for bedrooms or bathrooms, where you want to create a peaceful, relaxing environment. They’re not overpowering, so they can help you unwind without being too intense - just a nice, crisp scent that makes your home feel refreshing.’
• Productivity: Adding functional fragrance is a great way to make your home workspace more productive. Roshni recommends, ‘If you need to focus and be productive, turn to aromatic scents. Rosemary has known properties to help enhance memory and clarity of mind, and peppermint and eucalyptus can support that.’ We like the P.F. Candle Co Wild Herb Tonic Candle from Amazon, as it is made with 100% soy wax for a non-toxic burn.
• Energy: Sal says, ‘Citrus scents are refreshing, uplifting, and can help create a more energized atmosphere. Whether it’s lemon, orange, or grapefruit, citrus fragrances can also help boost focus and clarity, which is why they’re great for spaces like home offices or kitchens. They’re light and clean, so they make your home feel bright and welcoming while adding a bit of freshness to the air.’
• Comfort: To make a home more comfortable, Sal adds, ‘Use gourmand scents. These are great for making your home feel warm and cozy. I think of fragrances like vanilla, cinnamon, caramel, or even chocolate. These scents have that comforting, sweet aroma that instantly makes a space feel inviting. They’re perfect for living rooms or kitchens, creating a homely, relaxed atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome and at ease.’

What to shop

Meet the experts

If candles are not usually your thing, don't fret – there are several great ways to make your home smell nice when you’re sensitive to fragrance so that you can also reap the benefits of functional fragrances and make your home smell good all the time.

When choosing a reed diffuser for your home, there's lots to think about beside the scent you pick. Quality, cost and strength will all impact how well the reed diffuser scents your home and how good value it is for your purposes and taste.

Our master perfumer and I have tested dozens of reed diffusers from top home fragrancing brands including Diptyque, Jo Malone, Malin+Goetz, The White Company and Nest to help us help you pick the right option with our best reed diffuser and best home fragrance guides.

How we test reed diffusers at Homes & Gardens

Where we test reed diffusers

Since we're looking for ways to make your home smell nice, we test reed diffusers in our homes to get real-life results.

There are many benefits to doing this. For starters, we're able to gauge how the scents feel in a homely space and how they lift the room, or welcome a specific ambiance, such as cozy, fruity, or fresh.

This also means we're able to determine which fragrances work best, in which rooms. We make sure to move them from bedrooms to bathrooms and everywhere in between to find which reed diffuser brands work best in each space.

This is also helpful for our team to guide you on the best scents for every room of your home.

Testing reed diffusers at home also means we know how they smell and how long they last, how quickly and how widely their fragrance fills spaces, and how the reed diffusers work alongside other home fragrance options, such as our favorite and best candles and room sprays.

What we look for when testing reed diffusers

From the moment we open a reed diffuser, there's a specific list of criteria we're looking to get objective information about:

• Price point: Next comes price point. This is a relatively good way to gauge what to expect, but that's not to say that products with a higher price point equate to products with a higher quality, and vice versa – you certainly don't need expensive reed diffusers to make a home smell expensive. Often budget-friendly home fragrance options surprise us, while more luxury choices can disappoint.
• Components and look of the vessel: Reed diffusers can be expensive, and we want to make sure the product offering and look matches the price. As something that goes on display in your home, on a shelf, bedside table, or mantelpiece, how does the diffuser look? Some are decorative, some are plainer, some are bigger and some are much smaller. When making a home smell nice without candles, every reed diffuser should look beautiful enough to make your signature scent fit right into your space. Packaging comes into this too, as opening the packaging of a product is all part of the experience of enjoying it.
• Reed options: We always consider the reeds that come with the diffusers, from how many there are to the color, material and length.
• List of ingredients: This is important particularly when considering non-toxic ways to make a home smell nice. Products with more concentrated ingredients, such as a higher percentage of essential oils, often last longer and smell stronger. We also make sure to understand the ingredient list to identify any potentially toxic additions such as microplastics, pthalates or VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which habe been studied and found to be harmful to the planet, people and animals.
• How quickly the scent fills the room: This involves an initial assessment and a prolonged assessment over some time. After opening a reed diffuser, we note how quickly the scent fills the room, and how much of the room they're detectable in. Then, over our testing period, we keep tabs on how much the scent stays lingering in a room, and how strong it remains during that period.
• The best placement: We will consider the most suited placement and whether anything adversely impacts its performance. For instance, if placing it in an entryway and therefore having fresh air coming in regularly dissipates it too much, the reed diffuser may be better for use in a closed space, such as a bathroom.
• How long it lasts: Finally, we consider how long a reed diffuser lasts, taking into account the scent, of course, as well as how long it takes for the reed liquid to evaporate, and how often we have to turn the reeds to allow the smell to be adequately dispersed.

Darryl Do is a second generation senior perfumer with Delbia Do Fragrances, involved in creative perfumery and regulatory, overseeing the compounding, formulation and bulk filtration process across many brands. He is also an editorial adviser for Perfumer & Flavorist magazine and an active member of the American Society of Perfumers.

He advises, 'What fragrance do you want to showcase for a regular at home or cocktails and dinner at your place? I suggest using two different scents in your home. This way you can notice the difference when going into the other rooms and checking the scent vibe. If you use one scent only, you may become anosmic [stop being able to smell] to it and it may lose its appeal.

'Picking the scent is the first step. Then, bring it home to see the best placement – is it near the door, windows or in the hallway?'

These are all things we take into account when testing reed diffusers in our own home, which is why doing so to swerve any home fragrance mistakes is so beneficial.

How long we test for

We test each reed diffuser for at least two weeks, and often, in many cases, much longer, to get a real sense of the scent and performance. We want to recommend products that actually do as they promise, and make your home smell good all the time. This gives us plenty of time to ensure that they do and help us also figure out if the reed diffusers we recommend are good value for money.

How we update our reviews

When it comes to overhauling our buying guides, that's exactly what we do – we call in the latest available reed diffusers from the top brands in various scent types, at a range of different price points. This often includes brand new launches, which we will add in after full testing to keep our buying guides and advice up to speed year-round.

This ensures there's an option that's suitable for everyone and each and every space, for scenting, fragrance layering, and more.

It's just not reed diffusers we test. Our buying guide on the best essential oil diffusers, as put together by our master perfumer, details the best on the market.

I have four dogs and rely on a number cleaning tips and home fragrance options to keep it smelling good. However, the expensive rose-scented Malin+Goetz room spray I love is too pricey, and I've just found a brilliant and affordable alternative.

Whilst researching and testing the best home fragrances, I was thrilled to find the perfect budget-friendly rosey room spray alternative from Mrs Meyer.

I've found a cheaper non-toxic room spray alternative

I love the Malin+Goetz alcohol-free room spray with floral notes, but it's proving too pricey for every day use. That's why I was thrilled to find the Mrs. Meyer's Room Freshener in Rose, available at Walmart, is the perfect alternative – and the best part is it costs less than $15.

Much like the Malin+Goetz spray, it's non-toxic, cruelty-free, and made without propellants, phthalates, parabens, or artificial colors.

While the rosy scent slightly differs – this is more of a classic rose scent, as opposed to Malin+Goetz's more unique take, with cardamom, black pepper and cashmere musk, the scent lasts equally as long, and smells just as good. It also works just as well when it comes to getting rid of dog odors.

As one of the most romantic scents for the home, both room sprays are ideal for giving any space a rosy-scented glow, and I can't get enough of either.

What I was using before

The scent in question that I had been previously using non-stop to make my home smell good for spring was the new otto home spray, available at Malin+Goetz.

I have four dogs and a whole menagerie of pets in varying shapes and sizes, so was immediately intrigued by the odor-neutralizing technology and long-lasting 'clean and aromatic' scent, and was quickly impressed by how the formula delivers on its promises.

A few spritzes in a room (I tested in my bathroom, bedroom and living room) and I could still genuinely smell it over an hour later. And, without any alcohol or other toxic ingredients, I had no qualms about using this non-toxic way to make my home smell nice around any of my pets.

Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI Certified Healthy Homes inspector, and the founder of My Chemical-Free House. Like me, she stresses the importance of non-toxic scenting, particularly when striving to keep a nice-smelling and clean home when you have pets.

However, she points out, 'Natural scents will usually always fade faster than a synthetic scent, though spraying them on porous items, and including essential oils in multiple products like cleaning products, passive diffusers, and room sprays can help the scent stay more stable.'

With this new spray though, this is no issue, and the scent lingers even without the need for one of the best reed diffusers or similar.

What to shop

I've also never received so many 'Your home smells amazing' compliments since using this Jo Malone diffuser: the Pomegranate Noir Diffuser available at Jo Malone.

Strong, punchy and long-lasting (I've had mine going for almost four months) the scent quickly fills a home with notes of juicy pomegranate and smoky guaiacwood.

I like to think of myself as a relatively spiritual person, enjoying yoga, meditation and manifestation. I've even used bundles of white sage to cleanse my home.

So, as a home fragrance fanatic, the idea of a cosmically aligned candle to cleanse my home of bad energy was more than enough to pique my interest. Could a candle designed for my birth date become my most transformative home essential?

I tested the Cosmos Within Zodiac Candle and spoke to the founder to discover more about this fresh take on making your home smell nice, and harnessing the candle's power to cleanse the energy of my home this spring.

What does a Zodiac candle do for your home?

Lighting a zodiac candle before doing anything, be it reading, cooking, writing in your journal or cleaning, allows you to connect with your inner self and be mindful to set an intention about your goal. This could be a good way to ground yourself if you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed about cleaning, for example.

Pair your best candle with correct Feng Shui crystal placement and you'll be unstoppable when refreshing the energy of your home.

All prices correct at time of publication.

For those of us who take heed of astrology and its potential impact on our lives, our Zodiac sign is something that comes into constant consideration. For example, you might keep it in mind when doing a spring home-cleansing ritual or decide to decorate your home according to your Zodiac sign.

But where does choosing the best candles for you and your space fit into it all?

Diego Tomljanović, the creator behind the Cosmos Within candle range and chief astrologer, explains, 'Historically, candles were the only source of illumination within one’s home. Our spirits grew accustomed to the flicker of flame accompanying quiet moments with loved ones, books, meals, or important projects.

'A birthday is the spirit’s new year, a big reset. So, it was only natural to combine the light dear to a human spirit and its cosmically most natural cycle – that one around the Sun.'

I'm sure it's no surprise that I had to try a custom-scented candle for myself, and I suppose it was inevitable that when it arrived, I fell in love with the warm and woody scent of my December 5th candle immediately.

While these scent notes of palo santo and sage aren't typically associated with making a home smell nice for summer or spring, I'm a big believer in using what makes you feel good when you want to, rather than bowing to scenting trends of florals for spring and spicy gourmands for winter. And, don't forget, I am a winter baby, so it makes sense that my personalized candle matches my birth date.

Other candles from the Cosmos Within Zodiac range closely align with seasonal notes. The June candle features summery notes of Anjou pear and lily, while the August version boasts a zesty scent of mandarin and ylang ylang.

All the candles are made of 100% soy wax, and are free of phthalates, parabens, lead, dyes, and artificial colorants, ideal if you're striving to pick non-toxic candles. The jars, lids and packaging are recyclable, and all the manufacturing is entirely wind-powered. Who said being sustainable at home was difficult?

How to use your Zodiac candle to cleanse your home

I wanted to try using this candle to manifest my intentions for spring, and cleanse my home of any bad energy, a common Feng Shui practice, so I checked in with Diego beforehand for his top tips on making the most of mine.

He said, 'Our motto is to embrace your higher self. We believe that is where true manifestation begins. When you understand who you are and align your actions with your soul’s potential, you naturally start calling in what’s meant for you. The Cosmic Birthday Candle helps you on that journey with a scent designed to awaken your core energy, and your astrology reading that connects you to the cosmos.'

For manifestation, Diego advised lighting the candle with clear intention. 'Speak your desires, write them down, or hold them in your heart. The flame rises in the air, aiming for eternity, and when your vision feels the same way, you are on the right path.'

I always light my candle with matches, favoring extra-long ones in gorgeous packaging for display, such as the Archivist Lighthouse Matches available at Anthropologie. Even this simple ritual gave me time to set my intentions, but if you prefer to write them down, you can do so in a manifestation journal, such as the Manifest Book, Law of Attraction Journal available at Etsy.

Then, to cleanse your home, much like when cleansing a house with sage or cleansing your home with salt, Diego suggests using the candle as part of a ritual.

'Open windows, tidy your space, and let the scent move through your home like sacred smoke, resetting the energy. Spring is the season of renewal, and this is your invitation to clear the old and welcome the new.'

My verdict

I love the idea of a cosmically aligned candle, and thoroughly enjoyed burning mine to take a minute to manifest. Plus, it's easy. Simply open your windows to let the fresh spring air roll in and let your candle do all the hard word resetting the energy of your home.

I can't say lighting my candle did significantly make the energy in my home feel different, but it did give me the boost I needed to get some seasonal sorting done, as I got stuck into some spring cleaning, vacuuming my living room and taking the time to remove dust. Of course, I paid attention to the right cleaning style for my star sign, too. You can also tidy according to your Zodiac.

Again, I'm not certain on this candles ability to create good Feng Shui in your home, but lighting it definitely didn't cause any Feng Shui living room mistakes, either.

But, if you're not so convinced about the power manifestation or astrology, rest assured that these luxurious candles smell gorgeous, and make your home smell nice. They also make a stunning and unique gift idea for anyone in your life. It's the perfect way to introduce loved ones to a signature scent for their home.

Meet our expert

FAQs

I normally always reuse candle jars around the house, but these ones are good enough for display. Arrange dried flowers, use them for corralling makeup items, or simply style them as DIY decor pieces. Just make sure you know how to get the candle wax out of jars properly before getting started.

Ever since walking into a tattoo shop as a teenager and smelling incense sticks lightly wafting a mystical, cozy and comforting aroma around, I have used them at home.

But recently, I’ve been increasingly editing dozens of well-researched pieces on swapping toxic household goods to non-toxic ones, from home cleaning products to fragrancing and beyond. As a result, I’m afraid my incense sticks have ended up on the proverbial chopping block.

That’s why I was so pleasantly surprised and relieved to find a brilliant non-toxic swap after testing ScentAir’s non toxic dry-fragrance sticks. They smell like a luxury hotel and the smell is constant, long-lasting and now, my new preferred way to make my home smell nice.

How do dry fragrance reeds work?

Traditional reed diffusers draw on a reservoir of fragranced oils. The reeds need flipping every few days and the oil will need topping up regularly.

In contrast, these ScentAir dry fragrance sticks have fragrance inside the fabric sticks themselves, and sit in a cute little decorative vase. They do not need flipping, or any loose oils to smell good, instead using innovative dry evaporative technology. This is not a design I have seen much of before, so I was keen to test in my home and was impressed on all fronts. They're also incredibly long lasting and low maintenance.

ScentAir's Michelle Anna Alfano explains, 'Unlike traditional reed diffusers that require a vessel of loose oil, the fragrance oil for ScentAir Infused Reeds is literally infused within the reeds themselves, so there’s never any worry about leaks or spills – perfect for high traffic areas where a quick bump might result in spill.'

Additionally, as ScentAir has been designed to effectively scent large commercial spaces as well as private homes, the fragrances have to be of a high standard. Vitally, All ScentAir fragrance oils are phthalate free, respiratory allergen free, cruelty free, internationally certified safe and EcoVadis certified sustainable.

That's music to my ears as I have asthma and find some home fragrancing hard to tolerate, including smokey candles.

I tried ScentAir fragrance sticks

I have tried some of the best candles, incense sticks, oil reed diffusers, room sprays, and even switched to electric diffusers so I can enjoy pure essential oils with no additives. I also worked in a perfume shop for years and had lots of training to help customers find the perfect scent profile, and a fragrance that lasted within their budget. I think it's fair to say I have quite the refined nose now.

I am also sensitive to good (and bad) fragrance notes, and have a firm grasp of how long perfumes and smells should last, as well as what can make a smell uncomfortable, overbearing, clawing, or sickly. I am also pretty good at immediately identifying a cheap vs luxurious, quality fragrance at 100 paces, as well as being able to pick out what notes are in a fragrance.

That's why I was thrilled to find that The ScentAir sticks smell identical to my favorite local luxury hotel's fragrance, which wraps around you in the best way possible with deliciously fresh, but subtle and non-headachy spring-fresh smells in the foyer and beyond.

In fact, I had just recently asked the reception team at the hotel what fragrance they used. Now, I am 99% convinced ScentAir Golden Bamboo is it. The starter kit I have been testing in my home not only looks modern, slick, and smells great, but it doesn’t have a pesky essential oil reservoir that will, without doubt, get knocked in my home by either my child, or my cats. There's an oily stain on my entryway jute rug as a result of a past blooper with a traditional reed diffuser I tried out previously.

I've been using the ScentAir fragrance sticks in my home for two weeks now, one in my living room and the other in my small entryway, and truly love the smell. They are still wafting regularly, and can be smelled the moment you walk into the room. In fact, the one in my living room is so delightfully efficient at fragrancing that room and the adjoining entryway, that I moved the second one up to my office.

My verdict

There are dozens of times a day I get a delicious waft of the Golden Bamboo reeds and I truly love it. It's a 10/10 for me based on how well these are lasting, the zero maintenance required as you don't need to flip the sticks or top up any oils, the consistency in fragrance emitting, and how luxurious they smell. Plus, they don't give you a headache.

I will say with these dry fragrance sticks, I started with three sticks to be economical with my supply, but I had to up it to five to achieve the level of fragrance I wanted. Now, after a fortnight of use, the pungency is yet to fade. By now, I would have been three turns in to maintain a similar level of fragrance, even with the best oil reed diffuser.

I think the Golden Bamboo ones are perfect for any room in the house, but particularly small spaces, such as bathrooms and entryways, as the smell is delicate but long-lasting.

In contrast, the ScentAir Black Orchid reeds, which I've also tried, carry a stronger scent profile and are better suited to kitchens and larger spaces, such as hallways, living rooms, sunrooms, and busy spaces with exterior doors such as mud rooms.

If you're looking for things people with nice smelling kitchens always do, add these to your wishlist!

Non-toxic home fragrance options

If you love your candles and don't want to let them go, don't fret. There are non-toxic candles and wax types you can use more safely than anything paraffin-based. Here are a few suggestions for non-toxic home fragrancing.

I use a little nifty trick to naturally make my bathroom smell like a luxury spa using just a cotton ball and my favorite pure essential oil, but there are other ways to make your home smell nice when sensitive to fragrance, too.

There's something so joyous about a home that smells as good as it looks. Whether scented with candles, diffusers, or room sprays, the right fragrance can refresh your space and completely switch up the vibe.

But, did you know that many options we use to scent our home are actually toxic? From paraffin wax to harmful chemicals and perfumes, sometimes not all is at it seems when it comes to home fragrance.

Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives, made of non-toxic home essentials.

Making Your Home Smell Nice Without Toxins

1. Make a DIY Room Spray

One of the best non-toxic ways to make your home smell nice is by making a homemade room spray to spritz whenever you feel your space needs a lift.

All you need is a spray bottle, such as the Rayson Empty Spray Bottle Refillable Container available at Amazon, one cup of distilled water, and a few drops of essential oils of your choice.

Then, simply combine in the bottle and spray. It's completely customizable, making it easy to create a unique and personalized home fragrance that can be used anywhere – from your bedroom to your bathroom, and everywhere in between.

All prices correct at time of publication.

2. Try a Natural Floor-Cleaning Solution

Cleaning hardwood floors is an essential part of any achievable cleaning routine, so why not make it smell great? Not only will this fill your home with fragrance, it will also make cleaning chores feel more luxurious and enjoyable.

While you can make a DIY wood floor cleaner by cleaning with vinegar or using hydrogen peroxide, the combination of warm water, Castile soap and essential oil will clean effectively while leaving behind a comforting, clean scent.

Simply add a good squeeze of Castile soap, available in both unscented and scented versions, such as the peppermint Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap available at Amazon, to warm water, and, optionally, pop in a few drops of essential oil.

Then, simply use your mop to wash your floors as usual. This is also an effective way to clean a floor without streaks, as the combination of Castile soap and oils powers through dirt and grime, leaving behind a fragranced, spotless sparkle.

Cleaning with Castile soap is not only non toxic and gentle, but it's also very versatile.

3. Hang Eucalyptus in the Shower

This trick is perfect to make your bathroom smell like a luxury spa, and all you need is some eucalyptus.

To use eucalyptus in the shower, simply drape some branches over your showerhead and let the steam release the fresh scent every time you shower, helping you to relax while relieving stress and acting as a decongestant. There are also other plants you can use to make a bathroom smell nice, like peace lilies and jasmine, all of which look equally gorgeous.

4. Make Hidden Air Fresheners

There are plenty of unusual ways to clean with essential oils at home, and they also work amazingly to make a house smell nice without candles. All you need is oils in the scent of your choice, and felt pads, such as the Best Felt Furniture Pads X-PROTECTOR available at Amazon.

Then, add a few drops of oil to the felt pads before sticking them in hidden places around your home. For example, mask trash can smells by sticking them to the underside of the lid (although don't neglect cleaning a trash can first) or pop one behind your toilet cistern, perfect for getting rid of musty smells in the bathroom.

Using a few drops of a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil, available at Amazon, which is unscented, will help increase the longevity of your essential oil my making it last longer on the surface. Head of Solved Punteha van Terheyden uses an essential oil hack like this to make her bathroom smell luxurious.

It's also a great swap for toxic plug-in air fresheners.

5. Cook Up a Simmer Pot

Finally, a simmer pot is one of the best, non-toxic ways to make a home smell nice when you're sensitive to fragrance. They're also perfect for changing the scents with the seasons – all you need to do is select seasonal fruits, herbs and flowers, add them to a pot of gently boiling water and let the magic unfold, filling your home with an all-natural, potent scent.

If you're in need of some inspiration, our guides on the best simmer pot recipes for fall and winter, and spring simmer pot recipes dive into the details.

And, in the kitchen, simmer pots also work well to neutralize kitchen odors, banishing lingering odors with a natural deodorizing effect.

They have made scented paraffin candles one of the many toxic household items I have stopped buying.

FAQs

How can I make my house smell nice all the time?

Asides from the obvious burning of your best candles, which may not be non-toxic, adding fresh flowers around your home adds bursts of color and fragrance in equal measures.

If you do still want to burn candles, our content editor and resident expert in non-toxic cleaning, Chiana Dickson, has put together a helpful guide on how to pick non-toxic candles, to take the guesswork out of making eco-friendly choices.

What is the best natural deodorizer for your house?

Nature's best deodorizers to use around your home include baking soda, activated charcoal, white vinegar and coffee grounds.

For example, you can use coffee and salt to deodorize your fridge, or baking soda to refresh your closet.

If you're interested in non-toxic living, it's crucial to know the cleaning ingredients to avoid, particularly if you struggle with allergies. There are plenty of non-toxic options such as plant-based Method cleaning products, which also double-up to make your home smell nice at the same time.

It is a struggle to find anyone who doesn’t love a nice candle. They instantly make any home that little bit cozier while making rooms smell nice – what’s not to love?

Well, the toxic chemicals in most candle wax, for one. Many mass-produced candles are made from scented paraffin wax which releases all sorts of toxic chemicals into the air as they burn, from formaldehyde to VOCs – all of which can negatively impact your respiratory health.

The solution is picking non-toxic candles instead, made from more sustainable candle wax types that won’t pollute your indoor air. Here, non-toxic candle pros explain how to choose the safest ones for your home, and what to avoid to stay healthy.

How to pick non-toxic candles

Scented candles can be toxic for a slew of reasons. The main cause is low-quality wax and paraffin, but some artificial fragrance oils and wicks can also play a role in lowering indoor air quality.

Kerry Kip, candle expert and owner of MINOT Candles explains, ‘You and your loved ones (pets included) will be literally breathing in a candle's ingredients, so you want to make sure you're choosing the safest, healthiest options.’

Kristen Pumphrey, founder of P.F. Candle Co. warns, however, 'The word non-toxic isn’t well defined within the candle industry, and there’s a lot of fear out there around candles being unsafe in general. The most widely accepted answer for non-toxic candles is ones made with natural waxes, instead of paraffin, and phthalate-free fragrance oils.'

This is not an attempt to scare you off using candles altogether, Kristen adds. 'Candle burning and aromatherapy have an incredible benefit in your daily rituals, so if you love candles, go ahead and use them!'

Luckily, 'toxic' candles are easy to avoid, with more 'non-toxic' options popping up on the market. Here’s how to spot the best candles for your home.

1. Avoid paraffin wax

The best way to make your home smell nice without risking your health is to opt for candles made without paraffin, says Kerry Kip.

She urges, ‘Avoid paraffin wax – it's a petroleum byproduct that releases toxic chemicals like benzene and toluene into the air when burned, posing risks to your health. Not only is it harmful, but paraffin candles burn faster, giving you less value for your money.’

Instead, to improve indoor air quality, Kerry says, ‘Soy or beeswax products are my favorite non-toxic waxes. Coconut wax is also non-toxic, but it burns really quickly so your candle might not last as long.’

2. Look out for artificial dyes and fragrances

One of the biggest home fragrance mistakes people make is picking candles with artificial fragrances and dyes. It might be fun to make your home smell like a waffle house, but it is terrible for your health.

Kristy Miller, CEO at The Scented Market explains, ‘Phthalates, often found in fragrance oils, can disrupt hormones. Synthetic dyes and lead-core wicks can also release toxins into the air. For a cleaner, healthier experience, choose candles made with non-toxic ingredients that are good for you and the planet.

‘Cotton wicks, and wax free from phthalates, parabens, and synthetic dyes, ensure a clean burn every time. They should also ideally be hand-poured with care in smaller batches, designed to provide both quality and comfort.’

These are among the secretly toxic things in your home toxicologists warn to get rid of.

3. Be wary of wicks

The problems with traditional candles don’t stop at the wax. Kerry Kip tells us the wick can be just as bad for you, earning us to ‘Steer clear of wicks containing zinc and lead, as they emit particles that irritate your lungs. Look for wicks that are made with 100% cotton – that's the easiest way to avoid wicks with dangerous materials.’

A good sign the wick is poor quality is uneven burning and black smoke, especially if you have eliminated some common candle-burning mistakes. Tiffany Thomas, candle maker and owner of Good Wknd explains, ‘A good-quality candle should burn cleanly and without excessive soot, that's the black smokey stuff that emits from the wick.

'Soot does nothing to help improve the air quality in your home and can negatively impact that quality for both people and pets. The type of wax and wick both play a role in how cleanly a candle burns, so shoppers should look for brands that disclose these details.’

4. Look for transparency

On the subject of disclosing the details, a good non-toxic candle will have nothing to hide, says Tiffany Thomas.

She urges us to, ‘Look for transparency in the candle ingredients. Does the company offer information about what kind of wax is being used? The kind of wick? How about the fragrance? Look at the level of transparency with the company you’re considering supporting. If no information is being offered, it may be best to keep shopping.’

5. Look for sustainable packaging

While being wary of greenwashing (this is when companies spend more time, cost and energy marketing ethical and planet-friendly practices, rather than actually doing them), Kristy Miller says, ‘If the candle features recyclable packaging, sustainable ingredients, and eco-conscious practices, you can enjoy it while feeling good about your choices.

‘Non-toxic candles are usually made with eco-friendly practices, supporting a healthier planet. By choosing non-toxic, you're making a positive impact on both your well-being and the environment.’

FAQs

Are candle warmers healthier than burning?

Candle warmers, or candle lamps, are generally safer than burning candles as they mitigate any small particles that are released as a wick burns. They are best used with naturally scented soy wax candles to mitigate toxic chemical release altogether.

The best news, they also make your candles last longer, ensuring a more even burn so you can get more for your money.

Are diffusers safer than candles?

If you are concerned about the possible effects of burning candles on your health, an essential oil diffuser with 100% natural essential oils is a good alternative to scent your home. These slowly release fragrance into the air, usually on a timer, to help you keep your home smelling fresh without the risks associated with open flames.

The waterless Neom rechargable diffuser, available on Amazon, is perfect for the job. Non-toxic dry fragrance reeds are also an excellent alternative.

Switching out your old paraffin candles is the best place to start when transitioning to non-toxic, healthier living. However, there are a whole host of non-toxic home essentials that you should consider as well for a far healthier home and better peace of mind.

Most of us don’t put too much thought into the scents we pick for our homes beyond whether or not we like them when we smell them in store.

However, master perfumers claim the scent you gravitate towards can speak volumes about what you want your home to do for you and how you want to come across to guests, friends, and family.

Here, top perfumers and psychologists reveal what your choice of home fragrance says about you, and the perfect notes for a curated signature scent, whether that's with one of the best candles, or a portable diffuser.

What your home fragrance says about you

Veronica West, founder and psychologist at My Thriving Mind explains, ‘Our sense of smell is deeply tied to the brain's emotional processing center, the limbic system, which is why scents can evoke powerful memories and emotions. The home fragrances we choose often reflect our subconscious desires, personality traits, and emotional needs.

'With that in mind, here's what popular scent categories might say from a psychological perspective.’

1. Floral scents

If the best home fragrance for you evokes long days spent in the garden and the best fragrant flowers, Monselete Bowden, coaching for well-being and lifestyle at Monselete, says, ‘These people stand out from the crowd. Typically they are well-liked, energetic, caring, seductive, confident, desirable, strive for perfection, artistic, love beauty, love perfumes, and anything that makes them feel good. At times they might appear superficial but they are very sensitive and soft-hearted, their intuition can pick up subtle mood changes in others and they will usually try to uplift their spirits when needed.’

With so many drastically different floral fragrances available, it can be tricky to pick the best scent for every room of your home.

Luckily, Monselete shares some of the most popular to help you curate a home scent that really speaks to you:

• Jasmine: Embodies the essence of renewal, reflecting the transformative power of change and the quiet strength found in consistency. Its enchanting aroma stirs passion and reconnects you to your sensual side, while its soft, powdery notes dissolve self-doubt, replacing it with a positivity that overcomes pessimism. As "Marcel Lavabre" has mentioned, it is one of aromatherapy's finest aphrodisiacs [making it one of the most romantic scents for a home]. Jasmine’s sensual and seductive allure enriches the spirit, offering both transformation and irresistible charm. Consider using a jasmine linen spray, from Amazon, to help set the mood in the bedroom.
• Neroli: With its complex and sophisticated essence, this scent inspires you to become your best self and think beyond the ordinary. It encourages you to broaden your horizons and embrace new perspectives, especially when you're ready to approach life differently and cultivate conscious awareness.
• Linden Blossom: Available as an essential oil, at Amazon, is consoling, patient, soothes the soul, opens the heart, and calms the nervous system so you can feel love. It also enhances personal awareness, security, and balance.
• Lavender: This is often regarded as the perfect balance between our masculine and feminine traits, embodying harmony, healing, compassion, and nurturing. A steadfast companion for life's rainy days, it encourages you to pause and reflect on what you truly need to care for yourself.
  Beyond its fragrant allure, lavender possesses a remarkable ability to purify emotions and the atmosphere, bringing a sense of equilibrium and love. Adding lavender essential oil, from Amazon, to an oil diffuser before you sleep can also help you to sleep better.

2. Gourmand scents

Gourmand scents are anything that reminds you of food, be it warming vanilla or something a little more exotic, like the Loewe tomato candle we tested a few years back. According to psychologist Veronica West, they are perfect for those of us who want our homes to be a source of comfort and are one of the best home scents for wellbeing.

She explains, ‘Selecting comforting, sweet fragrances like chocolate or vanilla indicates a desire to create a warm, secure environment. Warmth, connection, and nostalgia are generally valued by those who enjoy these fragrances. These fragrances, which are frequently connected to recollections of home or memorable family times, can evoke feelings of emotional stability and belonging.’

Better yet, Veronica adds, ‘Gourmet fragrances are an excellent option for stress treatment because they can lower anxiety and promote emotions of contentment.’

Pair these warming scents with some organizing for health and well-being in mind, and your home is sure to be the perfect rejuvenating oasis.

3. Fruity scents

If you were a big fan of the dopamine decor trend, or tend to gravitate towards tidying challenges like the dopamine decluttering method, then the chances are you might like fresh, fruity fragrances for your home.

Kerry Kip, home fragrance expert and founder of MINOT Candle says, ‘People who go for fruity scents are bubbly and outgoing – they're full of energy and positivity. For an energizing scent, pair bright, fruity notes like lemon or lime with subtly sweet floral notes, like freesia or jasmine.’

Veronica West, psychologist, continues, ‘Fruity scents frequently create feelings of liveliness and freshness, boosting spirits and elevating moods. Bright, citrus scents like grapefruit and orange [such as the P.F. Candle Co. Sweet Grapefruit candle from Amazon] are known to reduce fatigue and improve focus, making them ideal for busy or creative minds.’

4. Earthy scents

Grounded, earthy fragrances like herbs or sandalwoods do more than make bathrooms smell like luxury spas. They are also great functional fragrances that boost focus.

Veronica West explains, ‘People who appreciate stability and foundation are drawn to earthy fragrances. They choose settings that encourage peace and reflection and frequently look for a way to connect with nature. These fragrances help to create a space for mindfulness or relaxation by giving one a sensation of anchoring.’

Fragrance expert Kerry Kip agrees, adding, ‘People who gravitate toward earthy scents are trendy and chic. They seek a connection to nature while embracing modern style. Look for notes like sandalwood or green florals — our Cliffwalk Candle (sandalwood, patchouli, and jasmine) and Terrene Candle (agave, green floral, chrysanthemum, and aloe) scents are the perfect balance of earthy and sophisticated.’

Veronica adds, ‘Notes like cedar wood or patchouli are excellent for establishing a calm atmosphere at home because they can lessen anxiety and promote inner serenity.’

5. Fresh scents

Veronica West explains, ‘Those who enjoy clean fragrances frequently value simplicity, order, and clarity. These people may enjoy their living areas and thrive on structure. Aromas that inspire freshness and cleanliness, like sea air or fresh linen, might help clear the mind of clutter.

‘People who want to revitalize their houses and brains will find that clean scents are perfect because they frequently encourage a sense of focus and rebirth’

You don’t have to experiment with making laundry smell better and keeping laundry smelling nice beyond laundry day to reap the benefits of fresh scents, however. There are plenty of formulated fragrances to make every day smell like laundry day, without all the effort.

FAQs

Why is home fragrance important?

Psychologist Veronica West says, ‘From a psychological perspective, scents can improve mood, reduce stress, and even improve cognitive function. We can subtly convey who we are, how we feel, or the atmosphere we want to create in our surroundings through the scents we choose. You may promote well-being and enhance your mental health by purposefully incorporating fragrances into your house. After all, a scent is an emotional experience in a bottle, not just a whiff!’

So, whether you mix up a homemade room spray, or experiment with fragrance layering, think carefully about the scents you choose and the effect you want it to have on your and your space.

Creating a beautifully scented home is more than simply lighting a candle or spritzing an air freshener. Much like making your perfume last longer on your skin, getting the most out of your home fragrance involves layering.

Fragrance layering requires thoughtful combinations that create depth and complexity. This method not only enhances the overall ambiance but also offers you control over how different areas of your home smell, ensuring a harmonious balance throughout, our fragrance experts say.

Whether you're preparing for guests and want to make use of your best candles or best diffusers, or want to turn your room into a personal retreat, fragrance layering will transform your space from ordinary into luxury.

What fragrance layering is in a home

Fragrance layering in a home involves using different forms of scent – such as candles, diffusers, sprays, and incense at the same time – in a deliberate and coordinated way.

'The key is to build a fragrance profile that feels natural,' says expert perfumer Ruth Mastenbroek. 'Layering allows you to play with top, middle, and base notes across your home, ensuring no single scent overwhelms the space.'

This technique mimics the principles of perfumery. 'Layering home fragrances creates a scented journey throughout your home,' continues Ruth. 'From a light citrus scent in the foyer to warm vanilla in the living room, each area can have its distinct yet complementary aroma, providing an overall depth to the space.'

How to layer home fragrances

Layering a home fragrance doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Fragrance experts from the team at ScentAir shared these tips to help you layer scents around your home perfectly.

Step 1: Establish a scent theme

Start by selecting a theme or primary scent family – such as floral, woody, or citrus – to guide your choices. This ensures consistency and prevents clashing aromas around your home. For example, if you’re drawn to earthy scents, opt for patchouli, and amber variations or pine.

If you enjoy that luxury spa smell, opt for geranium, bergamot and sandalwood. For that clean smell, use citrus or linen aromas. If you enjoy spice, opt for cinnamon, cardamon and pepper notes.

Step 2: Layer from the ground up

Begin with foundational scents that linger, such as reed diffusers or essential oil diffusers. Place these in central areas like the living room or hallway, where the scent can subtly permeate the space over time.

Step 3: Add a complementary candle

Enhance the base layer with a candle that’s in the same scent family but offers a different note. For instance, if your diffuser has a warm vanilla scent, a spiced ginger or cardamom candle can add intrigue.

Step 4: Introduce room sprays

Use room sprays such as the vanilla and pear room spray available at Walmart to add bursts of freshness. 'Focus on high-traffic or frequently used spaces, such as the kitchen or bathrooms,' adds Michelle. 'These should align with your theme but provide a lighter, airier touch.'

It is a nice touch to add this before guests arrive to make your home feel welcoming.

Step 5: Incorporate seasonal accents

Layering can be dynamic, changing with the seasons. During winter, you might add cinnamon or pine accents, while summer calls for crisp oceanic or citrus notes, which can be found in the Capri Blue Volcano Candle.

Maintain your layered fragrances by refreshing diffusers and replacing candles as needed. Regularly ventilating your home prevents scents from becoming too heavy or stagnant, or bothering guests with allergies.

Before picking new candles, learn about the different candle wax types to narrow your search.

Mistakes to avoid when fragrance layering

When layering your home fragrance there are some mistakes that you should avoid. According to Viviana Hurtado, founder of an eco-luxe candle brand, here are the three most common ones, and what to do instead:

• Overpowering scents: Avoid mixing too many strong fragrances. This can create an overwhelming or cloying atmosphere. Stick to three or four complementary layers.
• Skipping ventilation: Good air circulation is crucial for scent layering. Without it, fragrances can become stale or overly concentrated.
• Ignoring quality fragrances: Invest in high-quality candles, diffusers, and sprays. Cheaper options often lack complexity and may produce synthetic, overpowering aromas.

Benefits of layering home fragrances

'Fragrance layering allows you to tailor your home’s scent profile to your personal taste and the mood you want to create,' continues Viviana. Whether it’s relaxing lavender for a bedroom or invigorating eucalyptus for a workspace, the possibilities are endless.

The right fragrance profile in your bedroom can help you sleep better, too.

Layering scents instead of only using one at a time also extends the amount of time the aroma lasts. Diffusers provide a consistent, subtle background fragrance that forms the base layer, while candles and sprays add dynamic, intermittent bursts that refresh and amplify the scent. This combination ensures that the fragrance remains noticeable and vibrant throughout the day.

Fragrance layering is a thoughtful way to enhance your home. By choosing and combining scents carefully, you can make your living spaces more inviting.

Next, delve into luxury smelling cleaning products you can work into your fragrance layering.

New Year's Eve is fast approaching, and whether you're having a cozy night at home or partying long into the night, it's a time for celebration and festivity.

Hosting your own party is a wonderful way to get your friends and family together under one roof, but the clean-up on New Year's Day can really leave little to be desired. Between party poppers, drinks, and glitter, it's no surprise that getting your home back in shape can feel like an overwhelming amount of work.

I'm Virginia Frischkorn, professional luxury party planner and founder of Partytrick, and these are the three things I always do to reset my space after hosting New Year's Eve, to welcome in the new year without any worry, before getting started on cleaning my house fast.