Best perfume for home

Best home fragrance: 9 fabulously fresh fragrances to invest in

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The one thing we've learned from these unprecedented times is that we need to be easier on ourselves and know when to take a second, step back, and practice self-care. One excellent way to do just that: curling up to a best-selling novel and enjoying the soothing effects of the best home fragrance – it's escapism at its finest.

Aromas such as lavender or vanilla create a safe and relaxing atmosphere, working wonders on the mind, body, and soul. A handful of us might seek out cinnamon-based scents reminiscent of childhood days; others drift towards rose petals and find themselves transported that way.

Of course, when choosing a home fragrance, it all boils down to personal preference, but the upside to that is some fail-safe scents are guaranteed to make your home smell nice and bring comfort and joy into your rooms (and lives) – that's why we're here.

Whether you're looking for a subtle, striking, or in-between scent, we've rounded up a handful of scents so versatile that they're excellent for frequent use or on the days you demand a little self-care. Here, we've listed both reed diffusers and candles so that you can choose a fragrance that suits your home decor.

The best fragrances to invest in

Why you can trust Homes & Gardens Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

From the best candles to diffusers, fan favorites, and best-sellers, we've composed a carefully curated list of the best home fragrances that are worth the investment.

(Image credit: Saks Fifth Avenue)

1. Diptyque Baies Candle

The best home fragrance: the best-selling fan-favorite that reigns supreme

Specifications

Scent: Berries

Family: Fruity

Burn time: 50 to 60 hours

Size: 190g

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Reasons to buy

A long-lasting candle that's one of the brand's best-sellers

A worthwhile investment with a longer burn time

Subtle tones opposed to overwhelming fragrances

Reasons to avoid

Enable the tangy coolness of freshly picked blackcurrant berries to fill the air with Diptyque's Baies Candle.

Why do we love it

Aside from being the brand's most popular and well-known fragrance, its aromatic scent seamlessly blends lovely, flowery accents of roses with a fruitiness that's subtle throughout. You'll never have to worry about being overcome by the distinct fragrances.

Extra-long burn time

Sure, this candle is undoubtedly on the pricier side; but this candle is also one of the best investments any scent lover can make. With a burn-time running from 50 to 60 hours, it's clear to last longer than most other candles in your possession.

(Image credit: Amazon)

2. LAFCO New York House & Home Candle, Breakfast Room/Citrus Berry

The best home fragrance: the perfect breakfast candle to wake-up with every single morning

Specifications

Scent: Yuzu, Grapefruit and Berry

Ingredients: Soy Wax and Essential Oils

Formula: 100% Cotton Wick

Vessel: Glass

Burn-time: Up to 90 hours

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Reasons to buy

Long-lasting burn-time

Beautiful glass vessel

The formula features essential oils for relaxation

Reasons to avoid

Picture this: perched by bright corner by the window, with the sunshine signaling the start of a new day – sounds marvelous, don't you agree? We do, and this LAFO New York Breakfast Room/Citrus Berry Candle can make that vision ring true day-in, day-out.

Why do we love it
This candle arrives in a beautiful turquoise speckled glass vessel that will instantly update any kitchen counter or side table. When lit, the light reflects onto the outer glass covering, creating a peaceful environment that will start the day off on the right note.

What it smells like
Sparkling yuzu and tart orange pulp blend with fresh grapefruit and lychee to create an uplifting mood. Lively and joyful, delicious forest berries add a sweet finish.

Additional notes
With a burn-time of up to 90 hours (that is nearly a week straight of continuous use), this soy wax candle and 100% cotton wick features a formula that includes essential oils that ensure a relaxing experience.

(Image credit: Nordstrom)

3. Tom Ford 'Fucking Fabulous' Candle

The best home fragrance: the best artisanal scent to invest in year-round

Specifications

Fragrance Family: Warm and Spicy

Scent Type: Woody Spices

Key Notes: Bitter Almond Oil, Leather Accord, Orris Accord

Burn Time: 40 hours

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Reasons to buy

A perfectly woodsy scent to burn throughout cold weather

A 40 hour burn time

Designer-made

Reasons to avoid

Tom Ford's Fucking Fabulous Candle is a decadent oriental leather fragrance with an intoxicating grip – capturing a rarefied air.

Why do we love it

This candle evokes the private exchanges and insider moments where fantasies come true. With a name that says it all – the vibrant opening makes an instant statement.

What it smells like

This candle fills any room with clary sage and fresh lavender – both of which will command attention with their aromatic foreplay. The delectable bitter almond and vanilla inflections infuse textural richness to the leather heart. Drenched in orrisroot – from the iris flower – this candle's bountiful luscious body of the supple Italian plunge reveals exquisite beauty, as the addictive tonka bean and lavish leather drive the scent.

Finally, amber undertones reverberate with a warm ultra glow, while the ultra-fine blond woods create a confident expression of pure luxury with a creamy finish.

Additional notes

With a burn time of up to 40 hours, this 21oz candle is explicit, exclusive, and fabulous.

(Image credit: Nordstrom)

4. Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' Springtime in a Park

The best home fragrance: the best seasonal scent to invest in

Specifications

Fragrance Family: Floral

Scent Type: Fruity florals

Burn Time: 40 hours

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Reasons to buy

The long-lasting scent isn't overwhelming

Reasonable burn time that makes this a worthwhile investment

Reasons to avoid

The REPLICA Springtime in a Park Scented Candle by Maison Margiela is a luxury candle that offers aromas similar to the same floral atmosphere reminiscent of walking through the park during spring.

What it smells like

This luxury candle blooms with the floral scents of lily of the valley and jasmine to create a joyful springtime sensation magnified by notes of pear that is effortless. It's both subtle and striking without being overpowering.

Why do we love it

With their white glass adorned with the iconic REPLICA fabric label, the candles will beautifully light up your home. With an emphasis on specific colored wax, this candle is reminiscent of the scented memory.

Additional notes

The brand recommends not burning this candle for more than three to four hours at a time, as the flame will not be as strong if done more than that.

(Image credit: Amazon)

5. NEST New York Grapefruit Reed Diffuser

The best home fragrance: the best fruity diffuser on the market

Specifications

Fragrance Family: Floral

Scent Type: Fresh florals

Keynotes: Grapefruit

Size: 5.9oz

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Reasons to buy

A perfect springtime blend that will lift spirits in seconds

Larger size for anyone looking for longevity

Reasons to avoid

If you are in the market for something fruity and floral-inspired but notice a candle is not your cup of tea, let us recommend the NEST New York Grapefruit Reed Diffuser.

What it smells like

This diffuser offers an exhilarating blend of pink pomelo grapefruit and watery green notes with lily of the valley and coriander blossom. Fabulous and fresh, it's springtime-in-a-bottle and one of the brand's best-selling fragrances.

Why do we love it

This expertly crafted diffuser offers users the highest-quality fragrance oils; this reed diffuser releases an exquisite scent slowly and evenly to fill the air for up to 90 days, deeming it a worthwhile investment.

(Image credit: Amazon)

6. Bath and Body Works 3 Wick Scented Candle Wildberry Jam Donut

The best home fragrance: to make you reminiscent of your childhood days

Specifications

Fragrance Family: Wildberry with a hint of cinnamon

Features: Essential Oils

Type: 3-wick candle

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Reasons to buy

A warm, comforting scent

This long-lasting candle offers a three-wick model

The vessel doubles as home décor

Reasons to avoid

For those wondering how a Bath and Body Works candle made it on our must-have list, you've never smelt the Wildberry Jam Donut. It's the comfort and joy-induced candle that makes you feel so warm and toasty inside, impossible to resist (no matter how hard you try).

What it smells like
During these unprecedented times, we're all looking for ways to find comfort – and the sweet wildberry jam notes in this candle will get the job done.

With top-notch concentrations of natural essential oils in its formula, alongside hints of powdered donuts and brown sugar crumble, this scent is reminiscent of childhood days baking cookies with loved ones or going into your favorite bakery shop on the weekends; it's the familiar scent that makes you feel at home (and at peace).

Why do we love it
The three-wick candle is lead-free, soot-free, and offering a long-lasting, clean burn that's brighter for extra ambiance. With a burn-time of up to 45-hours, it's the sweet-smelling scent that you'll want to treat yourself to day-in-and-day-out.

(Image credit: Nordstrom)

7.

Capri Blue Reed Diffuser Oil

The best home fragrance: the vacation-in-a-bottle to cure every homebound traveler's wanderlust

Specifications

Fragrance Family: Tropical fruit

Size: 0.5

Type: Essential oil/ reed diffuser

Dimensions: 3.25 x 3.63 x 1.31 inches

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Reasons to buy

A light and airy scent that will instantly transform rooms

A long-lasting size

Affordable

Reasons to avoid

For any homebound travelers looking to cure their wanderlust, we highly recommend turning your attention to the Capri Blue Reed Diffuser – it's the vacation-in-a-bottle that cures your travel woes.

Why do we love it

This long-lasting unforgettable fragrance will fill your space all day long. Unlike candles that require a wick and lighter to dispense their aroma, this reed diffuser slowly-yet-effectively releases its relaxing scent in a classy silhouette. The iconic signature blue vessel offers instant gratification and a liveable fragrance, making it the ultimate investment.

What it smells like

This fragrance diffuser comes available in three different renditions, but our suggestion is the 'Volcano' option; its tropical fruits and sugared citrus blend offer a punch of fragrance, pop of color, and statement for your senses.

Additional Notes

Aside from the fact reviewers compare the scent to 'living on a tropical island,' we should also mention the scent's range and how far it will reach in homes.

(Image credit: diptyque)

8. diptyque Orphéon Eau de Parfum

The best home fragrance: the best in-between when you don't want a candle or diffuser

Specifications

Style: Woody, aromatic

Scents: Tonka beans, cedarwood, juniper berries

Size: 75ml

Type: Spray

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Reasons to buy

A subtle scent that is perfect for those who want something easier than a diffuser or candle

It's a best-seller

Long-lasting scent

Reasons to avoid

Empty List

For those looking for the best home fragrance – but are on the fence over a candle or diffuser, the Orphéon Eau de Parfum is the latest and greatest release from diptyque, and it comes highly regarded on our end.

What it smells like

Paying tribute to Paris in the late '60s, this scent pays homage to the immortalized bar in the olfactory portrait that bears its name: Orphéon. Freeze frame: curls of tobacco smoke mingle with powdery trails of blusher, lingering on burnished wood, creating warmth through the tonka bean, the depth of cedar, and the vivacity of juniper berries.

Why do we love it

This fragrance is the perfect in-between when unable to decide whether to reach for a diffuser or candle. With an easy-to-use spray top and a 75ml bottle, this sultry scent is sensational when used on pillows, blankets, or as a mood-boaster in any room.

(Image credit: apotheke)

9. Apotheke Sea Salt Grapefruit Reed Diffuser

The best home fragrance: the best way to immerse yourself in summer scents year-round

Specifications

Fragrance Family: Tropical

Notes: Grapefruit, Tropical, Mint, Floral, Marine,Musk, Lactonic, Coconut, Amber, Peach, Berry,

Size: 6. 7floz

Lasts: 3 to 4 months

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Reasons to buy

The perfect way to jet off to a tropical location with no travel required

It Will last up to four months

Fresh smelling scents

Reasons to avoid

Dreaming of an endless summer? Apotheke's Sea Salt Grapefruit Reed Diffuser will do the trick. The smell is citrusy but elevated with clean notes reminding us of a lavish hotel lobby in Miami Beach.

What it smells like

At first instinct, you'll notice that grapefruit is leading this scent, but thanks to pepper, mint, and tarragon, this diffuser also provides depth. It's more fresh than fruity. As for the strength of the scent, it'll fill up a large room (but isn't overpowering) and has a longevity of up to four months.

Why do we love it

Besides the scent, which has become one of our go-to's, we love that Apotheke is female-centric; the founder started out selling handmade soaps at farmer's markets, and that the products are still produced at a small factory in Brooklyn.

Additional Notes

The frosted glass bottle feels minimalist and modern, but it's simple enough to suit any style.

How to select the best home fragrance?

It's imperative to consider the location of where you're looking to store your fragrance. For the living area: it's best to consider your aesthetic or decor; minimalists will want to reach for woody scents, whereas traditional settings require a scent floral-based.

With kitchens: it's best to reach for something lighter and airier; the last thing you want to do is compete with food aromas, so we suggest a spicy scent or subtle aqua.

Now, in the case you're shopping for your bedroom: opt for an aroma that's lavender or vanilla-based; you'll want to calm your senses and create a peaceful oasis.

How to tell the difference between a diffuser and a candle?

Compared to candles, diffusers are much safer, more efficient, straightforward, and sometimes more effective. If you strive to experience aromatherapy with ease, buy yourself an essential oil diffuser.

It's believed that the benefits are not just more sustainable than oils but much more in-tune with our senses than candles; but in total, it boils down to personal preference.

Round up of today's best deals

Diptyque Baies Scented Candle

£52.88

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Capri Blue Reed Diffuser Oil

£70.77

View

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Diptyque Do Son Eau de Toilette

£85

View

See all prices

Brittany Romano wrote for Homes & Gardens as a U. S. Shopping Editor. A graduate of New England College, Brittany started her career as a freelance fashion market assistant at Marie Claire. She later joined AMI, where she designed a highly profitable commerce vertical. Noted for her award-winning content, she's covered everything from celebrity beauty hacks to the most lavish home decor.

Best home fragrance – 13 impressive scents by season and room

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We've been busy testing the best home fragrances – from reed diffusers to candles – so that you can buy online with peace of mind. We consider the aroma of your home to be just as important as the look of your interiors and with plenty of fragrances to choose from out there, finding the exact one to suit your taste is no easy task. We've found everything from the best home fragrance for fall, to the top floral home fragrance and even an oriental home fragrance. You can pick something to suit the season – and your interior style. It's the small changes that make a big difference at home, and a candle or reed diffuser is a relatively affordable buy that won't break the bank to spruce your interiors.

There are hundreds if not thousands of options on the market, and with new scents and collections being released all of the time, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. With this in mind, our Deputy Ecommerce Editor has personally tried and tested every one of these home fragrances inside her 2-bed apartment. The home fragrances that made it to this list have been her favorite so far. Below, you'll find everything from the best reed diffuser to our favorite candle. We've listed these home fragrances by scent, season, and room. Use the links on your left to jump through this page.

13 of the best home fragrances for 2022

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Types of home fragrance in this guide

Candles
Using one of the best candles makes a great way to scent your home, offering a time-release explosion of fragrance (for lack of better terms). Be sure to consider the wax of your candle, with soy being the best and most clean option in our opinion, and also consider the candle's size in comparison to your room size, and how many hours it can burn for. Another thing to think about is the safety of lighting a candle at home. If you have small children or wandering pets, then you might be best off to opt for a different type of home fragrance, unless you can place a candle well out of their reach to prevent it getting knocked over and wax spilling.

Reed diffusers
Another popular home fragrance type is reed diffusers, and they are sensational if you want more control over how strong the scent will be or have concerns about the safety of burning candles. Keep in mind that you'll need to flip the sticks to change which end is in the oil every couple of weeks (some reed diffusers require this every other day) for a fragrance boost. Again, even though reed diffusers aren't necessarily dangerous, you will still want to place them out of the way of children or pets to avoid spillages on your furniture.

The best oriental home fragrance

(Image credit: Rituals)

1. Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Fragrance Sticks

Specifications

Life: 3-4 months

Size: 250ml

Notes: Rice milk and cherry blossom

Refill available?: Yes

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The powerful oriental scent of Rituals' The Ritual of Sakura fragrance is one to turn heads – and surprise noses. If you are searching for a strong reed diffuser, perhaps for a bathroom for disguising odors, or for a hallway for flooding fragrance into several rooms, then this is it. It's small in size yet mighty powerful, and I tested it in my spare bedroom, hallway, and living room, and each time I was more impressed by it than the last. It really is powerful but in a good way, and I can definitely see myself repurchasing it again and again, especially since it seems to last a while.

Scent
With nods to the oriental fragrance family thanks to notes of rice milk, cherry blossom, it's a mix of creamy and sweet. You won't really need to flip the reeds with this diffuser, but you can do it when you want a boost or feel like you can no longer smell it (this should take a while!).

Packaging
One thing we will complain about is the packaging. Although it's lovely and boasts a white ribbed design with black reeds, it is very easy to knock over. This is due to its tall shape, so we would suggest placing it way out of the way of small arms, tails and more. A benefit, though, is that you can buy refill bottles for this diffuser so that you can use the same vessel over and over again.

The best fresh home fragrance

(Image credit: Neom)

2. Neom Happiness Reed Diffuser

Specifications

Life: Up to 10 weeks

Size: 3.38oz

Notes: Neroli, Mimosa, Lemon

Refill available?: Yes

Opt for a Neom reed diffuser, specifically their Happiness scent, for use at home during the summertime. This citrus-based fragrance offers a welcomed boost to any room, while it's particularly fitting for kitchens, for busy living rooms for a refresh and it's perfect for an entryway to flood a subtle scent throughout your rooms. I tested this reed diffuser in my bedroom and in my living room, and I think it's the perfect refreshing blend for spring and summer, and it would also work well in an entryway.

Scent
This uplifting scent is fragranced using neroli, mimosa and lemon essential oils, plus it's 100 percent natural for peace of mind. It's completely cruelty-free and also made without the use of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, petrochemicals, mineral oil, silicone and talc.

Packaging
Housed inside a glass vessel with an elegant metal collar, this reed diffuser looks as elegant as it smells, with classic Neom labelling. Included comes six reeds and it's packaged inside a Neom box, ensuring it's ready to gift if need be.

The best herbal home fragrance

(Image credit: The White Company)

3. The White Company Geranium Leaf Candle

Specifications

Burn Time: 28hrs

Size: 4.9oz

Notes: Geranium, Peppermint, Sicilian Orange

Wax: Mineral

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Searching for a fresh home fragrance? This Geranium Leaf candle should be in your home – it's uplighting and anything but subtle. A unique blend of citrus with herbs and fruits, it's also powerful enough to rid your home of any smells. Place it in a kitchen or bathroom, or even hallway for the best results. I loved lighting this candle after cleaning, to flood a fresh fragrance through my home. It's definitely kitchen and bathroom friendly, but don't hide its gorgeous ceramic vessel away. Be aware that this candle can be overpowering if lit in a smaller room, though.

Scent
With immediate notes of geranium, hence the name, as well as peppermint and Sicilian orange, there are also very subtle notes of lavender in this candle. A unique herbal aroma that should be a happy fit for most people, just be aware that it's only available to buy at certain times of the year. Stock up whilst you can!

Packaging
Poured inside a ceramic vessel that arrives complete with a lid, we think this candle looks as great as it smells. It also arrives inside a box, in case you want to give it as a gift to someone special. The same goes for all The White Company candles – they are filled in the UK using high-quality wax.

The best floral home fragrance

(Image credit: Noble Isle)

4.

Noble Isle Rhubarb Rhubarb! Fine Fragrance Reed Diffuser

Specifications

Life: 16-20 weeks

Size: 100ml

Notes: Rhubarb, Juniper Berry, Rosemary

Refills available?: No

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If it's a sweet fragrance that you are searching for, then we can recommend the awesome Noble Isle Rhubarb Rhubarb diffuser. Not only is it housed in an elegant black glass vessel, but this diffuser is powerfully fragranced to impress. I use this reed diffuser in my entryway, to flood its gorgeous floral yet slightly sweet fragrance throughout my home, and to make a good impression on guests in the first instance of them stepping foot into my home. A flip of the reeds releases a burst of fragrance, and I would go as far as to say that it's my signature hallway scent. I probably wouldn't try anything else now.

Scent
A balancing aroma of sweet rhubarb, sour juniper berry and fresh muddled rosemary, the sweet smell of this diffuser is never overpowering, yet it always manages to reach each and every corner of a room. We use ours to scent our entryway, and it always impresses guests on their arrival. As well as being sweet, this scent is nice and fresh and perfect for use during spring and summer. Plus, it has lasted us several months and reeds require infrequent flipping. Also, the fragrance is cruelty-free and vegan.

Packaging
Elegantly poured inside a black glass vessel, this reed diffuser comes with five reeds, and it definitely looks smart enough to earn its place on display. It also arrives nestled inside an elegant gift box. Just bear in mind that you can't buy fragrance refills of this diffuser.

The best warm home fragrance

(Image credit: Noble Isle)

5. Noble Isle Whisky and Water Candle

Specifications

Burn Time: 45hrs

Size: 200g

Notes: Whisky, Water

Wax: Mineral

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When we say that Noble Isle's Whisky and Water Candle is spicy, we truly mean it. It's also powerful and can be smelled before it's lit. Use it to fragrance any size room – and to make a statement. I mostly used this candle inside my spare bedroom, when it was a home office. It's quite a serious fragrance and isn't one for everyone, thanks to its super strong scent (you can actually smell it even when unlit). It's quite masculine but great for the warmer months. It burns clean, though you'll want to avoid lighting this candle in window-less rooms as it might become too overpowering.

Scent
Scented with, you guessed it: whisky and water, but also tonka bean and amber for good balance. It also has subtle floral notes to control its power, but otherwise, it's as spicy as they come.

Packaging
Poured inside a matte black glass vessel with a subtle Noble Isle logo on the front, this candle looks as elegant as it smells. It also arrives inside a lovely gift box with a bow on top. It's vegan and also has a 45-hour burn time. It doesn't come with a lid.

The best vanilla home fragrance

(Image credit: Floral Street)

6.

Floral Street Vanilla Bloom Reed Diffuser

Specifications

Life: Up to 4 months

Size: 3.4oz

Notes: Plum, Liquid Musks, Spanish Ciste, Cashmere woods, Amber, Vanilla

Refills available?: No

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If you have been searching for a vanilla reed diffuser that isn't too warm — or too overpowering —then this is the one for you. Floral Street's Vanilla Bloom diffuser is the perfect concoction of scents, and it's the perfect addition to your home to brighten a room, and not only because it's housed in a bright yellow vessel to add a pop of color to your interiors at the same time. I tried this reed diffuser everywhere, from my kitchen to my living room and my entryway, and it's pretty versatile. Though it's not as strong as you'd expect from a vanilla fragrance, I liked this about it as sometimes I find vanilla scents to be super overpowering. It's uplifting and slightly warm.

Scent
This Nordstrom-exclusive is a delicious blend of vanilla, plum, rose, and amber, for a deeper vanilla fragrance that never smells too warm or too powerful. We suggest using this diffuser in an entryway or living room, for an uplifting instantaneous effect. The fragrance itself is paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, dye-free, and pigment-free.

Packaging
This fragrance is poured inside a fun bright yellow glass vessel, complete with a metal collar and five thick reeds. You'll want to flip these reeds every few weeks. It arrives inside a gorgeous floral box to impress, too. Unfortunately, you can't buy refills to top up your diffuser with fragrance, although this scent does come in more forms than a reed diffuser, but also a candle and more.

The best home fragrance for spring

(Image credit: Soak Sunday)

7. Soak Sunday Cleo's Paradise Honey & Oat Scented Candle

Specifications

Burn Time: 35hrs

Size: 230g

Notes: Honey, Oats

Wax: N/A

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This exquisite blend from Soak Sunday will be sure to impress this spring – in both looks and design. A fitting blend of honey and oat, it's the perfect signature candle for the start of the warmer weather season. Plus, it's light enough to enjoy inside any room of your home, though we'd recommend confining it to your bedroom, entryway, or living room. I preferred lighting this candle in my bedroom, and it burned clean, though bear in mind you'll want to trim your wicks regularly.

Scent
Unlike any other fragrance combination we've ever smelled, this candle is made using spring flower honey and soothing oatmeal and then balanced with vanilla, honeycomb, and roasted oats. It's light, making it perfect for spring and summer, yet its throwability is impressive. We've had guests comment on the scent of this candle, saying how impressed they are by its aroma.

Packaging
We love the white glass vessel that this candle is poured inside. It's elegant, with a quote reading 'Sink into your soul & emerge eternally glowing' wrapped around its front. The glass vessel itself is thick and sizeable at 230g. Oh, and it has a 35 hour burn time.

The best home fragrance for summer

(Image credit: Skandinavisk)

8. Skandinavisk Lempi Candle

Specifications

Burn time: 50hrs

Size: 200g

Notes: Peony, Rose, Strawberries & Mosses

Wax: Swedish Rapeseed Wax

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We've said it before and we'll say it again: this Skandinavisk candle is one of our top favorites around. It's the perfect floral candle that never takes over a room, giving off just the right amount of fragrance to reach from one corner of a room to the other. Plus, it burns nice and evenly every time. This candle will always be one of my favorites – in fact I've repurchased it again and again. Every time it burns evenly, and its aroma always manages to fill my living room and impress my guests.

Scent
The Lempi candle is fragranced using all of the best floral scents, including peonies, roses, strawberries, and even mosses for good balance. To remind you of spring and summer blooms, even when you might be stuck inside. We sometimes find floral scents to be a tad overpowering, but this is never the case with this Scandinavisk candle. In fact, it boasts an impressive throw and is quite nice and subtle.

Packaging
Poured into a white glass Scandi-style vessel that's made from 30 percent recyclable materials, this candle even has an FSC-certified wooden lid for keeping dust away. It's made of a Swedish rapeseed wax blend. We think it looks as pretty as it smells.

The best home fragrance for fall

(Image credit: The White Company)

9. The White Company Fireside Diffuser

Specifications

Life: 3 months

Size: 5.1oz

Notes: Smoked Woods, Birch, Amber

Refills Available?: No

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The White Company's Fireside diffuser is the perfect addition to your home come fall and wintertime. Just place the reeds in the fragrance as soon as the weather starts getting cold. Then, pop it in a living room, bedroom, or entryway and breathe in the powerful yet unique scent that replicates... you guessed it: the smell of a roaring fireplace. It really is extraordinary – and impressively powerful yet never too scented. This is one of, if not the best reed diffuser that I've ever tested at home. Its impressive reach paired with its luxurious woody fragrance had this diffuser turn my bedroom into the most inviting space as the temperatures were getting colder.

Scent
With scent notes of smoked woods, birch and amber, this concoction almost screams fall and winter. It adds a warm and cozy vibe to any room, no matter its size. You'll need to flip the reeds occasionally, but rest assured once you do, this scent will fill the air in your space. You can also place this reed diffuser anywhere inside a room – it doesn't need to be placed in the center of a space! It's definitely not one for spring or summer, just an FYI.

Packaging
Housed inside the classic The White Company glass vessel, this diffuser will look the part on your side whilst scenting your home. It comes with rattan sticks to use accordingly, based on your room size and strength preference. It also comes inside a gorgeous white box, making it ready to gift.

The best home fragrance for Christmas

(Image credit: The White Company)

10. The White Company Fir Tree Candle

Specifications

Burn time: 18hrs

Size: 75g

Notes: Eucalyptus, Pine & Cedar

Wax: Mineral

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The White Company's Fir Tree candle is, without a doubt, our best pick for wintertime. Why? It smells like your Christmas tree, but better – and 10 times more fresh. I spent the entirety of December and January lighting this candle inside my living room. My dinner guests couldn't stop commenting on its fragrance, and even though my living room is sizeable it always managed to add a festive feel to this space.

Scent
This Christmassy candle has woody yet fresh notes of pine, eucalyptus, and cedarwood. Though wintery, it still manages to give off a slightly ozonic fragrance to leave your rooms smelling fresh. We definitely suggest placing this candle in your living room; otherwise, it works great in a hallway to greet your guests with a festive fragrance.

Packaging
You can buy this candle in several sizes, from 14g tea lights to a whopping 1555g candle. We suggest picking the 585g candle since it has the longest burn time of 114 hours. Though the votive size that we've pictured above is most popular. You can select whether you'd prefer this The White Company candle to come in a glass votive or unhoused and ready to light on a plate.

The best home fragrance for bedrooms

(Image credit: Neom)

11. Neom Organics London Real Luxury Scented Candle

Specifications

Burn Time: 20hrs/35hrs/50hrs

Size: 2.65oz/6.52oz/14.81oz

Notes: Lavender, Jasmine, Brazilian Rosewood

Wax: Vegetable

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Aptly named the Real Luxury candle, this Neom offering ticks all our boxes when it comes to finding an appropriate candle for your bedroom. Plus, it comes in a range of sizes, whether you are searching for a single wick candle or a three-wick option. Moreover, it burns super clean, and whilst testing I used it in both my bedroom and my entryway. I preferred burning this candle in my bedroom, before bed to help me unwind.

Scent
This candle gets its aroma from a blend of 24 natural essential oils, meaning that it's kind to light inside the room in which you sleep and breathe all night long. Its main fragrance notes come from lavender, jasmine, and Brazilian rosewood. It's a floral blend overall, but it's also, as its name suggests, relaxing and also slightly warm. Its scent is one you can light pretty much year-round.

Packaging
Hand-poured inside a classic Neom glass vessel, this candle comes in your choice of three sizes, with a maximum burn time of up to 50 hours. This vessel is quite often used once the candle has fully burned, and cleaned out to become a plant pot or makeup brush holder.

The best home fragrance for bathrooms

(Image credit: Yankee Candle)

12. Yankee Candle 2022 Scent of the Year Inspire

Specifications

Burn Time: 110 - 150hrs

Size: 623g

Notes: Sea Salt, Lime

Wax: Paraffin

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Inspire is Yankee Candle's scent of the year for 2022, and it's safe to say that this citrus fragrance is nice and fresh. We think it's the best fit for freshening up a bathroom, and with its impressive burn time you can leave this candle alight whilst you have guests over, to make an everlasting impression in your bathroom. It has been doing an incredible job at scenting my bathroom so far, though this space is small and windowless, it's never too overpowering and offers the perfect balance of a fresh aroma.

Scent
Inspire is a very fresh and citrus-based scent, and on the first sniff, you can definitely smell the ocean breeze accords as well as a hint of the lime. Undertones include bamboo, ginger, cedar, verbena, driftwood plus more. This fragrance will be sure to add an uplifting effect to your bathroom.

Packaging
Nothing dissimilar to the usual Yankee Candle packaging, Inspire comes in an apothecary jar with a glass dome lid, with a fancy blue pattern for adding some color to your bathroom.

The best home fragrance for kitchens

(Image credit: Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day)

13. Mrs. Meyer's Lavender Large Jar Candle

Specifications

Burn Time: 35hrs

Size: 7.2oz

Notes: Lavender

Wax: Soy/Vegetable

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Mrs. Meyer's fans will already know this scent well since it's also available in everything from hand soap to dryer sheets. But we're still not sick of it, and the crisp, fresh, and inviting lavender scent is one of our favorite choices for a powder room or entryway. I tested this lovely candle and used it in mostly my kitchen and bathroom, and its impressive scent is anything but overpowering. I'm not usually a fan of lavender fragrances, but this one is a lovely fresh blend that's also herbal, to imitate a clean home.

Scent
It's light, floral, and clean, reminiscent of a bright spring day in the park. A lovely combination of floral and herbal, this lavender fragrance is slightly warm making it perfect for use in between the seasons.

Packaging
The Mrs. Meyer's Lavender candle comes in an eco-friendly recycled glass jar that complements casual spaces well. It looks great in a kitchen or bathroom, though we'd probably avoid displaying it in your entryway, bedroom or living room. Perfect for the warmer months, this home fragrance is made from renewable ingredients like soy and vegetable wax that make it a sustainable scent, too.

How did we test these home fragrances?

Our Deputy Ecommerce Editor, Annie Collyer, has been testing all types of home fragrance from reed diffusers to candles and room sprays, inside her home for the best part of a year now. She has had hands-on experience with each and every one of the products in this guide, and she tests the candles until they are fully burned. The reed diffusers have all been tested until they are near to empty, and she tends to move these fragrances around her home to see which room(s) they work best inside.

Annie lives inside a spacious 2-bedroom apartment, with two pets (a dog and a rabbit), so rest assured she's a great tester for these home fragrances. Whether you are searching for something to mask pet smells or a reed diffuser for a spacious living room, she can help.

What to consider when choosing the best home fragrance?

We've listed a range of specs above, along with each product we recommend. Specifications differ from reed diffusers to candles, but when it comes to both of these home fragrances, we've made sure to list both size and notes. Go for a larger candle or reed diffuser if you are considering this for a big space. Consider each fragrance's notes and think about the scents you usually pick up, or ones you already own (and like) at home.

Otherwise, when it comes to candles we've also been sure to list the burn time of each fragrance. Consider this and compare it to the candle's price. The last specification for candles that we listed is wax. This is mostly down to personal preference, but we have found that soy wax burns cleaner than others – and it does tend to be a better option for breathing in.

When listing reed diffusers, we've been sure to note each one's lifespan. This is an approximate timeframe that your reed diffuser should fragrance your home for. This is also useful to compare with the reed diffuser's price tag to consider whether it's worth it, in your opinion. Moreover, we've made sure to check if each reed diffuser has to be fully replaced once finished, or if refills are available. Refilling your reed diffuser isn't only an eco-friendly option, but it's also more affordable than buying the entire diffuser vessel and fragrance again and again.

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Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Mini

£16.50

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Noble Isle Whisky & Water Candle

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Skandinavisk Lempi Candle

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The White Company Fir Tree Candle

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Neom Organics London Real Luxury

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Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. Along with my team, I'm here to review all of the products you might be considering buying for your home. As someone who lives in a flat with a small amount of storage space to work with, and with two indoor pets to clean up after, I am forever searching for stylish yet functional appliances that won't blemish my decor if I can't fit them in a cupboard. I love decorating my living room for each season, while my other hobbies include drinking a decent cup of coffee, going on park walks with my dog and enjoying an Instagrammable brunch with my husband.

which one to choose, rating with photo

Content

Kuchenland Home

Fragrances for the home are as much an element of home decor as a cute vase or a picture on the wall. This is the final touch, without which the impression of the interior will be incomplete. There are many ways to fill a room with a pleasant smell: from diffusers with sticks to sachets and candles. Let's figure out which one is suitable for the bedroom, which one is for the closet, and which one is better to use in the bathroom. nine0004

Aroma diffusers

Graceful flacons of different shapes fill the room with a complex aroma that sequentially unfolds from top notes to base notes. Its intensity can be adjusted by the number of sticks in the container. The more of them, the stronger the smell will be. The diffuser will take about an hour to fill the room. The best scents for home with chopsticks are those that you like, do not tire or irritate. When choosing, experts recommend taking into account seasonality: dense or coniferous aromas are appropriate in winter, light floral or marine scents are pleasant to inhale in hot summer. A beautiful concise bottle, in addition to the main function, will become an element of decor. Pay attention to the general style of the room so that the vessel does not want to be hidden away. Think of a composition that he can become a part of. It is optimal to include three elements in it: vertical (it will be a diffuser with sticks), horizontal (a magazine, a stack of books, a dish) and curly (a vase, figurine, bust). nine0004

Seven facts about the diffuser that will help you choose the right one and extend its life

Refer to the description or the smell in the bottle. Paper test strips or a drop of fragrance on your hand, by analogy with perfume, will not work, since fragrances have different uses.
Adjusting with sticks will not help if you don't like the smell at all. Buy a trial version of a small volume or a whole set to decide for sure.
Aroma spreads faster around the room if you put the bottle under a split or air conditioner. But the liquid from the vial will disappear faster. nine0015
The level of humidity in the room also affects the rate of evaporation and the life of the diffuser.
Turn the bottle of e-liquid upside down once a week to prolong the life of the diffuser. On average, a volume of 200 ml is enough for 6 to 8 weeks.
Aroma diffuser persistent but subtle. If the room is larger than 10 - 15 square meters, use 2 bottles, placing them in opposite corners of the room.
If you plan to be away from home for several days or are simply tired of the aroma, remove the sticks from the liquid and close the jar tightly with a lid. nine0015

Aroma diffuser, Bamboo Lemongrass, Delicate in a minimalist transparent bottle. It starts with bergamot, citrus and herbal notes and later opens with musk, floral and woody notes. Aroma diffuser, gray, Sea Shore, Romeo suitable for the bathroom. Gray glass with an ornament is combined with almost any decor and wall color. The aroma will enchant with tones of black currant, bergamot, tropical fruits and jasmine. Aroma diffuser, 100 ml, Lisierton, Memor can be placed on a chest of drawers in the bedroom. It has a pleasant floral-fruity aroma and an unusual bottle: in a transparent container there is a decor reminiscent of autumn leaves. nine0004

Scented candles

Many consider them to be the best fragrances for the home, because they create a special atmosphere. Use them in your home spa bath. The soft reflections of the flame and the light scent will help you relax and rejuvenate. Decorate your bedside table, chest of drawers, shelf in the bathroom with aroma candles. In order not to think about drops of wax or paraffin, stop at those that are in a glass candlestick. Be sure to follow safety precautions: keep animals away from fire, show the candle to the baby only in your presence. nine0004

Sprays

What are the best home fragrances? Sprays are suitable for the bathroom, as well as at home with animals. Suitable for any premises, quickly eliminate unwanted odors, safe for children or animals. But they also evaporate quickly. Use them as an ambulance, and then connect diffusers or candles. If you still want to keep the chosen smell longer, spray it on the curtains or rug. nine0004

Oils

Essential oils are also great for scenting your home. Choose vials with a pipette built into the lid. So the oil is the easiest to dose. The most convenient way to use oils is a special aroma lamp. In its lower part there is a candle, which heats the upper bowl with a mixture of water and a few drops of oil. If there is no lamp, use improvised means: nine0004

Add 15-20 drops to a flower spray bottle and spray around the room.
Add 3-5 drops of oil to a cotton cloth and then place it on the battery
Replace the aroma lamp with an ordinary cup of water that can be placed near a heat source
A few drops of oil can also be added to the water for mopping

Oils have their drawbacks. The main one is the possibility of allergic reactions. The fire in the lamp can also be dangerous for them if there are children or animals in the house. nine0004

Sachet

What flavors are best for a closet or chest of drawers? Of course, sachet. They will save the closet and the linen in it from extraneous odors, fill the dressing room, the closet in the hallway, the shelf with towels in the bathroom with a pleasant aroma. They are a small pouch filled with a hook for hanging or without, which releases fragrance freely. They also include aromatic clay and wax sachets. This group has many advantages: low price, small size, fragrance lasts 2-3 months. But for large open spaces, sachets are not suitable. nine0004

Aromatic sachet, 10x19 cm, hanging, Floral Mist, Aristocrat. The aroma of lemon, bergamot, ginger, jasmine and sandalwood is woven into a delicate composition. A hook is provided for hanging. Aromatic clay, 8x14 cm, green, Frozen Pear, Pastel - up to three months of pleasant aroma in a closet or dressing room

Which home fragrance should I choose?

In addition to individual preferences, be guided by the properties of odors in the composition. They can relax, invigorate or set you up for work. nine0004

Mint, lavender or jasmine immerse you in an atmosphere of peace, help you sleep and relax
Cinnamon, lemon, rosemary, coffee unleash creativity and help focus
Citruses invigorate and improve mood
Cinnamon, ginger pastries create coziness and are associated with hospitality
The best fragrances for the bedroom are unobtrusive and barely noticeable, floral, woody and citrus fruits “sound good” in the living room, and marine freshness, herbal and coniferous notes are appropriate in the bathroom

Your personal rating for home fragrances may differ from the general recommendations. Choose a separate one for each room or one that will always be associated with the house and evoke pleasant memories. Buy diffusers or candles as a gift. It's neutral and doesn't feel too personal like a perfume. Change scents according to the season and mood. Remember that they can exist in different forms, and that in our store you can always find the right one. nine0004

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