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Fragrance reed diffusers


The 8 Best Reed Diffusers of 2022

The Nest Reed Diffuser is a clear winner

By

Theresa Holland

Theresa Holland

Theresa Holland is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, cleaning, and bedding. She shares her favorite life hacks on her blog The Taboo Textbook.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 11/12/22

Fact checked by

Sarah Scott

Fact checked by Sarah Scott

Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.

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The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang

Reed diffusers offer a heatless, cordless, flame-free route to a nice-smelling home. We researched the top options for various room sizes and scent preferences, then asked an interior designer for tips on placement.

Available in several scent profiles and promising a full three months of subtle aromatherapy, the Nest Reed Diffuser is our number-one pick.

Scroll down for the best reed diffusers on the market today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Nest New York Reed Diffuser at Amazon

Best Budget:

Cocod'or Flower Reed Diffuser at Amazon

Best Splurge:

Diptyque Home Fragrance Diffuser at Bloomingdales

Best for Gifting:

Homesick Premium Reed Diffuser at Amazon

Best for Bathrooms:

P.F. Candle Co. Rattan Reed Diffuser at Amazon

Best for Bedrooms:

Brooklyn Candle Studio Room Perfume at Amazon

Best for Large Rooms:

Pottery Barn Reed Diffuser at Amazon

Best for Home Office:

Apotheke Charcoal Reed Diffuser at Amazon

In This Article

Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Nest is known for high-quality scented candles, and you can expect nothing less from the brand's reed diffuser. The set comes with an etched glass jar reminiscent of a tiny flower vase, 8.5 ounces of fragrance oil, and eight chic black bamboo sticks. You can use all eight reeds at once for a more noticeable aroma or just a few for a subtler scent. The reed sticks soak up the oil, then release a continuous fragrance into your home for three months. You can also flip the sticks over every week or so to refresh the scent.

This top-shelf kit is available in 21 fragrances. There's lemon-mint, apricot tea, Sicilian tangerine, grapefruit, birchwood pine, lemongrass-ginger, and Mediterranean fig—to name just a few. Many of the scents align with Nest's scented candles, soaps, and linen sprays, so you can use corresponding products throughout your home as needed. There's a lot to love about this reed-diffusing set. We only wish the price were a bit more accessible.

Material: Glass, bamboo | Size: 8.5 ounces | Life span: 3 months

Courtesy of Amazon.

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

On a budget? Check out the wallet-friendly Cocod'or Reed Diffuser. It comes with a clear glass container, 6.7 ounces of fragrance oil, and five black bamboo sticks (not as many as others on this list). There's also a mini 1.6-ounce option and an extra-large one with 16.9 ounces of oil. You'll get dried flowers, too, which you can remove if they're not your cup of tea.

From balsam-cedar to eucalyptus-lemon, you can choose from 19 different scents, each of which promises two months of pleasant aroma. While some of the fragrances might smell a bit perfumey, the brand says they meet the International Fragrance Association standards for safe, eco-friendly ingredients.

Material: Glass, bamboo | Size: 1.6–16.9 ounces | Life span: 2 months

Courtesy of Nordstrom.

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

If you're looking to splurge, check out Diptyque's Home Fragrance Reed Diffuser. This premium product comes with a faceted oval vessel that looks like a valuable antique. You'll also get six black rattan sticks and 6.8 ounces of fragrance oil that provides three months' worth of consistent aromatherapy.

While only three scents are available, it's still hard to choose because they're all really amazing. The most popular is Baies, a fruity-floral blend of blackcurrant and rosebuds. Then there's Roses, which combines—yes—roses with litchi fruit, bergamot, and musk. The third option is Tubéreuse, a fresh, flowery fragrance with sweet, fruity notes.

Material: Glass, rattan | Size: 6.8 ounces | Life span: 3 months

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Courtesy of Amazon.

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Shopping for someone else? As with Homesick's popular U.S. state-inspired scented candles, the brand's reed diffusers make an excellent gift. This set comes with a glass bottle, eight bamboo sticks, and 4 ounces of aromatherapy scented oil, all in a wrappable box.

The nostalgic fragrances range from city names, such as New York and Los Angeles, to holiday-inspired concoctions, like Pumpkin Picking and The Nutcracker. Though the oil is supposed to release a scent for up to three months, it's somewhat faint compared to others and may not be noticeable in large rooms. That said, flipping the reeds every week or so can help.

Material: Glass, bamboo | Size: 4 ounces | Life span: 2–3 months

Amazon

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

If you're looking for a reed diffuser to place in your bathroom, we suggest P.F. Candle Co. This set comes with an apothecary-style amber glass bottle, 3.5 ounces of fragrance oil, and seven 9-inch-long rattan sticks. Since the bottle is about 2 inches wide, you can place it nearly anywhere—on a shelf, the counter, or even the toilet tank lid.

There are eight earth-inspired scents ranging from amber-moss to sandalwood-rose to sweet grapefruit. Each lasts about four months, slowly releasing into your space. Just note it might take several days before you begin to notice the aroma.

Material: Glass, rattan | Size: 3.5 ounces | Life span: 3–4 months

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Courtesy of Brooklyn Candle Studio.

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Brooklyn Candle Studio's Room Perfume is perfect for bedside aromatherapy. While it's on the pricier side, there's a lot to appreciate about this reed diffuser set. You'll get a simple glass bottle, 4.4 ounces of scented oil, and eight 10-inch rattan sticks.

The scents are pretty enticing too. From romantic Love Potion to refreshing Sunday Morning to woody Palo Santo, you're sure to find something for your sleeping quarters. What's more, each fragrance graces your space for up to five months.

Material: Glass, rattan | Size: 4.4 ounces | Life span: 4–5 months

Courtesy of Pottery Barn.

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Pottery Barn's simple yet classy reed diffuser comes with a square glass bottle and 10 ounces of oil. This makes it ideal for living rooms and other large spaces. Though it only comes with five sticks, they're relatively thick, so they can soak up more of the fragrance.

The set is available in scent profiles inspired by each of the four seasons. There's pink jasmine for spring, fresh summery linen, fern for fall, and wintry Pacific grove. Though they're technically seasonal, they're versatile enough for year-round use. This reed diffuser is pricey, but the generous size makes it a decent value.

Material: Glass, bamboo | Size: 10 ounces | Life span: Not specified

Courtesy of Amazon.

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What We Like

What We Don't Like

Apotheke's Charcoal Reed Diffuser is just the thing for your home office. This handsome all-black set comes with a matte bottle, 6.7 ounces of oil, and nine sticks (more than most). The full-bodied aroma is sophisticated, with a woody base, notes of smokey amber, and a hint of sweet, earthy oud.

This particular bundle is only available in one scent. While we think the sleek design and gender-neutral aroma are ideal for a workstation, Apotheke has several other excellent fragrance profiles, including woody amber, magnolia, and salty grapefruit. And they all last up to four months.

Material: Glass, bamboo | Size: 6.7 ounces | Life span: 3–4 months

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Nest New York Bamboo Reed Diffuser, which earned high marks for its thoughtful design and long-lasting fragrance. That said, the Cocod'or Flower Reed Diffuser is another great option sold at a fraction of the price.

Design

A reed diffuser is just as much for decoration as it is for scent. When browsing sets, consider where you're going to place it and how the style and color of the bottle and sticks will look in your space.

Size

Decorist designer Emerie Forehand recommends paying attention to the size. This includes the dimensions of the bottle and sticks, as well as how many ounces of oil it comes with. "Select one that will blend in as an accessory but is still large enough to fill each space," Forehand says.

Scent

Just like any scented candle you light in your home or perfume you spray on your body, you'll want to choose a fragrance you find pleasant and not too overwhelming. "The aromas of essential oils have so much potential to influence your emotions and overall well-being for the better," Forehand says. From calming florals and romantic musks to energizing citrus and earthy blends, there's something for everyone.

FAQ

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in home decor, lifestyle, and leisure. For this article, she interviewed an interior designer for tips on buying and placement, then researched today's best-selling reed diffusers. After reviewing a plethora of options, she narrowed it down based on coverage area, scent duration, aesthetic, and overall value.

Theresa covers decorative accents, home scents, deodorizers, and cleaning products at The Spruce. You can read more of her work on People, Travel + Leisure, and Byrdie.

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The 5 Best Reed Diffusers (2022 Review)

Reed diffusers are an alternative to candles, oil diffusers, air fresheners, and other products that make your home smell pleasant. Combining luxurious scents with decorative elements, they’re a great finishing touch to any room in your home. Reed diffusers are available in a variety of fragrances, shapes, sizes, materials, and more, so the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best reed diffusers on Amazon for you. Learn more about our top five recommendations below.

Best Mint Scent: NEST Fragrances Reed Diffuser

This reed diffuser can freshen up a living space with a designer-like touch and a lemon and mint scent. The attractive packaging makes it a suitable gift for a loved one, and the vegan oil that’s made in the United States without animal testing positions it as a premium option that’s worth the price.

Key Features

What Customers Are Saying

Many customers were pleased with the scent of this reed diffuser, stating that the lemon and mint tones mixed together nicely. However, while satisfied with the scent and potency, many customers found this product to be overly expensive.

NEST Fragrances Reed Diffuser

Best Mint Scent

Buy on Amazon

Best Fruity Scent: Cocod’or Signature Reed Diffuser

Subtle enough not to overpower small rooms but strong enough to be noticeable in larger living spaces, this reed diffuser offers a cherry-like fragrance. The essential oil formula is made without didecyldimethylammonium chloride, toluene, xylene, and other chemicals that many brands use.

Key Features

What Customers Are Saying

Users of this reed diffuser appreciated the generous 6. 7-ounce size and the potent black cherry fragrance. They reported that their family members, friends, and roommates also liked the scent. Negatively, some users thought that it smelled more like a perfume than a subtle diffuser.

Cocod’or Signature Reed Diffuser

Best Fruity Scent

Buy on Amazon

Most Decorative: CULTURE & NATURE Reed Diffuser

Complete with a giftable box and three fake flowers, this diffuser is decorative and elegant. The white flowers offer a contrast to the black reed sticks, and the cotton fragrance is enough to refresh your home without being overpowering.

Key Features

What Customers Are Saying

The large capacity and elegant look of this reed diffuser were highlights in many positive customer reviews. Conversely, other users were unsatisfied with how long the diffuser lasted, stating that it stopped producing a noticeable odor after only one month of use.

CULTURE & NATURE Reed Diffuser

Most Decorative

Buy on Amazon

Best Ocean Scent: ‎Urban Naturals Reed Diffuser Set

This reed diffuser is advertised to last multiple months, which is impressive given its relatively small size. Although the packaging isn’t as attractive as those for other reed diffusers, the bottle looks nice on a windowsill, bookshelf, coffee table, or other surface. There’s also a selection of tiny seashells sitting at the bottom of the bottle.

Key Features

What Customers Are Saying

Happy customers enjoyed the scent of this reed diffuser set. Many found the smell to be relaxing, reminding them of the beach. Some customers complained about how little time the fragrance lasted. Other unhappy users said that the oil seemed to be corrosive, stripping paint off of their furniture.

Urban Naturals Reed Diffuser Set

Best Ocean Scent

Buy on Amazon

Best Masculine Scent: P.F. Candle Co. Reed Diffuser

With a moderate scent, this rattan reed diffuser fills a medium-size space with a teakwood and tobacco scent that isn’t too potent. We like the amber-tinted, apothecary-style bottle, which is a nice departure from other reed diffusers that take on the styling of a cologne or perfume bottle.

Key Features

What Customers Are Saying

Those in search of a musky, earthy, or more masculine odor praised this reed diffuser. They added that although the scent was subtle, it produced a nice background odor that didn’t overpower their senses. Conversely, other customers found the tobacco qualities of the oil to be too faint.

P. F. Candle Co. Reed Diffuser

Best Masculine Scent

Buy on Amazon

Buyer’s Guide

Reed diffusers are an easy and affordable way to give your home a subtle scent. Although your desired fragrance is a primary consideration, there are other factors you should think about to make the most informed purchase possible. Find the best reed diffuser for your needs with the help of our buyer’s guide below.

Scent

The most important consideration is what smell you want your reed diffuser to produce. From deep, earthy, and musky scents to fruity, subtle, and neutral odors, there’s an option out there for everyone.

Room Size

A larger room requires a larger or more potent reed diffuser to evenly distribute a fragrance throughout the space. Reed diffusers with a capacity of five ounces or less are usually ideal for smaller rooms, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. Consider using a bigger diffuser or two smaller ones for bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens.

Style

Most reed diffusers are fairly stylish, doubling as a decoration. Simple bottles are better suited for the corner of a room, while more ornate diffusers can be a centerpiece on a table. Once you find a scent you like, think about how the diffuser will look in your home.

Reed Material

Most reeds are made with rattan or bamboo. Generally, rattan reeds absorb and diffuse oils faster than their bamboo counterparts. If you’re sensitive to smells, consider a diffuser with bamboo reeds.

Refilling

Many reed diffusers come with enough oil to last for a few months. When the oil runs out or is no longer releasing a fragrance, you can refill the bottle with more oil. We also recommend replacing the reeds at this time.

Ethical Considerations

The main ethical consideration is whether the oil that comes with your reed diffuser has been tested on animals. If you’re a pet lover, make sure your reed diffuser is labeled as cruelty-free.

Reed Diffuser Tips and Tricks

Reed diffusers are easy to use—in most cases, you simply pour the scented oil into the holder and place the reeds inside. However, to get the most out of your diffuser, read our tips below.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many reeds should I place in a reed diffuser?

There’s no minimum or maximum number of reeds you can place inside of your diffuser. However, most standard-sized diffusers work well with five to eight reeds. Larger diffusers may take 15 or more reeds.

Can I reuse reeds once they’re soaked in oil?

Once a reed stick soaks up essential oils, it can’t absorb any more, whether it’s the same fragrance or a different one. While there’s nothing wrong with reusing old reeds, the scent they give off will likely be underwhelming.

What is carrier oil?

Carrier oils are typically non-scented oils that are designed to make highly concentrated and fragrant essential oils last longer. Fractionated coconut oil is a common carrier oil that’s used to dilute essential oils and increase their lifespan. Although carrier oils aren’t necessary, they’re useful for decreasing the potency of essential oils.

How long do reed diffusers typically last?

Most reed diffusers last between two and four months. While essential oils are somewhat expensive, reeds are inexpensive, so you can replace them once they’re soaked in oil to use the rest of the oil at the bottom of the bottle.

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How to use the stick diffuser?

Each house and each apartment has its own special smell. It is this smell that is associated with home comfort and the comfort of your home. Therefore, filling your home with pleasant aromas is a completely natural desire of any person.

It is important to choose the right fragrance for your home, because it is what you will smell every day when you come home. In addition, pleasant aromas have a positive effect on your well-being and mood. Even if you are used to the smell and have ceased to feel it as intensely as before, your subconscious mind still picks up this signal, and you feel more comfortable.

The simplest, most popular and most effective way to scent your home today is with an aroma diffuser with sticks. This is an unobtrusive and aesthetic solution for any room.

Aroma diffuser with sticks consists of three components:

The shape and design of the bottle can be absolutely any narrower thanks to their stylish appearance interior.

There are two types of aromatic liquid - oil-based and alcohol-based.

Depending on the type of base, different sticks must be used. For alcohol, reed, rattan, willow or bamboo are usually used. For the oil base - fiberglass sticks. It is made from pressed cotton.

The sticks are inserted into a bottle of perfumed liquid, soaked in fragrance and released into the environment. The intensity of aromatization is regulated by the number of sticks inserted. The more of them, the more intense the aromatization will be. But the liquid will evaporate faster.

After the fragrance liquid has completely evaporated, it is not necessary to purchase a new diffuser. You can buy a replacement fragrance, the same as it was, or a different one, and use the diffuser again. The pores of the sticks get clogged over time and they also need to be changed. Therefore, when purchasing a new aromatic liquid, do not forget to buy a new set of sticks.

Many people are wondering if an aroma diffuser is harmful to health? Can it be used indoors with small children or pets? The answer to this question is unequivocal - no, it is not harmful. But on the condition that you purchase a quality product from well-known manufacturers with a good reputation. They do not use cheap fragrances in their fragrances, but natural essential oils and safe perfume components, and also comply with accepted safety norms and standards during production. But, we must understand that products of this level cannot be cheap.

Some useful tips for using aroma diffusers:

  1. Install the aroma diffuser on a flat surface in a suitable place so that it does not accidentally drop. It can be used in the office, bedroom, hallway, bathroom or dressing room. Please note that the increased humidity of the room will slightly speed up the evaporation time of the fragrance.
  2. When starting to use the diffuser, start with three or four sticks. In a few hours you will feel the result. You can add or remove sticks as you wish.
  3. Wooden sticks can be turned upside down after a month to enhance the scent. If you prefer a stronger scent, you can turn the sticks over more often, once every couple of weeks.
  4. When leaving the house for a long time, it is not superfluous to take out the sticks and close the bottle so that the aromatic liquid does not evaporate while you are away.
  5. Experience shows that if the diffuser is placed in the shade, the fragrance will be more subtle and soft. When the diffuser is placed in the sun, the sound of the aromatic composition will be brighter.

So, an aroma diffuser with sticks is an easy way to aromatize any space - at home, office or study, reception or meeting rooms.

Stylish high-quality and beautiful diffuser may well become a pleasant and unusual gift.

For example, SKANDINAVISK brand home fragrances look laconic and at the same time very stylish. They have solid high-quality packaging and they are universal - you can choose both male and female versions. Such a diffuser can be presented to a colleague, or presented as a compliment to a psychologist, teacher, doctor or business partner.

Muha' Italian home fragrances are a sure bet for a gift to a girlfriend or friend. They have an unusual design, where instead of sticks butterflies or flowers made of fine handmade wood are used.

Connoisseurs of vintage style and impeccable English quality will definitely like the collection of diffusers "Good Old England" from ST Eval candle co.

Some manufacturers, such as Maison Berger, produce ready-made gift sets - a small aroma diffuser and an aroma candle with the same fragrance in a beautiful gift box.

Summing up, we can say that choosing your own fragrance for the home is about the same as choosing perfume. You need to try and experiment, and you will definitely find your favorite flavor.

Or maybe you like variety and want to change different fragrances. For example, depending on the season. In the hot summer - cool and fresh, and in the winter - warm, soft and cozy.

We hope that thanks to this article, it will be easier for you to make your choice and navigate in the limitless world of fragrances!

How to use an aroma diffuser with sticks.

The job of a diffuser is to evenly diffuse the scented oils into the air for a pleasant or soothing effect, depending on the oil placed in the diffuser. For example, lavender is designed to support sleep, cedar and pine instill a sense of calm, and the coffee smell, on the contrary, invigorates.

UA PHILANTHROP use oil based fillers. They have a mild flavor and take longer to evaporate. The particles are sprayed in a breathable concentration, a subtle aroma that emphasizes the style of the home owners in the background.

Aroma diffusers are like personal care: they bring elements of well-being into your home, turning the space into a cozy nest where you can breathe freely. Devices for aromatization of premises require minimal effort to use and will definitely delight you and your guests.

Oil diffusers use reed or fiberglass sticks (made from pressed cotton). The sticks are inserted into a bottle of perfumed liquid, soaked in aroma and give it to the surrounding space. The intensity of aromatization is regulated by the number of sticks inserted. The more of them, the more intense the aromatization will be. But the liquid will evaporate faster.


There are many factors that affect how long oils are stored: indoor humidity or dryness, humidifiers or dehumidifiers, air conditioning, heating, closed or open doors, etc.

The evaporation rate also depends on the number of sticks in the vial. The more of them, the faster the oil will evaporate. If the reeds are turned over too often, this also threatens to evaporate quickly.

Average 700 ml. enough for 5 months.

For the freshness of the fragrance, you can buy and add a replacement fragrance every 2 months, the same as it was.

Good quality reeds will last about six months. If the scent is no longer as strong as it used to be, try turning the reed over. Over time, they become impregnated and can become clogged with dust. When this happens, it's time to replace the reed.

If you decide to change the fragrance, you should use new sticks. The old flavor can mix with the new one, which can lead to undesirable results.


There are many great places to place reed diffusers throughout your home. The main thing is that the size of the diffuser must match the size of the room: the larger the room, the larger the diffuser must be in order to spread the smell. Here are some great places to install a reed diffuser:

Bedroom: Wake up in the morning with invigorating citrus fruits or relax at night with soothing lavender. Choose a stable surface where the diffuser won't topple over and place it on a stand if you have wooden furniture to protect it from discoloration.

Hallway: Bring home a great smelling home by placing a reed diffuser in the hallway. Since these places are crowded, the trick is to find a secluded spot where the diffuser won't get knocked over by coats and bags.

Bathroom: The bathroom is often the smallest and can be the smelliest room in the house, making it an ideal candidate for 24/7 scenting. Most surfaces in the bathroom can be unstable, you can install the diffuser on a shelf or countertop.


Many are interested in the question - is an aromatic diffuser harmful to health? Can it be used indoors with small children or pets? Quality aroma diffusers are not harmful.

Learn more