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Nov 03, 2024

Best Reed Diffusers: 17 Top Picks For Every Room In Your Home

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. From light florals to sultry musky scents If you're looking to turn your living room, bedroom or any room in your home

We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

From light florals to sultry musky scents

If you're looking to turn your living room, bedroom or any room in your home into a relaxing, inviting retreat, but don't want to worry about constantly keeping an eye on a naked flame, reed diffusers are a great alternative to scented candles.

The reed sticks, typically crafted from natural materials like rattan and bamboo, sit in a bottle of fragrant oil, soaking it all up and diffuse the scent around the room. The more reeds, the more powerful the aroma.

There are lots of great diffusers to choose from, depending on your individual taste and budget, from the luxury blends of high-end perfumeries such as Jo Malone London to well-priced steals at high-street favourites like Habitat and The White Company.

Reed diffusers continuously fill your home with their aroma, while candles generally only work while lit, unless they have a particularly strong scent. Diffusers tend to have more longevity than candles — some of the larger options can last up to 10 months — and they’re typically a safer option as they pose no fire risk.

Fragrance oils can stain surfaces and cause skin irritation, so be careful not to spill any, and wash your hands after handling your diffuser.

It’s best to flip the reeds every week or two, to allow the smell to permeate the room. Dust and oil buildup can stop your diffuser from working effectively, so it's advised to replace the reeds completely every six months.

Peony season ends in June, but thanks to Floral Street's Wonderland Bloom, you can still enjoy the scent throughout the year. Full of fresh flowery notes, including a peony accord (naturally) and violet, it’s an uplifting aroma that offers something reminiscent of gentle countryside walks. The smell is noticeable when walking into the room but not too overpowering, and the pastel pink bottle looks very sweet.

The White Company’s signature Seychelles candle is an old favourite of ours, so we were excited to try it in diffuser form. Rich amber and buttery vanilla are balanced by zesty bergamot for a rich and sophisticated scent. It’s complex but not overpowering, and a few hours after opening, it gives a gentle aroma to a large room.

Habitat’s affordable home fragrance collection includes this punchy electric blue reed diffuser, filled with deep and lemony vetiver mingled with notes of black tea. It doesn't have the most permeating smell — as you might expect at this price tag — but it looks fancy in its contemporary holder and would make a great gift.

Warming amber and patchouli are blended with lighter rose and jasmine to make a playful, sensuous fragrance in Urban Apothecary's Oudh Geranium diffuser. It has one of the best scent throws out of all the diffusers we tried, and it filled a large living room without being too intense.

London perfumer Miller Harris’ light floral aroma is fresh and summery, and the elegant rose-hued bottle is one of the prettiest on our list. However, the scent throw isn't the strongest, even after flipping the reeds, so it’s best for smaller rooms.

Aromatherapy brand ESPA’s scent is designed to refresh and revitalise, with rosemary, eucalyptus and a sharp blast of peppermint. It’s a great one for workspaces — we tested it in a home office to help energise us throughout the day.

'After The Rain' is the signature scent of Scottish lifestyle brand Arran, remaining one of its bestsellers since it was first released in 1989. Designed to resemble a summer garden after a rainstorm, it features a light floral blend of rose, lime and sandalwood. The aroma effectively filled the living room without being too intense.

Maison Margiela’s luxury home scent range is a creative take on life’s most pleasurable moments, including a calming bubble bath and an invigorating beach walk. This one is inspired by sunny days spent enjoying matcha tea in Tokyo and smells exactly like the beloved Japanese drink. Ideally placed in the bathroom, it creates a crisp and fresh atmosphere that is much appreciated when getting ready in the morning. The sleek bottle is also noteworthy, making a chic addition to any home.

We’re yet to find a Rituals scent we don’t like, and the Ritual of Sakura diffuser is no exception. A soothing and sweet combination of rice milk and cherry blossom, the fresh scent filled a large room without overpowering us. The ribbed white bottle is versatile enough to blend into most interior styles, although it would look particularly at home in minimalist and Scandi-inspired setups.

Cowshed creates vegetarian wellness products that offer a spa-like aromatherapy experience at home. Its Replenish diffuser is an excellent introduction to the British brand, with zingy citrus notes that evoke memories of fruity cocktails on summer days. While refreshing, it was a little overpowering, making it a better choice for large spaces.

Bon Parfumeur’s aromatic perfume and candle range has left us wanting more ever since we discovered it last year so, naturally, we were intrigued by the French beauty brand’s diffuser collection. The initially overpowering patchouli scent gradually settled into a warming, deep scent ideal for cosy nights.

There’s no denying that this luxury diffuser, by British perfumer Ormonde Jayne, is expensive — but we rate it for its sultry aroma and beautiful presentation. A reimagining of the brand’s signature Montabaco candle, the diffuser oil, reeds and glass holder arrive in a stunning red box decorated with gold embossed lettering. Inspired by Latin America, the suede and tobacco notes add a sophisticated richness to the scent, while light floral notes balance it out.

We can always rely on Neom for its complex essential oil blends, designed to soothe, relax and make your space smell great. This Scent to De-Stress reed diffuser is a calming mix of lavender and jasmine, making it a great pick for bedrooms. We found it subtle enough for small spaces, and it lasted just under three months.

Jo Malone’s Myrrh and Tonka reed diffuser has a comforting woody base tempered with sweet notes of vanilla and tonka bean, creating a comforting ambience. We could only smell it when we were close by, so it’s best suited for small rooms or if you prefer delicate scents. Typical of Jo Malone’s signature refined style, it’s easy to blend into any type of decor, and the short bottle allows the reeds to fan out.

Created to celebrate Thailand’s traditional culinary flavours, this fragrance is a beautiful blend of zingy lime, sweet mango and a smidge of mint. It wasn’t particularly intense when tested, but it had a gentle freshness that’s perfect for those who prefer subtle aromas. The sculptural ceramic holder can be repurposed as a vase after use.

Bamford's Geranium diffuser brings the essence of a flower garden into your home. It offers a harmonious blend of soft sweetness and invigorating freshness, combining gentle geranium and lavender notes with a subtle hint of peppermint and eucalyptus. While the scent throw is subtle, burning the coordinating candle in the same room enhances the aroma beautifully. It's also worth noting that the glass holder is recyclable and the reeds are sustainably sourced.

For those looking for a nostalgic seaside scent, this NEST diffuser is the one for you. A combination of creamy coconut and fresh sea salt offers something reminiscent of sun-soaked beaches and a light ocean breeze. It smells divine, filling a medium-sized bedroom sufficiently, and it’s housed in an elegant striped glass casing for a luxurious touch.

Lauren was Hearst UK’s Homes and Garden writer, covering the latest trends, sales and product launches for Good Housekeeping, Country Living and House Beautiful, and previously for Cosmopolitan, Red, ELLE, Prima and Harper’s Bazaar. Lauren’s specialism is interiors – whether it’s offering tips on how to perfect a seasonal tablescape or trying out viral kitchenware. She is committed to finding the best-value deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day too, so readers can buy with confidence and save money.

Lauren graduated with a BA in English Literature and Journalism in 2013 and has worked in various editorial roles across the UK, Southeast Asia and North America since 2015. She previously wrote for a local London newspaper, covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle to politics and wellness. When not writing, Lauren can be found bargain hunting for pre-loved trinkets and clothes at various car boot sales across the capital. Follow Lauren on instagram @laurenkatehannah

Laura Hill is the Homes Ecommerce Editor for House Beautiful UK, covering the latest shopping trends, budget interior buys and new homeware collections. Since 2016, Laura has written extensively across the home, DIY, garden, retail and property sectors, covering the latest product launches from big brands like John Lewis, Habitat and Dunelm. Her work can be found across publications such as House Beautiful, Country Living and Prima, as well as being translated for ELLE Japan. Before joining House Beautiful, Laura was a writer and editor at major DIY retailer B&Q for six years, specialising in editorial content across kitchens and bathrooms. Laura studied at Bournemouth University, where she completed a BA in Media Communications. When Laura isn’t testing that viral homeware product you’ve been eyeing up on TikTok or finding the best Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day deals, you’ll find her researching the best budget DIY hacks or tackling her latest room renovation. Follow Laura on Instagram at @laurahillyy.

Ellis Cochrane is a Freelance Contributor for House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, covering everything from expert tips and tricks, to gardening advice, product roundups and the newest properties to hit the market. Ellis has been writing about homes, interiors and gardens for four years now, and her work has also been published on Ideal Home, Prima and Elle Japan. Over the years, Ellis has also written at a number of publications such as Cosmopolitan, Tyla, Daily Express, Expert Reviews UK, Stylist and IndyBest, covering beauty and style, TV and films, books and celebrity news. Ellis studied at the University of Strathclyde, where she completed a Joint BA Hons Degree in English and Politics. Follow Ellis on Instagram at @ellistuesday.

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