JUMP TO Section Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.- The best for woody scents
- The best for floral scents
- The best for citrus scents
- The best for ocean scents
- The best for fruity scents
- The best for vanilla scents
- The best for lavender scents
- The best for eucalyptus scents
- The best for masculine scents
- The best for seasonal scents
- What to look for in reed diffusers
- How we selected reed diffusers
- Reed diffuser FAQs
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Fragrance can provide a finishing touch to any home or personal space, and reed diffusers offer a way to create just the right atmosphere. Reed diffusers don't just complement a wide range of home design aesthetics, says Erwan Raguenes, a perfumer at Firmenich. They also provide continuous fragrance without the use of open flame, so there's no risk of fire.
If you find the stronger scents produced by candles and plug-in fragrances overpowering, a reed diffuser may add just the right level of fragrance for your home. "Because they're a passive device, they're not quite as powerful as plug-ins or candles that utilize heat to distribute a scent," Raguenes says.
Reed diffusers come in countless scents, so finding just the right fragrance for your space may involve some trial and error. Below, we've gathered 30 different options, in 10 different scent profiles, to help get you started. We also consulted experts to get more insight on how to safely use reed diffusers in your home.
The best for woody scents
Woody aromas contain notes of sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, patchouli, and more to radiate a sense of earthiness and warmth. But not only that, these fragrances may also do some good for your emotional well-being: Evidence links forest-bathing — taking in the atmosphere of the forest with all of your senses — to less depression and improved mental health.
Inhaling a woody scent likely won't have quite the same effect as a walk through the forest, but it may still promote a deeper sense of groundedness, comfort, and calm. Try a woody reed diffuser in any space where you'd like to cultivate a sense of relaxation and calm, from your TV room to your office.
Hotel Collection My Way Reed DiffuserThe Hotel Collection My Way reed diffuser contains notes of leather, cardamom, lemon, sandalwood, cinnamon, and amber. Try this woodsy, crisp scent to infuse your space with a hint of nostalgia and a relaxed aura.
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Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt DiffuserWith notes of earthy vetiver, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sandalwood, the Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Diffuser provides a smooth and sensual aroma. Try this scent to evoke the essence of a peaceful forest trail.
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Carrière Frères Sandalwood DiffuserSandalwood, a rich, sweet, woody scent, is the dominant aroma in the Carrière Frères Sandalwood reed diffuser. Try this scent to promote feelings of warmth and an enhanced sense of calm.
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If the word "fragrance" brings flowers to the top of your mind, there's no surprise there. Nearly every perfume features some floral notes — and of course, a bouquet of flowers can add both beauty and a pleasant scent to your space.
Classically beloved notes like rose, gardenia, jasmine, tuberose, peony, and violet offer both elegance and romance. Other florals, like geranium, ylang ylang, hyacinth, and osmanthus, can create a more uniquely scented atmosphere. Some scents, like rose and jasmine, may also have mental health benefits. Rose oil, for instance, may boost your sense of calm and help ease feelings of anxiety and depression, while jasmine oil may help relieve depression and improve alertness and focus.
Floral aromas can also feel inviting, Raguenes says, which makes them ideal for spaces like living rooms and entryways.
Tocca Florence Profumo d'AmbienteWith notes of sweet gardenia and crisp bergamot, the Tocca Florence Profumo d'Ambiente reed diffuser calls to mind a fresh spring garden. The custom cut-glass bottle adds a touch of luxe to any space.
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Jo Malone London Red Roses Scent Surround DiffuserThe Jo Malone London Red Roses provides the romantic, heady scent of a fresh bouquet. Hints of lemon, honeycomb, and crushed violet make the sweet and powerful aroma of velvety roses all the more lovely.
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Diptyque Paris Tubéreuse Home Fragrance DiffuserHoused in a clear oval vase, the diptyque Tubéreuse diffuser is designed to add fragrance and luxury to larger spaces. It features a strong, heady scent of fresh white tuberose flowers enhanced with milky, fruity undertones for a sweet and seductive fragrance.
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Vibrant, juicy citrus scents can brighten up a space, which may help explain why they are featured in so many cleaning products, from hand soaps to antibacterial cleansers.
In fact, evidence suggests citrus fragrances, from orange and lemon to verbena and bergamot, can do a lot for your overall well-being, from promoting relaxation to helping ease anxiety and stress.
Energizing citrus fragrances can work very well in lively spaces like living rooms or family rooms, Raguenes says.
Harlem Candle Co. Josephine Reed DiffuserCrafted to embody the aura of Josephine Baker, one of the Harlem Renaissance’s most prominent entertainers, the Harlem Candle Co. Josephine reed diffuser blends vibrant bergamot with Moroccan rose, jasmine, Tonka bean, and sandalwood.
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Lafco White Grapefruit Reed DiffuserThe Lafco White Grapefruit reed diffuser blends fern and apple wood with notes of fresh grapefruit to add a burst of vibrance to any space. The fragrance might evoke the refreshing feeling of sipping a frozen drink in a tropical destination, while the bright yellow bottle adds a pop of color that embodies the sun’s warmth.
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Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Scent Surround DiffuserTo add a bright and herbaceous fragrance to your home, try the Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin reed diffuser. This scent, created by Firmenich, blends the aromas of juicy mandarin with peppery basil, smooth white thyme, and zesty lime for an invigorating home scent.
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For many people, the scent of a sea breeze promotes feelings of relaxation and healing. If you find the beach a restful environment, a reed diffuser that calls to mind sand and sea might help you find the same sense of peace.
Ocean-inspired reed diffusers may not have quite the same effect as driving through a quaint beach town with the windows down, walking along a sandy beach, or wading into the waves. Even so, they can bring the scent of the sea into your home, subtly creating an atmosphere that brings to mind those healing moments by the sea.
Lafco Sea & Dune Reed DiffuserInspired by the cool, salty air surrounding a windswept coast, the Lafco Sea & Dune blends notes of blue lotus, lemon, coastal lily, beach grass, amber, and ginger. Try this reed diffuser to bring the essence of a salty sea spray into your space.
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Threshold Cerulean Surf & Sea Reed DiffuserThe fresh scent of the Threshold Cerulean Surf & Sea diffuser blends lavender, geranium, and a unique oil blend that embodies the scent of the sea.
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L'or de Seraphine Whitby Reed DiffuserThe name of this diffuser comes from the seaside town that inspired the scent, which features notes of sea salt, violet, and vetiver. The fragrance oil comes in a reusable ceramic container with a whimsical wave design.
Check price at BloomingdalesThe best for fruity scents
Fruity fragrances contain notes of raspberry, mango, pineapple, cherry, pear, guava, blackberry, and more. They produce a vibrant, juicy fragrance that can lift your mood and enliven any space.
Some fruity scents may take on a new profile when paired with earthier notes, like woodsy or spicy aromas. But generally, they produce a fresh and lively fragrance, perfect for spaces throughout your home where friends and family gather.
Floral Street Wonderland Bloom Scent DiffuserThe Floral Street Wonderland Bloom Scent Diffuser yields a playful, flirtatious fragrance ripe with pink peonies and fresh guava. Notes of pink cotton candy and Sicilian lemon make this fragrance all the sweeter.
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L'or de Seraphine Belvedere Reed DiffuserThe L’or de Seraphine Belvedere Reed Diffuser blends tart goji berry, mango, juicy orange, and bergamot to bring back memories of summertime popsicles. The unique, summery fragrance comes in a colorful, reusable jar decorated with butterflies.
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The Body Shop Pomegranate and Raspberry Reed DiffuserThe Body Shop Pomegranate and Raspberry diffuser blends fresh red berries with energizing lemon for an uplifting and juicy scent that brings a touch of summer into your space.
Check price at The Body ShopThe best for vanilla scents
Vanilla's warm, nostalgic scent may be linked to some of your most cherished memories, like a childhood birthday celebration with a homemade cake, or hours spent baking in the kitchen with family and friends.
Widely considered one of the most beloved scents across the globe, vanilla offers a note of nostalgia that may also call up feelings of comfort, joy, and serenity. When used in aromatherapy, vanilla may both ease anxiety and act as an aphrodisiac.
A reed diffuser with the sweet scent of vanilla can add comfort and warmth to any space in your home.
Harlem Candle Co. Speakeasy Reed DiffuserTry the Harlem Candle Co. Speakeasy reed diffuser to inspire your imagination to drift to a dark, exciting night. Rich, sensual notes of dark chocolate and vanilla blend with tobacco and sweet licorice to create a sensual aroma that evokes the thrill of the hidden speakeasies in 1920s and 1930s Harlem.
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Lafco Amber Black Vanilla Reed DiffuserThe Lafco Amber Black Vanilla reed diffuser transforms your space with notes of opulence and warmth. Orange, jasmine, raspberry, and clove mingle with black vanilla, amber, and sandalwood for a rich and welcoming fragrance.
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Floral Street Vanilla Bloom Scent DiffuserThe Floral Street Vanilla Bloom reed diffuser combines sweet vanilla beans with other warming scents, like musk, plum, cashmere woods, and amber. Try this comforting scent, which comes in a cheerful yellow bottle, to add some joy and vibrance to your space.
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The soothing fragrance of lavender can help promote relaxation and ease feelings of anxiety and stress, making it an ideal fragrance for your bedroom or meditation space. Evidence also suggests lavender aromatherapy may help improve your sleep, especially when combined with good sleep hygiene.
What's more, Raguenes says people tend to opt for fragrances that suggest comfort and care, like soft cotton and calming lavender, in intimate and private spaces like the bedroom. If you'd like to find your inner calm and add a little more peace to your life, a lavender reed diffuser may add just the right touch to your home.
Lafco Chamomile Lavender Reed DiffuserThe Lafco Chamomile Lavender reed diffuser creates a serene and soothing atmosphere to boost sensations of well-being and peace. The fragrance brims with notes of soft chamomile, dreamy lavender, and earthy sage.
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Carrière Frères Lavender DiffuserIf you can’t escape for a long walk in a field of blooming lavender, try the Carrière Frères Lavender diffuser. The pure scent of lavender can help soothe your senses and fill your space with a sense of peace.
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P.F. Candle Co. Ojai Lavender Reed DiffuserThe P.F. Candle Co. Ojai Lavender reed diffuser marries notes of tangerine, mint, and orange with blue lavender for a fragrance that’s calming, earthy, and fresh all at once.
Check price at P.F. Candle CoThe best for eucalyptus scents
Eucalyptus has a sharp, herbal scent — you might even call it "medicinal." And in fact, evidence does suggest eucalyptus aromatherapy may have some benefits for easing pain and lowering blood pressure.
Some people also find that inhaling the scent of eucalyptus boosts mental clarity and focus. Try placing fragrances with notes of eucalyptus in your living and working spaces to energize your senses.
Nest Wild Mint & Eucalyptus Reed DiffuserThe Nest Wild Mint & Eucalyptus Reed Diffuser awakens your senses with a blend of basil, refreshing mint, earthy sage, and cooling eucalyptus. Try this energizing scent to add a touch of freshness to your space.
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Voluspa Eucalyptus & White Sage Reed DiffuserCreated as a reminder to breathe deeply and with intention, the VOLUSPA Eucalyptus & White Sage Reed Diffuser blends notes of crushed eucalyptus leaves with cardamom, white sage, and Hinoki bark
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Williams Sonoma Rosemary Eucalyptus Essential Oils Fragrance DiffuserFor an energizing and uplifting fragrance, try the Williams Sonoma Rosemary Eucalyptus Reed Diffuser. Wild eucalyptus and rosemary mingle with mandarin and Italian bergamot, while notes of cedar leaf and vetiver add the final touch to this fresh herbal bouquet.
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To add a touch of maturity and warmth to your space, you might consider deep, rich, or spicy scents that feature notes like dark woods, spiced cinnamon, or smokey tobacco.
Some people may consider these fragrances more masculine, but anyone can enjoy them. Plus, since these reed diffusers often come housed in sleek bottles in neutral hues, they're likely to complement any home decor aesthetic.
Maison Margiela 'REPLICA' By The Fireplace DiffuserIf your happy place involves a crackling fire on a chilly night, the Maison Margiela By The Fireplace Reed Diffuser may be just right for you. The scent, created by Firmenich, features notes of clove, chestnut, and vanilla to infuse your space with a touch of spiciness and warmth.
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P.F. Candle Co. Teakwood and Tobacco Reed DiffuserThe P.F. Candle Co. Teakwood and Tobacco Reed Diffuser blends notes of orange and leather with black tea, pepper, and tobacco for a rich, earthy fragrance. Hints of sandalwood, musk, teak, and patchouli add a sultry depth.
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Nest Charcoal Woods Reed DiffuserThe Nest Charcoal Woods Reed Diffuser blends notes of charred birchwood, smoky labdanum, cedarwood, and patchouli to take you meandering through the depths of a mysterious, moody forest. This deeply woodsy scent can add a layer of complexity to any space.
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Do you love the crunch of fallen leaves, spiced everything, and the tangy scent of woodsmoke in the air? Or maybe you prefer the sharp scents of peppermint, gingery baked goods, and that first icy breath of snow.
A seasonal reed diffuser can add a touch of holiday spirit when the days turn chilly, but it can also infuse your home with festive fragrance year-round.
Voluspa Voluspa Spiced Pumpkin Latte Home DiffuserIf you live for the first sip of pumpkin spice latte every fall season, you can keep the spicy fragrance flowing with the Voluspa Spiced Pumpkin Latte Reed Diffuser. Not only will it fill your home with notes of fresh pumpkin, fluffy marshmallow, and cinnamon, it comes in a pale orange glass bottle to fit right in with your seasonal decor.
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Harlem Candle Co. Holiday Reed DiffuserInspired by famed jazz singer Billie Holiday, the Harlem Candle Co. Holiday Reed Diffuser adds a touch of festivity to your home. Its full-bodied aroma of winter greenery contains notes of spruce, pine, fir balsam, cedarwood, and eucalyptus, wrapped in blue hyacinth.
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Hotel Collections Iced Gingerbread Reed DiffuserTo refresh your cozy memories of baking holiday cookies with your loved ones, try the Hotel Collection Iced Gingerbread Reed Diffuser. The vanilla and sugar base blends with holiday spices like ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cardamom, along with a touch of caramel for a warm, mouthwatering fragrance.
Check price at Hotel CollectionWhat to look for in reed diffusers
Considering the following factors can help you choose the right reed diffuser for your space:
Scent: The type of scent you choose may depend on the space where you plan to place the reed diffuser. For instance, if you want a fragrance to soothe and relax in your bedroom, you might choose a calming lavender. In your office space, you might opt for a more energizing citrus fragrance.
Design: Reed diffusers often come in uniquely designed bottles. If you plan to match your diffuser to your home decor, you may want to consider what the bottle looks like and whether it will match your room's aesthetic.
Longevity: Depending on the size of the bottle and the amount of oil included, reed diffusers can last anywhere from a few months for up to a year. The number of sticks you use in the diffuser at a time will also play a part in how long the diffuser lasts. If you plan to run your diffuser on full blast, so to speak, you may want to choose a larger bottle that comes with more reeds.
Refills: Some reed diffuser brands may offer refills of both the reeds and the fragrance oil so you can refresh your signature home scent without having to keep buying new diffusers.
How we selected reed diffusers
To develop this guide, we consulted three experts.
Erwan Raguenes is a perfumer at Firmenich, a leading fragrance house that has created some of the world's most-loved scents. Raguenes' expertise helped us understand the benefits of reed diffusers, plus the ways they differ from other popular home fragrance formats, like candles.
Dr. Purvi Parikh is an adult and pediatric allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Network. She helped us better understand how fragrances and fragrance oils may potentially trigger allergies, especially for people who have asthma.
Stefan Bucur is an interior designer and founder of Rhythm of the Home. Bucur's expertise helped us better understand the best spaces to place reed diffusers throughout a home.
We also considered popular brands trusted by consumers, customer reviews, and personal experience with the brands and fragrances.
Reed diffuser FAQs
How do you use a reed diffuser?
To assemble your reed diffuser, place the bundle of reeds into the bottle filled with fragrance oils and allow the scent to softly fill your space. Stefan Bucur, an interior designer and founder of Rhythm of the Home, also says it's important to consider the placement. "The foyer and living room are the best areas because the diffusers can create an inviting scent for you and your guests. I don't recommend using reed diffusers in the kitchen or dining room because they can distract your sense of smell and mix in with the taste of food," Bucur says.
How do reed diffusers work?
Reeds are filled with microscopic channels that absorb fragrance oils. Once the absorbed oils reach the top of the reed, they're released into the air and can spread throughout the room.
How long do reed diffusers last?
Reed diffusers can last anywhere from one to six months, depending on the size of the bottle. You'll know you need to refill or repurchase your fragrance when no more oil remains in the bottle.
What are the best reed diffuser sticks?
You'll typically want to stick with reeds specifically crafted to diffuse scent, since they help distribute the fragrance oil more evenly. Raguenes also says reeds made of natural materials are prone to clogging, but flipping the reeds can help prevent clogs and boost the intensity of your fragrance.
How many reed diffuser sticks do you need to use?
You can use however many sticks you'd like in your reed diffuser. "Reed diffusers have the unique ability to create customizable strengths by either adding or removing reeds, Raguenes says. In other words, adding more reeds will create a stronger scent, while placing fewer reeds in the fragrance oil will result in a softer fragrance throughout your space.
Are reed diffusers safe?
Since they don't involve open flames or heat, reed diffusers offer a safer alternative to candles and heated plug-in fragrance diffusers. That said, Dr. Purvi Parikh, an adult and pediatric allergist and immunologist at Allergy and Asthma Network, says they still pose a risk for people with asthma. "The base is filled with fragrance oil, which is often a trigger for allergic reactions and asthma," Parikh says, adding that symptoms of a reaction may include itchy watery eyes, sinus problems, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, asthma attacks, and rashes. She cautions against using reed diffusers in spaces where children or babies sleep or spend long periods of time.
Are reed diffusers bad for you?
Reed diffusers are generally considered a safe way to add fragrance to your home. That said, it's always a good idea to review specific ingredients for any personal allergies or sensitivities. If you have asthma, allergies, or a sensitivity to any common fragrance ingredients, you may want to avoid using reed diffusers in your home.
Is it OK to sleep with a reed diffuser?
Some people can sleep in a room with a reed diffuser without any adverse reactions. But if you have any fragrance sensitivities or begin to experience allergy symptoms, you may want to consider moving your diffuser to another room. "The bedroom is the room we all spend the most time in at once and thus the most important room to keep allergen free," Parikh says.
Are reed diffusers safe for pets?
Not all reed diffusers are pet-friendly. A number of essential oils, including cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are toxic to both dogs and cats. A pet who eats or touches these oils may become seriously ill. But the fragrance alone may cause respiratory symptoms, like coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, and difficulty breathing, especially in cats. It's best to use reed diffusers cautiously in homes with pets and avoid using them if your pet shows any signs of an allergic reaction or respiratory distress.
Olivia Rose Rushing Freelance Reporter Olivia Rose Rushing (Ferreiro) is a beauty writer with an expertise in fragrance, and an obsession with blush, minimal glam, and clean skincare. With a background in the corporate world marketing for brands like KKW Fragrance, L'Oréal, John Varvatos, Harlem Candle Co., and more, Olivia Rose holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Colorado: Boulder, as well as certifications in Branding & Entrepreneurship from FIT, and Bridal Makeup Artistry from the Make Up For Ever Academy in SoHo. A pisces, poet, daydreamer, and romantic, Olivia Rose is a storyteller at heart with a love for beauty, photography, and traveling the world with her husband. Keep up with her on Instagram @missoliviarose. Read more Read lessYou can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
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