Best Reed Diffusers: 16 Top Picks For Every Room In Your Home

Jan 26, 2024

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From light florals to sultry musky scents.

Much like your beloved Diptyque Baies candle, reed diffusers utilise the power of scent – certainly the most evocative of the five senses – to turn your living room into a relaxing, inviting space as soon as you step through the door. But unlike candles which, for all their ambient qualities, require constant minding when lit, diffusers release a continual fragrance you can enjoy all day.

Diffusers are made up of reed sticks, typically crafted from natural materials like rattan and bamboo, dipped into a bottle of fragrance oil. The reeds soak up the oil and emit – or diffuse – the scent around the room. The more reeds, the more powerful the aroma.

The majority of brands offer fragrance oil refill packs, so you can replenish your supply without the need to buy a new bottle every time, saving unnecessary waste and money. Reeds should be replaced every six months, as dust and oil buildup can prevent them working effectively.

There’s a good array of diffusers available for all tastes and budgets, from luxury blends created by those in-the-know at higher-end perfumeries such as Diptyque and Jo Malone London, through to well-priced steals at high street favourites like Marks & Spencer and The White Company. So, whether you prefer amber or woody, floral or sweet notes, you should find something to suit.

There are a few differences between the two.

Reed diffusers work constantly to fill your home with their aroma, while candles only work while lit. They tend to have better longevity too; some of the larger offerings can last up to an average of three months. Plus, while you don’t get that pretty flickering flame, they’re a safer option than candles as they pose no fire risk. But do be mindful to handle the bottles with care – the oils can stain clothing and furniture if spilled.

It’s best to flip the reeds once a week, or every couple of weeks, to allow the smell to permeate the room. Don’t turn them too often as it’ll speed up how quickly the oil evaporates and your diffuser won’t last as long.

We tried 16 reed diffusers in various rooms for a minimum of two days. The goal? To find the chicest, most beautifully-fragranced options with a scent throw that'll permeate even the largest of rooms. We’ve rounded up our top picks, including new blends from Diptyque and Jo Loves’ summer 2023 collections, through to some of our old favourites from The White Company and Neom. Scroll down for our edit of the best reed diffusers to shop now.

The White Company’s signature Seychelles candle is an old favourite of mine, so I was excited to try it in diffuser form. Rich amber and buttery vanilla are balanced by zesty bergamot for a scent that’s as beguiling as it is sophisticated. It’s complex but not overpowering, and a few hours after opening it gave a gentle aroma to a fairly large room. I’ll definitely be purchasing a refill when the time comes.

Head to M&S for beautiful home fragrances on a budget. The high street retailer has a variety of gorgeous reed diffusers on offer this season for under £10, including this lovely Wild Rhubarb offering. Fruity hints of pear and apple are combined with pink rhubarb, resulting in a summery, sweet fragrance that’s hard to resist. The scent throw is seriously impressive – I could smell it before I opened the packaging – and the fragrance is still going strong three weeks later.

A matching candle is also available.

Cowshed creates vegetarian-friendly wellness products designed to offer a spa-like aromatherapy experience at home. The Replenish diffuser is a great introduction to the British brand, with zingy citrus notes that are reminiscent of fruity cocktails on summer days. It’s refreshing, but I found it quite overpowering, so it’s better suited to large spaces than small rooms. The transparent bottle should blend in discreetly with your existing decor, and makes it easy to see when it needs refilling.

Here’s another aromatherapy-inspired reed diffuser from wellness brand ESPA – and it’s currently half price. This expensive-smelling scent is designed to refresh and revitalise, with rosemary, eucalyptus and a sharp blast of peppermint. It’s a great one for workspaces; I put it in my home office and it helped to energise me for the day ahead. It’s become more subtle with time, but it’s still apparent whenever I enter the room.

It’s also available as a candle.

I’ve yet to find a Rituals scent that I don’t like, so it’s no surprise I love the Ritual of Sakura diffuser. A soothing yet sweet combination of rice milk and cherry blossom made my space smell clean and fresh, effectively filling a large room without being too overbearing. The ribbed white bottle is stylish too. A smaller 70ml option is available here.

I can always rely on Neom for its complex essential oil blends, designed to soothe and relax as well make your space smell great. This De-Stress reed diffuser is a calming mix of lavender and jasmine, making it a great pick for bedrooms. It’s subtle enough for small spaces, while remaining detectable when entering the room. At 100ml, it’s one of the smallest on our list but it still lasted just over a month.

Neom’s full De-Stress range, featuring candles, bath foam and body scrubs, is available here.

At under £20, this diffuser is a great size for the price point – and it’s seriously smart in a glossy pink casing that looks great on my windowsill. It smells divine too, with creamy rose notes sweetening up the earthy oud undertones. The scent itself is noticeable when you walk into a room, while avoiding being overpowering, and it has lasted well, even after a month on display.

A blue option is also available.

No home fragrance roundup would be complete without an inclusion from iconic French perfumer Diptyque, which recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of its first candle release. This limited edition citronelle scent arrives in a beautiful box, decorated with holiday-inspired illustrations by American artist Erik Winkowski. Packed with fresh citrusy notes and a smidge of mosquito-deterring citronella, it'll transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast. It effectively fills a large room, and I could smell it even if I wasn't sitting nearby.

It’s expensive, but I highly rate it for its gentle refreshing aroma and thoughtful presentation.

Maison Margiela’s luxury home scent range is so fun; each aroma represents a specific moment in time, be that a calming bubble bath or invigorating beach walk. This one is inspired by sunny days spent enjoying matcha tea in Tokyo and smells exactly like the beloved Japanese drink. The sleek bottle is worth a mention, making a chic addition to any home.

It’s currently £8 off.

Jo Malone’s Myrrh and Tonka reed diffuser has a strong woody base, tempered with sweet notes of vanilla and tonka bean that creates a warming, cosy ambiance overall. It’s quite a subtle scent and I could only smell it when close by, so it’s best suited for small rooms. Typical of Jo Malone’s signature refined style, it’s easy to blend into any decor style and the squat bottle allows the 10 reeds to fan out pleasingly.

Presented in a black tinted-glass holder, Beauty Pie’s Bahia de Miel diffuser looks as sexy as it smells. It’s a seductive, sultry aroma reminiscent of an upmarket members' club; a deep warming blend of liquorice, honey and vanilla musk. I adore it, and it’s received lots of compliments from guests, who instantly noticed it upon entering the room. Although it’s pricey, Beauty Pie subscribers get a £35 discount.

After The Rain is the signature scent of Scottish lifestyle brand ARRAN, remaining one of its bestsellers since it was first released in 1989. It’s designed to resemble a summer garden after a rainstorm, with a light floral blend of rose, lime and sandalwood. The aroma effectively filled my living room without being too intense, catching my attention every time I entered the space. The matching candle and room spray are just as fabulous.

I’m a big fan of Urban Apothecary’s sophisticated reed diffuser, housed in a glossy, hand blown glass bottle. Warming amber and patchouli is blended with lighter rose and jasmine to make a playful, sensuous fragrance. It has one of the best scent throws in this roundup, with an impressive staying power that fills my large living room well, 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 in our list. The scent throw isn’t the strongest, even after flipping the reeds, so it’s best suited for your smallest rooms, like the downstairs loo. Nonetheless, it looks lovely in my bedroom, and the packaging is fully recyclable, with no plastic or cellophane in sight.

Sweet and spicy, this Furn reed diffuser will give your space a warm and inviting feel all year round. It’ll work especially well in the colder months, when you’re more likely to be getting cosy under a blanket. The scent fills a large room effectively, making my surroundings smell delicious. One note? Removing the stopper proved challenging – so much so that I had to ask my partner for help!

A coordinating candle and room spray are also available.

Perfumer Ruth Mastenbroek has created scents for the likes of Jo Malone and Jigsaw, so you can trust you're in good hands with her eponymous fragrance line. One of my favourites, my Lotus Rock diffuser has just run out after an impressive three months, and I’m itching to get another. Light florals are mixed with deep amber and white musk notes, helping to deepen the scent into something sultry. The glossy black bottle is chic too.

Lauren is our Homes and Garden writer, covering the latest homeware trends, sales and launches for Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, Red and Harper’s Bazaar.

On a daily basis, Lauren navigates the ins and outs of interiors – whether it’s offering tips on how to perfect a garden bar or trying out viral kitchenware. She is committed to finding the most reliable products and best-value deals, so readers can buy with confidence and save money.

Lauren has a BA in English Literature and Journalism and has worked in various editorial roles across Southeast Asia and North America. 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

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