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From light florals to sultry musky scents. 60cm Reed Diffuser Sticks
Much like scented candles, reed diffusers utilise the power of fragrance to turn your living room into a relaxing, inviting space — but they don't require constant minding.
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 which can be enjoyed all day. The more reeds, the more powerful the aroma.
A wealth of diffusers are available for all tastes and budgets, including luxury blends from higher-end perfumeries such as Jo Malone London, to surprisingly 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 throw. Diffusers tend to have more longevity than candles — some of the larger options can last up to an average of eight to 10 months — and they’re typically a safer option as they pose no fire risk.
Fragrance oils can, however, stain and cause skin irritation, so be careful not to spill it and wash your hands after handling your diffuser.
It’s best to flip the reeds once every week or two to allow the smell to permeate the room, and replace them completely every six months — dust and oil buildup can stop your diffuser working so well.
Peony season doesn’t start until April, but you can enjoy the scent early thanks to Floral Street’s Wonderland Bloom. Full of fresh flowery notes, including peony accord (naturally) and violet, it’s an uplifting aroma that offers something reminiscent of gentle countryside walks. The smell was noticeable when walking into the room but not too overpowering, and the pastel pink bottle makes it an ideal pick for upcoming Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Habitat’s winter collection includes this warming Fireside diffuser, filled with earthy and calming notes of leather, clove and saffron. It doesn't have the most permeating smell — as you might expect at this price tag — but it looks fancy in its frosted holder and would make a great gift. If you like this scent, the matching candle is discounted too.
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 scent that’s rich and sophisticated. It’s complex but not overpowering, and a few hours after opening, it gave a gentle aroma to a large room.
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.
Aromatherapy brand ESPA’s 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 — we tested it in a home office and it helped energise us for the day ahead.
'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.
We 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. We found it subtle enough for small spaces, and it lasted just under three months.
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 worth a mention, making a chic addition to any home.
We’re yet to find a Rituals scent that we don’t like, so it’s no surprise that we love the Ritual of Sakura diffuser. A soothing and sweet combination of rice milk and cherry blossom, the fresh scent filled a large room without being too overbearing. 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.
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 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 squat bottle allows the reeds to fan out.
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. We found the scent throw wasn’t the strongest, even after flipping the reeds, so it’s best for smaller rooms.
Cowshed creates vegetarian wellness products designed to offer a spa-like aromatherapy experience at home. Its 'Replenish' diffuser is a great introduction to the British brand, with zingy citrus notes that evoke memories of fruity cocktails on summer days. While refreshing, we found it a little overpowering, and it would be best suited to large spaces.
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 beautiful 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.
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
Hannah Fox is our Homes Ecommerce Editor, covering the latest trends and reviewing the most useful products for your home and garden. Writing across Good Housekeeping, Country Living and House Beautiful, Hannah has written for numerous other publications including Cosmopolitan, Harper's Bazaar and The Huffington Post. Outside of work, you can find Hannah listening to podcasts, reading or enjoying all of the delicious food and alcohol-free cocktails London has to offer! You can follow Hannah on Instagram at @hannahefoxy
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