Stylish home scents: the best reed diffusers, 2021
The best reed diffusers to buy now that look stylish and make your home smell incredible
Reed diffusers: What's new?
It seems that we’re now spending more on fragrancing our homes than ourselves, with home-scenting product sales up by 130% on Net-a-porter and 54% at Selfridges.
This is a good thing in my book; I live with two boys, one man, and a pack of dogs (well actually, just two – but they do seem to emit the smell of many more).
Therefore, for me, home scenting goes way beyond a quick spritz of Fabreze. I prefer the scents that fill a room, last longer than your average psssst and offer added extras like mood-enhancing benefits.
The jump in sales is no surprise. Since lockdown, we’ve re-imagined our living spaces and even though lockdown is easing, it appears that entertaining in is the new going out.
There is nothing more lovely than staging a dinner with a decorated table, a fully stocked cocktail cabinet and beautiful blooms – all bolstered by the extra flower power of a home fragrance. And it’s the room diffuser I have been returning to more and more.
Diffuser, you gasp? Weren’t they the 90s equivalent of the 80s potpourri? Admittedly, in the past, they were a little naff and would last only about a week. But they have come back bigger, better and more luxurious than ever. Some of the newer versions are eco-friendly and resplendent in gorgeous gallery-worthy vessels and have the concentration usually only found in high-end perfumery – so have the ability to fill a room for months on end.
Then there’s the big candle backlash; potentially toxic fire starters, releasing carcinogenic chemicals into the air – not to mention the risk of an open flame. (And always check the packaging to make sure they don’t include noxious ingredients.)
On the other hand, reed diffusers are candles’ calm counterparts, a low-maintenance buy that doesn’t rely on a flame or electricity. The only thing you need to do is swap around the reeds once the fragrance starts to wane.
Floral Street are just about to launch a lovely line of home fragrances, including a eco-friendly reed diffuser that’s vegan, naturally derived and come in refillable and FSC-approved packaging.
Michelle Feeney, Founder of Floral Street fragrances, says: 'When we were developing our clean and conscious home range, I realised that what we don’t put in is just as important as what we do put in. Taking out all the harmful elements enables the fine fragrances to shine through.'
There are four fragrance families to choose from so from light freshly cut white florals to spicier woody scents there is something for everyone, every room and, importantly, every aesthetic.
Another new offering from one of our favourite London fragrance stores is Ancienne Ambiance Reed Diffusers Collection. The oils are formulated in France and its latest scent is the Adriatica Fig, £68 – a woody and sweet incarnation of the fruit which lasts for an impressive six months plus.
Jo Malone’s also getting figgy with it, with her new Jo Loves A Diffuser Fig Trees, £90.
Inspired by Jo’s vacation, she says: 'Fig has such a distinctive smell and reminds me of family holidays in the Italian mountainside where we used to pick fresh, ripe figs straight from the garden for breakfast.'
It has notes of the aforementioned fig, along with fruity cassis and warm amber and is guaranteed to fill a room – whatever the size. Plus, the ceramic diffuser looks eternally stylish, with refills available too.
Auli’s minimalist dark glass vessels enhance any space, are gender-neutral, and the scent is free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates, and synthetic colours, from £58. We love C-34/2, which captures the calm beauty of wildflowers, grass and twigs to transport you away from the city.
Boostology’s Essential Oil Diffuser, from £39, uses rocks instead of reeds; this eco-offering can also be used on repeat – and surely that trumps a candle any day?
THE BEST REED DIFFUSERS, 2021
Jo Malone Lilac Lavender & Lovage Diffuser, £120
Jo Malone Lilac Lavender & Lovage Diffuser, £120 – buy here
Ormonde Jayne Frangipani Scented Reed Diffuser, £250
Ormonde Jayne Frangipani Scented Reed Diffuser, £250 – buy here
Claus Porto Voga Reed Diffuser, Acacia Tuberose, £70
Claus Porto Voga Reed Diffuser, Acacia Tuberose £70 – buy here