The 30 best reed diffusers for a great-smelling home

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.