We love a scented candle as much as anyone else, but you know what we’re not so fond of? The risk of an open flame in our space. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 20 candle-related home fires every single day in the United States alone. So, if the concept of a potential fire hazard deters you from using a candle, the best reed diffusers will still freshen your space with long-lasting fragrances without any heat required.
In case you’re not familiar, these gorgeous diffusers are much more than your usual home decor. Usually, they consist of a glass bottle that’s filled with a fragrance oil blend (commonly essential oil-based) that disperses into the air through its accompanying reed sticks. In a sense, they’re kind of like cordless, heatless versions of your average essential oil diffuser. And like your favorite scent diffusers, there are practically endless aromatic concoctions to choose from — but, our editors may have found the top picks on the market.
Whether you’re on the hunt for spa-worthy, Allure Best of Beauty-winning favorites for your bathroom or warm, Amalfi Coast-inspired blends that are staples in our staffers’ home offices, these fragrant reed diffusers will surely become your favorite air fresheners ever. Below, take a peek — and maybe a whiff, too — of the very best, high-quality reed diffusers for a subtle boost of aromatherapy in your home.
Nest New York Wild Mint & Eucalyptus Reed Diffuser
If you’re searching for a tried-and-true, Allure-approved fragrance reed diffuser, look no further than Nest New York’s Wild Mint & Eucalyptus Reed Diffuser. This 2022 Allure Best of Beauty winner’s glass vessel is gorgeous, but it won our highest accolade for its invigorating yet subtle notes of mint, eucalyptus, basil, and ginger. It’s a perfect addition to add to your bathroom for a spa-like aroma, and Allure’s deputy digital director, Kara McGrath, can’t get enough of it. “The scent is strong enough to fill a room, but not so overpowering that I get a headache — and they last about half a year before you have to refill them,” she says.
Acqua Di Parma Home Insieme Diffuser
Allure’s editorial assistant Talia Gutierrez says the ultra-luxe Acqua Di Parma Home Insieme Diffuser has become a staple in her living room. This warm, fruity scent comes with rattan reeds that fill the air with notes of neroli, lemon, amber, and musk. As if this home fragrance wasn’t impressive enough, it has a lifespan of 10 to 12 weeks.
MCM Reed Diffuser
Luxury enthusiasts need to jump on the MCM Reed Diffuser bandwagon, stat. Kassidy Silva, Allure’s associate social media director and reed diffuser aficionado, says it’s one of the best diffuser blends on the market for its hints of amber, raspberry, woods, and jasmine.
Floral Street Wonderland Bloom Scented Reeds
When Silva is in the mood for a true floral fragrance for her home, she opens up the Floral Street Wonderland Bloom Reed Diffuser. This blend will make your home smell like a field of peonies that’s been spiked with sweet cotton candy and a touch of guava.
Capri Blue Volcano Signature Reed Diffuser
You may not know it by name, but Capri Blue’s Volcano Signature Reed Diffuser is one of the most iconic home fragrances out there. “If you want your home to smell like an Anthropologie, this is the diffuser to grab,” says Silva. It’s a name-stay in most swanky boutiques for its aromatically pleasing notes of citrusy lemon, orange, and a dash of sugar for sweetness.
Carthusia Mediterraneo Home Diffuser
Feeling inspired to take a trip to Italy after binge-watching The White Lotus? Well, according to Allure beauty and wellness editor Taylore Glynn, Carthusia’s Mediterraneo Home Diffuser will mentally transport you there. “This potent liquid smells like an expensive Italian getaway, bottled,” she says. “The Capri-based brand offers dozens of home fragrances, but this warm, lemon- and green tea-scented option brings me right back to a weekend strolling under the Caprese sun eating gelato.”
Tocca Florence Profumo d’Ambiente
Sarah Han, Allure’s commerce editor, says there’s something about Tocca’s Florence Profumo d’Ambiente that aromatically transports her back to strolls in the gardens of Paris, thanks to its notes of bergamot and gardenia. “Florence is one of the very first scents I ever took a liking to, which is unsurprising since I adore Paris, the city that inspired this fragrance,” she says. “This diffuser is the perfect way to make my cozy little room smell like the Tuileries Garden.”
Jo Malone London Lime Basil & Mandarin Scent Surround Diffuser
If you’re anything like Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein, you probably have a fragrant love affair with basil — which is why she’ll wax poetic about Jo Malone’s London Lime Basil & Mandarin Scent Surround Diffuser any chance she can get. “This scent is nearly as intoxicating as the drink it reminds me of, a glorious gin and tonic,” she says. Along with basil, this herbaceous yet fruity fragrance is also spiked with thyme to counterbalance the citrusy scent of lime.
Brooklinen Good Intentions Reed Diffuser
Lift your spirits with the Brooklinen Good Intentions Reed Diffuser. This uplifting mix of citrusy bergamot, warm cedarwood, and invigorating eucalyptus is bound to put anyone and everyone in a good mood.
Voluspa Santal Vanille Reed Diffuser
If there was one scent that dominated just about everyone’s fragrance collection in 2022, it’s santal. There are hundreds of santal-infused scents to choose from, but when it comes to our homes, we’re cracking open Voluspa’s Santal Vanille Reed Diffuser. This scent features a warm, spicy note paired with sweet vanilla and woody oud for a scent-ual experience unlike any other.
The White Company Fireside Diffuser
It’s a little too chilly to hang out beside a bonfire, but The White Company’s Fireside Diffuser is bringing all of the fiery fun indoors and without an actual flame. This smokey scent has notes of smoked birchwood that are paired with warm amber for a cozy, delightful fragrance to fill your home with.
Diptyque Baies Reed Diffuser Set
Yes, Diptyque’s Baies Reed Diffuser Set may be the priciest option on this list, but boy, is it worth every penny. As you can expect from Baies, a french word that literally translates to “berries,” it’s infused with the delectably fruity note of blackberries, but you’ll also notice a hint of floral rose, too.
P.F. Candle Co. Ojai Lavender Reed Diffuser
The floral, herbaceous scent of lavender is at the top of the P.F. Candle Co.’s Ojai Lavender Reed Diffuser scent profile, but there’s more to this fragrance than this relaxing note. It’s also spiked with hints of invigorating tangerine and mint for awakening your olfactory senses.
No matter which reed diffuser you pick, you can’t go wrong with these Allure staff-approved fragrance blends. You’re welcome.
