Expert Compares Candles and Reed Diffusers for Home Scents

After a long, busy day, nothing beats the desire to unwind completely. Do you light a scented candle with its warm glow and instantly soothing aroma? Or do you opt for a fuss-free reed diffuser that continuously fills your space with a refreshing fragrance? Both candles and reed diffusers are popular choices for enhancing home ambiance, but each has its unique advantages. To help you decide which suits your lifestyle best, we turn to Viviana Hurtado, founder of Viviana Luxury and an expert perfumer, for an in-depth comparison.

Scented candles are more than just fragrance carriers—they embody a lifestyle. According to Hurtado, their charm lies in the multisensory experience they provide. "When your sense of smell catches the warm aroma of a candle while your eyes are drawn to the flickering flame, your brain quickly relaxes, your heart rate slows, and your blood pressure drops," she explains. Picture enjoying a bubble bath or losing yourself in a good book with a scented candle nearby—it’s the perfect recipe for relaxation.

Candles also offer control over fragrance intensity and burn time. Lighting one instantly fills a room with rich aromas, creating a powerful sensory impact. Once burned out, the elegant containers can be repurposed as décor. Some candles even transform into more beautiful forms after use.

However, candles come with drawbacks. Safety is paramount—open flames require vigilance to prevent fire hazards. Their lifespan is relatively short, and finding refills can be challenging, making them costlier over time. High-quality candles made from coconut wax, soy wax, or beeswax typically burn for at least 50 hours.

• Skandinavisk Hygge: Affordable, cozy scent, and refillable. Its warm spice aroma and eco-friendly design make it a standout.
• Diptyque Oud: Rich, woody-musk fragrance, though polarizing due to its bold profile. Burns faster due to paraffin wax.
• Boy Smells Cashmere Kush: Neutral, versatile scent in a stylish container. Ideal for everyday use or gifting.

For those wary of open flames, reed diffusers are a safer alternative. Place them on a mantel without worrying about soot or fire risks. They release fragrance continuously, maintaining a pleasant ambiance for up to six months with proper care.

While candle refills are becoming more common, reed diffusers excel in reusability. Simply replenish the oil and reeds to refresh your space. Aromatherapy expert Jason Wells notes, "Reed diffusers are subtler but add a chic touch. They’re low-maintenance, though their scent dispersion may be weaker in larger rooms." Initial costs are higher, and refill availability varies by brand.

• Capri Blue Volcano: Iconic, elegant, and potent. A stylish choice with strong longevity.
• Voluspa Tarocco Orange: Bright citrus-berry blend, best for small spaces like bathrooms.
• Rituals Cotton Blossom: Bold yet balanced floral-woody scent, ideal for larger rooms.

When choosing between the two, consider three factors: scent throw, longevity, and cost.

Scent Throw: Candles deliver immediate intensity when burned, while diffusers offer steady, gradual dispersion. Candles may better mask pet odors.

Longevity: Diffusers last longer due to slower oil evaporation. Candles require trimming wicks and pooling wax to maximize burn time.

Cost: Diffusers have higher upfront costs but are more economical long-term with refills. Quality matters—natural waxes and premium oils outperform cheaper alternatives.

Candles excel in creating ambiance and instant fragrance bursts, perfect for rituals and gifting. Reed diffusers, however, are the practical choice for consistent, worry-free scent dispersion. If forced to pick, diffusers edge out for their ease and longevity—though nothing replicates the magic of candlelight.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities. Want mood-setting drama? Choose candles. Prefer set-and-forget simplicity? Opt for diffusers. Both elevate your home’s atmosphere in their own ways.