Studies have shown that scenting your home can improve your mood, enhance relaxation, increase alertness and boost productivity — let alone get rid of nasty odors!
“With so many of us working, eating, studying and relaxing at home these days, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of the power of scent?” questions interior designer Tiffany Brooks, host of HGTV’s $50K Three Ways. “I make my own air freshener by filling an 8-ounce spray bottle with water, mixing in a couple of drops of rubbing alcohol and then adding 10 to 20 drops of an essential oil. I shake the bottle and then get to work spraying my sofas, pillows, curtains, closets, and bathrooms so that everything smells great.”
Don’t have the time to make your own scent? No worries! We asked top designers to share the one product that's brought calming, luxurious aromas into their homes and enhanced the ways they live.
Shop the limited-edition TODAY x Homesick Sunrise Candle
Interior designer-approved products | Editor-tested home scents | How we chose | Meet the experts
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Editor-tested candle$undefined$19.99
Designer-recommended products to keep your home smelling fresh
Easy-to-hang sachets: P.F Candle Co. Teakwood & Tobacco Car Fragrance
- Easy to display with string
- Some say scent is too light
Type of scent: Teakwood and tobacco | Scent notes: Leather, teak, orange | Type: Sachet packet | Size: 3” x 3”
Ariel Richardson, founder and lead designer of ASR Design Studio in California, prefers a fragrance in a compact package. “I first came across the spray and candle versions of this scent [from P.F. Candle Co.], which both come in cool apothecary-styled amber jars that you’ll want to display. But then I discovered their cool little sister sachets which I hang in closets, my bathroom, even the rear-view mirror of my car. The fragrant teakwood and tobacco scent isn’t overpowering — even my husband is a fan.”
Elegant, earthy diffuser: Antica Farmacista Lemon, Verbena, & Cedar Diffuser
- Cruelty free
- Beautiful packaging
- Fragrance disperses through white birch reeds
- Need to invert the reeds frequently to maintain scent
Type of scent: Earthy citrus | Scent notes: Lemon, orange, lemongrass, Italian verbena, ozonic white florals, cedarwood | Type: Reed diffuser | Size: 3.3 oz. | Scent time: 2-3 months
“I received this as a housewarming gift when I moved into a very musty smelling midcentury house and it instantly freshened up the air,” interior designer Mary Patton said. “You simply stick these beautiful reeds into the bottle, they absorb the fragrance, and then release lemongrass, mandarin, Italian verbena and lavender scents into the air. You can flip the reeds daily for a stronger scent or rotate them weekly for a more subtle aroma.”
Natural, "spa-like" decor: Preserved Eucalyptus Branches
- One order has 6-7 branches
- Can be hung or placed in multiple locations throughout the home
- Some users say scent is nonexistent
Scent: Eucalyptus | Type: Plant | Size: 28” x 6” x 6”
Dallas-based interior designer Heather Fujikawa prefers to spruce up her home — literally and aromatically — with some greenery. “I use eucalyptus in every one of my client’s homes because it looks so fresh [and] brings greenery indoors, but then dries so beautifully. But, most importantly, eucalyptus has a spa-like scent — it works great in a kitchen, bathroom, wherever you place it.”
Modern jar, citrusy scent: Anthropologie Capri Blue Volcano Candle
- Multiple sizes available
- Beautiful jar can be repurposed after use
- Long burn time
- Larger size is very pricey
Type of scent: Fruity | Scent notes: Tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons, limes, mountain greens | Type: Candle | Burn time: Up to 100 hours
“Imagine if oranges, lemons and limes were mixed together with mountain greens — yep, this candle!” said Stephanie Lindsey, interior designer at the Austin-based Etch Design Group. “I have three kids and this candle masks odors and creates a freshly scented house without overpowering the room. As an interior designer, I obviously select items for my home that are pleasing to the eye — the fact that this one comes in a modern container makes it a win-win.”
Floral and decorative: Otherland Garden Party Collection Verdant Verve
- Beautiful packaging
- Long burn time
- Vegan
- Seasonal scent
Scent notes: Earthy floral | Type: Oakmoss, neroli blossom, fresh thyme | Burn time: Up to 55 hours
Interior designer Kate Ives Marshall loves these chic scents from Otherland. “This candle has a thoroughly modern aroma yet remains unisex with the inclusion of neroli blossom and crisp, herbaceous thyme and oakmoss. The scent will remind you of springtime all year long, while the emerald jar and trendy floral label will dress up any bookshelf or table.”
Natural, earthy fragrance mist: Sandoval Love Interior Aromatic
- Each bottle contains rose quartz and tiger’s eye crystals
- Comes in a recyclable glass bottle
- Free of phthalates, parabens and synthetic fragrances
- Must be shaken well to activate scent
Type of scent: Earthy | Scent notes: Neroli, jasmine, citrus, vetiver, patchouli, rose | Type: Fragrance mist | Size: 16 oz.
Gina Gutierrez, founder and lead designer at Gina Rachelle Design in San Francisco, loves this fresh aromatic from Sandoval. “I was gifted this natural spray, which is free of synthetic perfumes and additives, from one of my designers and fell in love with how it fills my space with a blend of scents including white neroli flowers, ylang ylang, jasmine, vetiver, and patchouli. I like to spritz it on my sheets, upholstery or simply into the air, and I’ll even pour a few drops in a diffuser.”
Woody scent perfect for linens: Sandoval Wood Interior Aromatic
- Can be used on fabric
- Can be poured into a diffuser
- Bottle should be shaken before use
Type of scent: Woody | Scent notes: Vetiver, cedarwood, sandalwood, cardamom, marjoram, black pepper | Type: Fragrance mist | Size: 16 oz.
“I’m a fan of woodsy scents so this mist is right up my alley — it literally smells like a walk in the forest,” said New York-based interior designer Michelle Zacks. “I spray it into the air throughout my home and on my bed linens and in my closets. I also love that the bottle is handmade and recyclable.”
Scented wax disc: diptyque Paris Berries Scented Oval
- Unique way of dispersing aroma
- Can be hung in a closet for a fresh scent
- Some say scent disappears quickly
- May melt if left in sunlight
Type of scent: Fresh and fruity | Scent notes: Rose, black currant | Type: Solid fragrance | Size: 4 oz.
New York City-based interior designer Emma Beryl adores these scented diptyque discs. “I walked into a client’s house a few years ago and was struck by how delicious her home smelled. She explained she had placed these wax perfume discs in all her rooms and before I knew it, I was buying them for my own place. My favorite is Berries, which is scented with roses and black current leaves and smells feminine and floral but not overly sweet. I hang them in closets and behind curtains from their black rope — just make sure you keep [them] out of direct heat or sunlight to prevent melting.”
Long-lasting, hand-poured: Jenni Kayne Currant Glass Candle
- Website members can get preferred pricing
- Hand-poured with natural blend of coconut, soy, apricot oil, and paraffin
- Wick is cotton- and lead-free
- Burn time is vague
Type of scent: Fruity | Scent notes: Bergamot, cassis, white rose, oakmoss | Type: Candle | Size: 10 oz. | Burn time: 50-70 hours
“I discovered this hand-poured candle when I walked into the company’s store in New York City and knew I wanted my home to smell the same way!,” said New York City-based interior designer Becky Shea. “It comes in four scents — musk, ash, cedar and currant (my favorite with a mix of bergamot, cassis, white rose, and oakmoss notes). I have them all over in my house — in both my bedrooms, entryway, kitchen, dining room and bathrooms. I [also] love that they’re long-lasting — they can burn up to 80 hours.”
Variety essential oil set: Plant Therapy 7&7 Essential Oil Set
- Multiple scents allow you to customize your preferred fragrance
- Comes with seven single oils and seven oil blends
- Free of phthalates and synthetic fragrances
- Must purchase diffuser separately
Individual scents: Lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus globulus, tea tree, sweet orange, lemon, cinnamon cassia | Blend scents: Sensual, energy, germ fighter, relax, immune aid, tranquil, invigor aid | Type: Essential oils | Size: 10 ml. each
“I burn these sweet essential oils in the diffusers I keep in my home office and bedroom,” said Nancy Charbonneau, principal designer and CEO of Charbonneau Interiors. “With this set, you get multiple fragrance combinations, but I love the freesia scent as it reminds me of fresh-cut grass, being outdoors in the sunshine, and working in the garden. I even put a few drops in my vacuum cleaner to make every room in my house smell fresh.”
Also an essential oil diffuser: Miko Quiet Air Purifier with True HEPA Filter
- Filters pollutants with 360º air purification
- Has smart technology
- Small and unobtrusive
- Must purchase essential oils separately
- May not work for larger spaces
Scent notes: Depends on scent chosen | Type: Air purifier | Size: 8.5”D x 8.5”W x 12.5”H | Floor area: 925 square feet
Overstock.com Lead Stylist and design psychologist Amber Dunford likes to keep her interior’s air crisp and clean. “I’ve found that I value the fresh smelling and clean air from a purifier being home so much these days, knowing they can remove pollutants, toxins and allergens that not only cause odors but can disrupt your health, mood and sleep. I’ve placed one in my bedroom and another by the entrance to my home to keep the area smelling fresh at the point where guests enter.”
Perfect for the vanity: Zodax Illuminaria Porcelain Diffuser Spanish Dahlia
- Vessel doubles as art
- Unique way to diffuse scent
- Refills available to purchase
- Some users say scent is nonexistent
Scent notes: Not listed | Type: Diffuser | Size: Glass bottle: 3.3 oz., oil volume: 3.4 oz.
Louisiana-based interior designer Lance Thomas loves this porcelain diffuser that doubles as decor. “I place this porcelain flower into the smoky glass container and the citrus aroma instantly begins to permeate the room. It has pear and mandarin orange notes and sandalwood undertones, giving it an intensity that makes me feel like I’ve been whisked away to an exotic hotel. Plus, it looks like a beautiful jewel on a stack of books in your living room or on a bathroom vanity.”
Unique hand-blown glass jar: Lafco New York Duchess Peony
- Fragrance uses essential oils
- Artistic glass vessel is hand blown
- Many users love the packaging
- Scent may be too flowery for some
Type of scent: Dry floral | Scent notes: Peony blossom, pink rose, cassis berries, camellia, powdery floral musk | Type: Candle | Size: 16 oz. | Burn time: 90 hours
“I love to burn this beautiful candle when I have friends or family over," says owner and principal designer Kerri Pilchik. "[This Lafco candle] smells like what you’d expect a peony to smell like — a soft scented rose — and comes in a colored hand-blown glass vessel I use for flowers after the candle has been burned. Peony flowers only bloom in the spring, yet with this candle, you can enjoy them all year round. I love lighting it in my living room, bathroom and the kitchen to eliminate cooking odors.”
Controlled via app: Aera The Aera Diffuser
- Multiple adjustable settings via the accompanying app
- Incredibly long scent time
- Petite size easily fits in many locations around the home
- Scent capsules are sold separately
Scent notes: Depends on scent capsules chosen | Type: Diffuser | Size: 6.5” x 2.5” x 4.8” | Scent time: Up to 800 hours
“I can’t imagine living without this app-activated diffuser — so much so I own three!" says Long Island-based interior designer Marlaina Teich. "I have kids and pets and don’t like some of the odors that come along with real life. With this you simply install the app, plug in the diffuser, connect it to your home network and you’re ready to go."
Compatible with Bluetooth: Aromini Nebulizing Scent Diffuser
- Diffuses scents without water or heat
- Bluetooth compatible
- Can be controlled with app
- May not work for larger spaces
- Scents not includes
Scent notes: Depends on scent chosen | Type: Essential oil diffuser | Size: 120 ml capacity | Floor area: Up to 1,000 square feet
California-based interior designer Dina Bandman loves this sleek diffuser from Aromini. “I couldn't get over how amazing my best friend's house smelled, and she told me it was thanks to this diffuser. Now I have this stylish and whisper-soft diffuser in my living room. It uses a cold air diffusion technology to break down the fragrance oil — my favorite is the London Aroma Oil which mixes leather, tobacco, cedar, and vanilla notes — into a very fine dry mist, reducing airborne allergens. Plus, you can sync it with your smartphone to control the scent’s intensity levels.”
Editor-tested home scents
Refreshing plug-in: Enviroscent Non Toxic Air Freshener
- Kid- and pet-safe
- Scent can fill apartment
- Limited scents available
- Reusable, not recyclable
Type of scent: Fresh | Scent notes: Rainwater, bamboo | Type: Air freshener | Size: N/A
Jess Bender, a senior editor at Shop TODAY, recommends this air freshener. She says, "I’ve never been a huge fan of plug-ins since most tend to emit overpowering aromas that give me insane headaches and are messy to handle, but Enviroscent’s product line-up make sure that I never have either of those issues."
Bender continues, "Their fragrances are easily identifiable but not overpowering (my favorites include the Rainwater & Bamboo and their summery Wild Strawberry & Rhubarb) and their liquid-free design eliminates any stress surrounding leaking or spilling. They also pride themselves on being eco-friendly, which is a huge win in my book. Their scents last for 45+ days (or longer if you don’t mind more subtle scents), and their refill pods are recyclable and biodegradable."
Perfect for summer: Tuscany Candle Magnolia Candle
- The scent fills the room fast
- Beautiful ombré wax
- Not subtle if that's preferred
Type of scent: Floral | Scent notes: Magnolia, mango | Type: Candle | Size: 18 oz. | Burn time: Up to 80 hours
"One thing I love to do is light candles that are reflective of the current season, and this option by Tuscany Candle is perfect for summer," says Amanda Fama, an editor at Shop TODAY. "It has the light floral scent of a magnolias that I know and love, along with a tropical mango essence. Plus, the wax melts into a warm, red-orange color that’s reminiscent of a sunset."
Minimalist design: Snowe Staycation Scented Candle
- Burns up to 75 hours
- Minimalist packaging
- Scent only fills small spaces
Type of scent: Berry, spice | Scent notes: juniper berry, cardamom, Tonka bean | Type: Candle | Size: 8.5 oz. | Burn time: 75 hours
Bender also says, "This has been a solid candle for unwinding and general pre-bed pre-gaming, which makes sense since this comes from a bedding brand. I naturally gravitate towards gourmand scents, and the Tonka bean / cardamom pairing is one I don’t come across very often (but I wish I did!)."
Fresh-smelling linen scent: White Barn Sun-Drenched Linen 3-Wick Candle
- Lasts a long time
- Keep wicks trimmed 1/4 inch
Type of scent: Fresh, laundry | Scent notes: must, linen, apple | Type: Candle | Size: 14.5 oz. | Burn time: 25-45 hours
Audrey Ekman, a production associate at Shop TODAY, recommends lighting this linen-scented candle. She says, "This candle smells like laundry day in the best way. It’s a great fresh, clean scent that is universally appealing — it was recently a bday gift for a tough-to-shop-for friend and she loves it. I just grabbed a couple more and plan to keep them on hand as a great housewarming/bday/grad etc. gift the next time I need something in a pinch."
"Bridgerton" fan favorite: Bath & Body Works Diamond Of The Season 3-Wick Candle
- Fruity scent
- Potent
- Limited-time collaboration
Type of scent: Floral, fruity | Scent notes: Jasmine, daffodil, peach | Type: Candle | Size: 14.5 oz. | Burn time: 25-45 hours
Shannon Garlin, a writer at Shop TODAY, approves of this candle. She says, "Bath and Bodyworks launched a 'Bridgerton' collaboration, and I’ve been burning this candle ever since, pretending I’m the Diamond of the season. The scent of this candle is really fruity and has been such nice fragrance to welcome the spring and summer time. It makes my apartment smell DIVINE. Every time a friend pops over they’ve been mentioning how good my apartment smells. I hope BBW keeps this scent in their candle repertoire."
A chic, earthy addition: LAFCO New York Andean Myrtle
- Long-lasting
- Fresh scent
- Beautiful display
- On the more expensive side
Type of scent: Herbal | Scent notes: Palo santo, lime, Andean Myrtle, Schinus Molle | Type: Candle | Size: 15.5 oz. | Burn time: Not stated
Annie Shigo, a social media editorial assistant at Shop TODAY, recommends this candle by LAFCO New York. She says that "it is a scent I never get tired of and is so fresh." Shigo continues and tells us that the candle is "great to come home to after a long day."
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best home scents by reaching out to interior designers and including their recommendations across multiple categories, including candles, essential oil diffusers, fragrance mists and reed diffusers. We included items at a variety of price points to appeal to a wide range of shoppers, as well as editor favorites.
Meet the experts
- Dina Bandman is the founder of Dina Bandman Interiors. She’s the veteran of six Decorator Showcases, and her work has been featured in Architectural Digest and House Beautiful. She’s based in San Francisco.
- Emma Beryl is an interior designer based in New York. She trained at the New York School of Interior Design and founded her design firm in 2015.
- Nancy Charbonneau is the principal designer and CEO of Charbonneau Interiors in The Woodlands, Texas. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Georgia Southern University and over two decades of experience.
- Amber Dunford is the Overstock.com Lead Stylist and a design psychologist who developed her own Design Psychology course. She’s been teaching architects and designers how to infuse psychology principles into their work for over a decade. She’s based in Salt Lake City.
- Heather Fujikawa is an interior designer based in Dallas. She’s the principal designer and co-owner of House Sprucing, a home furnishing store and interior design studio.
- Gina Gutierrez is the founder and lead designer at Gina Rachelle Design in San Francisco.
- Kate Ives Marshall is an interior designer based in New York. She’s a graduate of the New York School of Interior Design and established Kate Ives Design in 2017.
- Stephanie Lindsey is an interior designer at the Austin-based Etch Design Group. She graduated from the Interior Designers Institute in Newport Beach, CA with her Bachelor’s degree in interior design, and is certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification.
- Mary Patton is an interior designer in Houston and the owner of Mary Patton Design. She specializes in residential and commercial interior design, as well as home and event styling. Her work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart, and multiple other publications.
- Kerri Pilchik is the owner and principal designer of Kerri Pilchik Design. She received her art history degree from Duke University, a law degree from Georgetown University, and a certificate in interior design from the New York School of Interior Design, and was recognized as one of House Beautiful’s 2023 Next Wave designers. She’s based in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
- Ariel Richardson is the founder and lead designer of ASR Design Studio. She has a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from The Art Institute of CA-San Francisco and a Masters in Interior Architecture from AAU. She’s based in Escondido, California.
