FM Pure Home Ritual Fragrance Sticks (900)

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There are some 400 essential oils extracted from plants all over the world. Popular oils used in aromatherapy today include chamomile, lavender, rosemary and tea tree. “Aromatherapy and essential oils are often used to reduce stress and anxiety, and to bring about relaxation,” says Farrah Idris, lead massage therapist at St Joseph’s Hospice and complementary therapies tutor at City Lit London. Heat Diffusers use heat, usually from a candle or electricity, to gently heat the essential oil to promote evaporation. However, they can alter the chemical composition of the oils, and the scent doesn’t last as long because heat tends to make oils evaporate faster. Electric or Fan Diffusers use the movement of air from a fan to disperse the essential oils. A pad soaked in oil is placed in the fan’s path so the air blows the scent out. These work well in larger spaces, but the scent can be less concentrated than with other types. It’s the same principle as perfumes. Typically, the pricier ones have rarer or more expensive ingredients. Some fragrances are made from the oils of a rare and delicate flower petal, for instance, while others are made from synthetic ingredients that are easy and cheap to source.

Sunny spots can also spell trouble for the life span of your diffuser, as 'this will cause the oil in the diffuser to evaporate', according to Rachel. 'It might look nice sitting on your windowsill, basking in the sunlight, but you’ll only end up having to replace your reed diffuser faster.' Hayley says diffusers should also look good, last a long time between refills and allow you to control the intensity and frequency of the scent release. With electric diffusers, noise levels and safety are also important. “The right diffuser for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences,” she says. “I personally like the White Company and Oliver Bonas diffusers, since they’re very stylish.” A good diffuser should have a wide scent throw – the ability to effectively disperse the fragrance across the room evenly, making sure it isn’t concentrated in one area,” explains Hayley Forster, fragrance consultant and member of the British Society of Perfumers.

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She has tested a range of home fragrances for us (that's candles and reed diffusers) inside her specious 2-bed London flat over the past few years. She lives with two pets, so she's always on the lookout for pet-friendly diffusers too. FAQs What should I look for in a reed diffuser? Hayley also advises the particular oils to avoid for cats and dogs. She says, “For cats, oils such as cinnamon, tea tree, thyme, oregano, clove, pine, citrus, or eucalyptus oils, can be especially toxic. For dogs, oils like tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang have been reported to cause issues.”

Farrah recommends opting for the best you can afford. “Make sure they’re proper oils and that you know what you’re buying,” she advises. She cites G Baldwin & Co, Neal’s Yard, Oshadhi, Tisserand, Aromatherapy Associates and Neom as go-to brands for high quality oils.

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Ultrasonic Diffusers use water and ultrasonic waves to disperse essential oils into the room. The oil is added to water and the ultrasonic vibrations break the oil into tiny particles which are then dispersed as a mist. This type of diffuser also adds a bit of humidity to the air, which can be beneficial in drier climates or months.

There are several types, including fan diffusers and ultrasonic diffusers, which you can read about in the FAQ section at the bottom of this feature, but for this guide I’m going to focus on the three most popular kinds. It’s believed the first scent diffusers were used by the ancient Greeks, who found that reeds dipped in essential oils would diffuse their scent throughout their homes and temples. Today, the best diffusers still use essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus and rose, which are commonly used in scented candles for their calming or uplifting properties. To get the most out of your reed diffuser place it in a hallway or a room entrance. The airflow created will help circulate the aroma so the scent will reach you every time you enter and leave the room. Make sure it is out of reach of children and pets and don’t place it near windows or radiators, as the heat will evaporate the fragrance oil. Getting the most from the fragrance We've researched and tested the best reed diffusers that are perfect for creating a long-lasting, consistent smell. They are safe to leave and forget about (as long as they’re out of reach of children and pets) and should last for around two to three months. Best reed diffuser at a glance: Annie is now the Head of Ecommerce at Ideal Home's sister title, Real Homes. She was previously the Deputy Ecommerce Editor for Ideal Home, and our in-house fragrance expert.This is very personal, but the bottom line is that you need to love the mix of oils and the scent it gives off. Look for brands that blend oils for a fragrance that sets off a certain mood – relaxing, invigorating, de-stressing. And make sure it’s subtle and well balanced, never overwhelming. Reed diffusers are popular for a reason, as they can add so much to a room without needing much input from you. Rachel Bough, fragrance expert and Head of Buying at The Fragrance Shop, thinks the same, adding, 'A reed diffuser is very low-maintenance - all you need is that bottle and the reeds to create the fragrant scent you want transported around the room'. She adds that 'They continuously work and simply diffuse the oil that’s in their container until it runs out. Typically, it takes a few months for the fragrance in the bottle to run out completely, meaning they can also be long-lasting. Buying one for yourself means that you can personalise your home scent to what you like and need in each room.' Using diffusers with different notes across your home is one of our top tips to make your home smell excellent and can also make a huge difference to your mood. Small but impactful tips include opting for fresh smells in your bathroom, and avoiding anything too severe in your bedroom so as not to disturb your sleep. Reed Diffusers use rattan, bamboo or paper reeds placed into a bottle containing scented oil. The reeds soak up the oil and disperse the scent into the air. Reed diffusers require no electricity or heat, making them a safe and easy-to-use option. However, they may not be as effective in larger spaces.