Choosing a Reed Diffuser
A reed diffuser is a fragrance that fills a room with a pleasant aroma. It combines a bottle of perfume-grade essential or fragrance oil with reed sticks that absorb the scent and release it into the air, perfusing a space with a light, natural fragrance.
The best reed diffusers are made from a high-quality blend of oils and come in a stylish vessel to match your decor. You can also find reed diffusers with different scent options, such as a soothing lavender or energizing citrus. Some are designed to match Nest's line of scented candles, soaps, and linen sprays so you can coordinate your scents throughout your home.
If you're new to reed diffusers, be sure to read the product description for scent strength, duration, and other information before purchasing. Also, pay attention to the base oil used. The best reed diffusers use thin carrier oils like fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, or safflower oil. These are less potent than essential oils, allowing the fragrance to last longer.
Reed diffusers are ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms, where the natural, often floral smell of the oil is most welcome. The scents are also useful for boosting energy and mood, as well as relieving stress and anxiety. The reeds can be removed from the container to change the fragrance, and the bottles are typically reusable so you can refill them when necessary.
When shopping for a reed diffuser, look for a brand that uses essential or fragrance oils to create the scents. These are more therapeutic and longer-lasting than a synthetic fragrance, and they're derived from a variety of natural sources including flowers, herbs, fruits, or trees. Some brands may also add alcohol to their reed diffusers to speed up the scent's evaporation.
While this method of aromatherapy has been around for centuries, reed diffusers became popular in the early 2000s when manufacturers began selling them at a more affordable price point. Today, you can find a reed diffuser in virtually any store or online.
Choosing a reed diffuser is as simple as thinking about the kind of atmosphere you want to create in your home. Lavender can promote relaxation, while citrus scents can energize and uplift the spirits. Many reed diffusers include multiple reeds to help cast a wide and fragrant scent across the room. Some are even designed to double as a nightlight or a calming sleep aid.
Other factors to consider include the bottle's size, whether it has a lock and key to keep children away from the contents, and whether it has an automatic shut-off feature when the water runs out. You'll also want to know how long the reeds will last before needing replacement, and whether they can be flipped to get more out of them.