Last Modified 10 November 2025 |
First Added 17 October 2019
How to Use a Reed Diffuser
Reed diffusers are a fabulous way to continually fragrance your home with understated elegance. Scent is the very first thing a house guest notices upon entering your abode, imbuing your space with a considered, fragrant ambience is a must for any discerning homemaker. Flame-free and fuss-free, reed diffusers breathe a beautiful scent naturally into the air, all while looking effortlessly chic.
This enchanting home fragrance solution asks very little of you and quietly takes care of itself. However, knowing how to use a reed diffuser effectively can help you get the most out of it. Allow our experts to share their advice and top tips on how to add a glorious aroma to your home.
How does a reed diffuser work?
Reed diffusers are delightfully simple to use. Begin by removing the metal screw cap and inner plastic plug. If your diffuser includes a decorative collar, screw this back onto the bottle for a refined finish. Immerse your reeds in the fragrance oil and allow them to soak. Once saturated, flip the reeds to begin releasing the beautiful scent into your bedroom.
To maintain a consistent aroma, we recommend flipping your reeds every few days. Do bear in mind that the more frequently you flip them, the faster the oil will evaporate.
Unlike candles or wax melts, reed diffusers require no flame or heat source, making them a safe and practical way to fragrance your bedroom with style and sophistication.
Where’s the best place for a reed diffuser?
In our humble opinion, the bedroom is a wonderful place to introduce fragrance, helping you unwind for a truly restful sleep. Placing a reed diffuser on a bedside table or chest of drawers looks effortlessly elegant when styling a bedside table and allows the scent to gently circulate your room.
Movement in the air, whether from footfall or a gentle breeze, will help disperse the fragrance, so positioning your diffuser in a high-traffic area can enhance its reach.
Avoid placing your reed diffuser near air conditioning units, open windows or external doors, where the fragrance may be lost. Similarly, heat from radiators can cause the oil to evaporate more quickly, so it’s best to keep your diffuser away from direct heat sources.
Protecting your furniture
To preserve the beauty of your bedroom furniture, we recommend placing your reed diffuser on a coaster or decorative tray. Even the smallest oil droplet can mark wood, varnish or painted surfaces - a little protection goes a long way. When refreshing your diffuser, flip the reeds over a sink or soft cloth to avoid spills. It’s a small gesture, but one that keeps your space pristine.
How Long Do Reed Diffusers Last?
On average, a 100ml bottle of diffuser oil should last between three and four months. However, its lifespan can be influenced by environmental factors such as central heating, air conditioning, open doors and humidity levels.
The temperature of your bedroom is likely to have the most significant impact. Warm, cosy spaces can cause the fragrance oil to disperse more quickly, while rooms with low humidity may shorten its life. If possible, aim to keep your bedroom between 18°C and 24°C to enjoy long-lasting, luxurious fragrance.
What do the reeds do?
The reeds are the quiet custodians of your diffuser’s fragrance. Crafted from naturally porous fibres, they draw the scented oil upward and release it gently into the air, allowing the aroma to unfurl slowly and consistently throughout your bedroom.
If you’d like to deepen the fragrance and make it more pronounced, simply add a few more reeds to the bottle. Conversely, if you prefer a softer, more ambient scent, removing one or two reeds will subtly dial it down. This delicate balance allows you to tailor the atmosphere to suit your mood and the season.
Over time, reeds can become saturated and lose their ability to diffuse effectively. We recommend replacing them every few weeks to maintain clarity and freshness. And whenever you introduce a new scent, always begin with a fresh set of reeds to ensure the fragrance remains pure, uninterrupted, and true to its intended character.
How to make a reed diffuser oil
There’s something quietly indulgent about creating your reed diffuser oil. It’s a simple yet satisfying ritual that allows you to tailor your home fragrance to suit your mood, your space, and your style.
1. Choose a base oil with elegance
Begin by selecting a base oil. The most effective choices are light and thin, such as fractionated coconut, sweet almond or safflower oil. These absorb beautifully into the reeds and diffuse with ease. When using a clear glass bottle, take a moment to consider the colour of your base oil - it should complement your décor, not compete with it.
2. Selecting essential oils to suit your space
For a calming, bedtime blend, lavender and jasmine are perennial favourites. If your bedroom leans towards rustic charm or earthy tones, cedarwood and patchouli offer a warm, grounding scent. We recommend ensuring that any essential oils you choose are suitable for use around pets, particularly in shared spaces like bedrooms.
3. Blending your fragrance with care
Once you’ve made your selections, fill your diffuser bottle to around two-thirds full with your chosen base oil. Measure the volume carefully, then add your essential oils - up to 50 drops per 120ml of base oil is a good guide. Gently swirl, and your bespoke blend is ready to infuse your space with character and calm.
Elevating the atmosphere of your bedroom
Fragrance is a deeply personal expression of style - an invisible thread that weaves through your space, setting the tone for rest, reflection and ritual. The captivating world of scent offers endless possibilities to imbue your bedroom with character, but creating a true sanctuary goes beyond aroma alone.
Our collection of thoughtfully designed bedroom furniture and sumptuous bed linen has been created to infuse your home with a sense of calm and luxury.