10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (2024)

From citrus blends to woody aromas, we’ve tested the best reed diffusers, including options from The White Company, Jo Malone, and NEOM.

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Amber-Rose Hurst

Published Date:

8 November 2024

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10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (1)

Discover the best reed diffusers for effortless, enduring fragrance that adds a touch of sophistication and luxury to any room.

Of all the senses, scent is uniquely powerful in its ability to transport and transform. The right fragrance can evoke a treasured memory, bring serenity to a bustling space, or impart a feeling of warmth and comfort on the chilliest of days. While candles offer flickering light and ambience, reed diffusers provide an enduring alternative - effortless, elegant, and refined.

In my view, reed diffusers are the understated touch of luxury every home deserves. Their beauty lies in their simplicity: no flames, no maintenance, and no smoky residue - just a steady, subtle infusion of fragrance that enriches your home over time. With thoughtfully crafted scents and exquisitely designed vessels, today’s diffusers make a sophisticated addition to any room, standing as both scent and statement.

As Tajinder Banwait MBE, founder of Urban Apothecary London, explains, “Fragrance is an extension of your personal style, infusing your space with a sensory dimension that complements your environment’s visual, tactile and even auditory elements. Just as colours, textures and sounds layer a room, the right scent can deepen its ambience.”

If your aim is to elevate your space with a touch of quiet opulence, or simply to enjoy a hands-off approach to home fragrance, a reed diffuser is an inspired choice. Here, we present a carefully curated selection of the finest reed diffusers available, each one offering an air of timeless elegance that will leave your home feeling, and smelling, irresistibly luxurious.

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The best reed diffusers 2024 - at a glance

How I Tested

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (2)

Over several months, I tested each reed diffuser, assessing them for fragrance quality, longevity, value, and ease of maintenance. To fully appreciate their impact, I placed them in different rooms in my home: in the bedroom, where I wanted relaxing scents to wind down with, and in the kitchen and bathroom, where fresh, neutralising aromas were key.

Here’s how they performed. If you’re looking to further elevate your home environment, you may also enjoy our guide to the best scented candles.

Best reed diffusers 2024

1. Ritual of Karma Diffuser, Rituals

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (3)

Best reed diffuser overall

  • Notes: White tea and lotus flower with hints of bergamot, lemon, musk and sandalwood

  • 250ml

  • White glass jar with natural reeds

Rituals’ The Ritual of Karma reed diffuser, the largest in this review at 250ml, offers excellent value and impressive longevity. As delightful now as when I first experienced this scent in candle form, its soothing white lotus and bergamot aroma subtly fills the room and lasts beautifully without the need for frequent reed flipping.

Packaged in a stunning tall turquoise-blue tube, it’s ideal for gifting, and refills are available to keep the experience going. With its minimalist, stylish vessel, this diffuser seamlessly complements any decor, making it a luxurious, lasting favourite.

RRP£34.90

Available from Look Fantastic

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  • Elegant bottle

  • Great value for money

  • Mood-boosting fragrance

  • Long-lasting

  • The design of the bottle, while stylish, may make it a bit more susceptible to tipping over

We like

  • Elegant bottle

  • Great value for money

  • Mood-boosting fragrance

  • Long-lasting

We don't like

  • The design of the bottle, while stylish, may make it a bit more susceptible to tipping over

Available from Look Fantastic

Shop now

2. Delicious Rhubarb & Rose Reed Diffuser, Molton Brown

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (4)

Best long-lasting reed diffuser

  • Notes: Rhubarb and rose with hints of vanilla and grapefruit

  • 150ml

  • Clear glass jar with dark brown reeds

The Delicious Rhubarb and Rose Aroma Reed Diffuser from Molton Brown is a standout product from a well-known British fragrance house, whose exceptional quality earned them the Royal Warrant from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

As someone who has always loved the scent of rhubarb, I was thrilled by how perfectly this diffuser captures its tangy, refreshing essence. The addition of soft rose notes creates a delicate, balanced fragrance that fills the room with warmth and sophistication.

What’s truly impressive is its incredible longevity – the scent lingers for weeks without the need for frequent reed flipping. The elegant bottle design adds a refined touch to any room, making it a luxurious and long-lasting addition to any home.

RRP£48

Available from Fenwick

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  • Long-lasting fragrance with minimal reed flipping

  • Fresh rhubarb scent

  • Elegant packaging suits any decor

  • Scent may not be strong enough for larger rooms

We like

  • Long-lasting fragrance with minimal reed flipping

  • Fresh rhubarb scent

  • Elegant packaging suits any decor

We don't like

  • Scent may not be strong enough for larger rooms

Available from Fenwick

Shop now

3. Pomegranate Noir Diffuser, Jo Malone

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (5)

Best luxury reed diffuser

  • Notes: Pomegranate and smoky guaiacwood

  • 165ml

  • Clear white vessel with black reeds

This option is a true delight, and as someone whose all-time favourite Jo Malone scent is Pomegranate Noir, I was excited to try it in diffuser form. The fragrance is rich and complex, with fruity pomegranate mingling with smoky, spicy notes. While more subtle than other diffusers I’ve tested, it’s elegant and timeless, subtly filling my downstairs bathroom with a balanced, lasting aroma.

The sleek black vessel complements any decor, and it’s packaged in Jo Malone’s signature black and white bowed box, making it perfect as a gift. It may be better placed in a small bedroom or bathroom for optimal fragrance diffusion.

RRP£74

Available from Jo Malone

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  • Elegant design

  • Unique, luxurious fragrance

  • Beautiful packaging

  • Pricey

  • Probably not as suitable for larger rooms

We like

  • Elegant design

  • Unique, luxurious fragrance

  • Beautiful packaging

We don't like

  • Pricey

  • Probably not as suitable for larger rooms

Available from Jo Malone

Shop now

4. Sentiments Calm Reed Diffuser, John Lewis

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (6)

Best affordable reed diffuser

  • Notes: Fresh pine, spiced amber, vanilla, and musk

  • 100ml

  • Grey frosted glass vessel with natural reeds

The John Lewis Sentiments Calm Reed Diffuser is a bestseller, and it’s easy to see why. Offering a soothing blend of fresh pine, spiced amber, vanilla, and musk, it creates a calming atmosphere perfect for unwinding. The scent subtly fills the space without being overpowering, making it a great option for the bedroom.

The 100ml size is just right for smaller spaces, and the minimalistic glass vessel fits seamlessly into any decor. It’s basic, yes, but it works a treat, providing a tranquil, long-lasting fragrance that promotes relaxation and peace. A reliable choice for a serene ambience.

RRP£10

Available from John Lewis

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  • Inexpensive

  • Soothing fragrance

  • Minimalistic design

  • Not the most luxurious option

We like

  • Inexpensive

  • Soothing fragrance

  • Minimalistic design

We don't like

  • Not the most luxurious option

Available from John Lewis

Shop now

5. Happiness Reed Diffuser, NEOM

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (7)

Best reed diffuser with essential oils

  • Notes: Neroli, mimosa and lemon

  • 100ml

  • Clear vessel with a silver lid and black reeds

This reed diffuser is the perfect choice for anyone looking to create a positive, uplifting atmosphere in their home. The Neom Happiness Reed Diffuser features a complex blend of 10 of the purest essential oils, including neroli, mimosa, and lemon, delivering a refreshing, spa-like scent. The citrus and floral notes are beautifully balanced, offering a mood-boosting fragrance that isn’t overpowering.

What sets this diffuser apart is its use of high-quality essential oils, providing therapeutic benefits and long-lasting fragrance. The experts at NEOM really know how to make home fragrance, and this sleek, minimalist design is great for any room in the home, promoting wellness and joy throughout.

RRP£45

Available from NEOM

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  • 100% natural fragrance

  • Long-lasting

  • Therapeutic benefits

  • Attractive design

  • Scent may be more suited to summer months

We like

We don't like

  • Scent may be more suited to summer months

Available from NEOM

Shop now

6. Sicilian Orange Luxury Diffuser, The White Company

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (8)

Best reed diffuser for large rooms

  • Notes: Orange, ginger and sandalwood

  • 200ml

  • Clear square-shaped glass vessel with natural reeds

The Sicilian Orange Luxury Diffuser from The White Company delivers a vibrant, uplifting fragrance with its zesty blend of Sicilian oranges. The citrus notes evoke the essence of a sun-drenched Mediterranean grove, creating an energising atmosphere in spaces like the living room or kitchen. The long-lasting fragrance subtly fills the room without being overwhelming.

While I’m more of a fan of their rounded vessels, the sleek, elegant glass design still complements any décor. The quality of the fragrance is exceptional, offering a refreshing and calming experience. A perfect choice for anyone seeking a fresh, premium scent that lifts the mood.

RRP£38

Available from The White Company

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  • Long-lasting

  • Scent subtly fills large rooms

  • Large size offers value for money

  • Some may prefer the brand’s rounded vessel design over this more angular one

  • Refill not available

We like

  • Long-lasting

  • Scent subtly fills large rooms

  • Large size offers value for money

We don't like

  • Some may prefer the brand’s rounded vessel design over this more angular one

  • Refill not available

Available from The White Company

Shop now

7. Orangery Reed Diffuser, True Grace

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (9)

Best reed diffuser for looks

  • Notes: Orange Blossom, amber and petitgrain

  • 200ml

  • Smoked glass vessel with black reeds

If you’re looking for another orange-scented option, the True Grace Orangery Room Diffuser fills your home with an uplifting blend of citrus and floral notes, creating a vibrant, energising atmosphere. Its uniquely shaped black vessel, adorned with the brand’s monogram, is one of the most stylish diffusers available.

The high-quality tube packaging, complete with a satin bow, makes it perfect for gifting. The fragrance is beautifully balanced, providing a subtle, long-lasting scent that fills the room for weeks without being overpowering. While it is on the higher end of the price range, the elegant design and premium quality make it a worthwhile investment for any home.

RRP£60

Available from True Grace

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  • Elegant design

  • Beautiful packaging

  • Strong scent that isn’t overpowering

  • Great for gifting

  • Price is on the higher side

We like

  • Elegant design

  • Beautiful packaging

  • Strong scent that isn’t overpowering

  • Great for gifting

We don't like

  • Price is on the higher side

Available from True Grace

Shop now

8. Rose Oudh Reed Diffuser, Urban Apothecary

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (10)

Best floral reed diffuser

  • Notes: May rose, damask rose, oudh wood, blackcurrant buds, plum and amber

  • 200ml

  • Black vessel with black reeds

The Rose Oudh Luxury Charity Diffuser from Urban Apothecary offers a sophisticated blend of rose and oud, creating a warm, elegant fragrance that adds depth to any room. The scent is strong without being overpowering, making it perfectly suited for spaces like a living room where it can gently infuse the atmosphere without overwhelming the senses.

The earthy oud is beautifully balanced by the sweet, delicate rose notes, creating a luxurious, inviting fragrance. Packaged in a monochrome, elegant glass bottle, it’s not just a treat for your home, but also a wonderful way to support a good cause, with a portion of the sale of each diffuser going to Hearts & Minds Foundation.

RRP£50

Available from Sephora

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  • Balanced scent throw

  • Lovely floral fragrance

  • Elegant design

  • Charity contribution

  • On the pricier side, but a donation of the sale goes to charity!

We like

  • Balanced scent throw

  • Lovely floral fragrance

  • Elegant design

  • Charity contribution

We don't like

  • On the pricier side, but a donation of the sale goes to charity!

Available from Sephora

Shop now

9. Sweet Almond Blossom Scented Reeds, Floral Street

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (11)

Best scented reeds

  • Notes: White almond blossom, vanilla, matcha and tonka bean

  • Five scented reeds

For something a little different, Floral Street’s Sweet Almond Blossom Scented Reeds offer a unique twist on traditional home fragrances. Pre-scented, these reeds eliminate the risk of spillages, providing a fuss-free option for those seeking a subtle, long-lasting scent. The fragrance blends sweet almond with delicate floral notes, creating a warm, cosy atmosphere. Simply place them in a small bud vase or mix with faux flowers to mimic the scent of fresh blooms. These reeds are perfect for smaller rooms, as they aren’t as strong as traditional reed diffusers.

RRP£20

Available from Floral Street

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  • No risk of spillages

  • Can be arranged in a vase of your choice to suit your decor

  • Subtle scent wouldn’t be enough to fill large rooms

We like

  • No risk of spillages

  • Can be arranged in a vase of your choice to suit your decor

We don't like

  • Subtle scent wouldn’t be enough to fill large rooms

Available from Floral Street

Shop now

10. Buongiorno Room Diffuser, Acqua Di Parma

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (12)

Best sophisticated scent reed diffuser

  • Notes: Italian lemon, mint leaves, rosemary, lavandin, jasmine, cedarwood and musk

  • 180ml

  • Yellow/amber-coloured glass vessel with black reeds

Acqua di Parma’s Buongiorno Room Diffuser offers a sophisticated blend of citrus, floral, and woody notes, evoking the freshness of the Italian countryside. The scent throw isn’t as strong as some other diffusers I’ve tried, but it adds a subtle, refined aroma to the room that gradually fills the space. The fragrance lasts for weeks, offering a delicate yet enduring presence.

Housed in a sleek, minimalistic glass bottle, it adds a touch of luxury to any décor. While it’s on the pricier side, the quality and understated elegance make it a great choice for those seeking a premium home fragrance.

RRP£88

Available from Sephora

Shop now

  • Sophisticated and invigorating scent

  • Sleek, colourful bottle

  • Luxury

  • Expensive

  • May not be strong enough for larger spaces or those who prefer a stronger fragrance

We like

  • Sophisticated and invigorating scent

  • Sleek, colourful bottle

  • Luxury

We don't like

  • Expensive

  • May not be strong enough for larger spaces or those who prefer a stronger fragrance

Available from Sephora

Shop now

How to choose the best reed diffuser

A reed diffuser should not only fill a room with a pleasant aroma but also create an atmosphere that aligns with the room’s purpose. “Start by thinking about how the room is used. When you consider function, you begin to consider the emotional requirements – how you want to feel in a space,” says Emma South, fragrance and lifestyle expert at Jo Malone.

“For example, kitchens are often where we start the day, where food is prepared and conversations flow; this calls for energising, enlivening scents. Bedrooms, on the other hand, want to be a sanctum of calm. In the hours before sleep, our sense of smell is heightened, making peaceful scent choices even more important,” she continues.

“When choosing the right reed diffuser for different areas of the home, consider how you can use scent to enhance the room’s mood,” says Taylor Perlis, fragrance evaluator at Yankee Candle. For the kitchen, fragrances with citrus notes are ideal in helping to cut through cooking smells and maintain a fresh, invigorating space.

Roger Biles, founder of True Grace, agrees, noting that a good diffuser “should fill a space with an evocative scent that transports you to a cherished place or time,” and that the right blend of natural and synthetic fragrances can offer a superior scent throw.

For bedrooms, Taylor suggests floral, soothing scents like lavender or gardenia to create a relaxing, spa-like feel. In the conservatory or a garden room, Tajinder recommends bright, fresh scents: “Think citrus and floral notes that capture the essence of sunlight.”

In more luxurious settings like a lounge or formal dining room, you may want a scent as rich as the decor itself. “Intricate patterns or grand decor call for fragrances like oudh wood, plum, amber, or geranium to mirror the room’s opulence,” advises Tajinder.

Roger agrees, saying, “These scents bring a sense of depth and warmth, perfect for creating a comforting and elegant atmosphere in larger spaces.”

Finally, for a home office, opt for energising aromas to promote clarity. For quieter rooms like bedrooms or a snug, choose soothing blends that prepare you for moments of rest.

Why choose a reed diffuser over a candle?

Reed diffusers work by drawing scented oil up through porous reeds, which then release the fragrance gradually into the air, filling the room with a continuous aroma without the need for heat or flame.

“Working tirelessly in the background, reed diffusers provide an impressive foundation of scent that greets you whenever you enter the space,” says Emma. “They are particularly low maintenance, with reeds that simply keep emanating fragrance without needing to be turned, and of course, there is no supervision required of a naked flame.”

How long do reed diffusers last?

Reed diffusers typically last between two to four months, depending on the oil quality, room temperature, and how often you flip the reeds. “Avoid placing diffusers near heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight, as this can cause the oils to evaporate faster than intended, potentially affecting the fragrance balance,” explains Tajinder.

How to use reed diffusers

Reed diffusers are an effortless way to fill your home with a beautiful fragrance. “Take your bundle of reeds and add them to your filled diffuser bottle. Once suffused with a blend of scented oil, the reeds will give your room a beautiful fragrance,” advises Roger. “To intensify the fragrance, ensure that you rotate the reeds. I’d recommend replacing the reeds every 12 weeks to ensure the scent continues to fill the space as desired.”

Should you flip the diffuser reeds?

After using your reed diffuser for some time, you may find the fragrance becomes less noticeable. Simply flipping the reeds can help refresh the scent and keep it going strong.

Tajinder recommends doing this about once a week. “You’ll instantly boost the fragrance in the air by gently flipping the reeds, which is ideal for creating a more pronounced scent profile before entertaining or whenever you want to elevate the ambience,” she explains.

“Think of it like adjusting the volume. Flip more often for a bolder scent, less frequently for a subtle backdrop,” she concludes.

10 of the best reed diffusers for every room, tried and tested (2024)
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