Candles vs. Reed Diffusers

Candles and reed diffusers are both wonderful tools for adding irresistible ambiance and fragrance to your living spaces. And while they both make the home welcoming and cozy, they do have distinct differences in terms of how they work, their aesthetics, and effectiveness. 

Candles, whether scented with fragrance oils or essential oils, are known for their visual and aromatic appeal. Once you light the wick, the heat from the flame melts the wax and as it melts, it releases the fragrance into the air. If you're using a candle infused with essential oils, you can reap mood-boosting effects such as relaxation, stress relief, and even mental clarity, depending on the type of essential oil used.

Candles also boost your home’s aesthetic with their soft warm flickering flame, which instantly creates a soothing and serene vibe. Our sense of smell is closely linked to our emotions and memory, so the scents from candles can even trigger positive memories or associations, helping to improve mood and well-being. 

A reed diffuser is a popular home fragrance tool that uses a combination of scented oils and reed sticks to disperse scent throughout a room. Unlike a candle, reed diffusers work without an open flame and can be left unattended for as long as you’d like. 

A mixture of base oils and aromatic substances are combined in a decorative glass or ceramic container. Then, thin porous reed sticks are dipped into the oil and as they absorb the oil, the fragrance is gradually drawn up the sticks and released into the air. The scent fills the room as the oil evaporates from the exposed ends of the reed sticks. This slow, continuous evaporation ensures a consistent and long-lasting fragrance. 

Maintenance + Safety: 

Candles come with specific safety measures you must follow while reed diffusers are quite low-maintenance. You must never leave a burning candle unattended and need to make sure it’s in a safe place for an open flame. Reed diffusers can be left alone for the majority of the time, and may just need to have their sticks flipped here and there to refresh the scent.

While it might be a bit more high-maintenance, the act of lighting a candle and watching the flame can be a mindfulness ritual. This intentional act encourages you to slow down, take a moment for yourself, and reduce stress. If you’re looking to make a room smell nice and don’t want to have to think about it, we suggest you opt for a reed diffuser.

 Aesthetic Appeal:

Candles are often chosen for their visual appeal, as they provide a warm, cozy atmosphere with their flickering light. They also come in various colors, sizes, and designs. Reed diffusers are known for their simplicity and elegance. They can blend into any decor without drawing much attention to themselves. 

Add a candle to your space if you’re looking to infuse some rustic warm character, and go for a reed diffuser to add a subtle modern touch.

Effectiveness + Longevity:

Candles are very effective at dispersing a strong fragrance throughout a room due to the heat involved, but have a limited burn time. Reed diffusers release a slightly more gentle scent, but are very long-lasting over the course of weeks or months. 

Candles are ideal for a short-term impactful smell, while reed diffusers are perfect for smaller spaces or for those who prefer a more gradual scent distribution. 

Ultimately, the choice between candles and reed diffusers depends on your personal preferences, safety considerations, and the specific atmosphere you’re looking to create in your home. You can even use a combination of both options to mix the visual appeal of candles with the long-lasting scent of reed diffusers. No matter what you choose, your spaces will be elevated with an alluring aroma.