Inspired by jazz poet Langston Hughes, this reed diffuser is made to transport you back to the Harlem Renaissance with notes that mirror the legend’s everyday life—like leather to resemble his favorite vintage armchair. “This moody fragrance makes me feel like I should be in a speakeasy instead of my home,” Baker says. “While it has a blend of earthy tobacco scents, the jasmine notes stand out to me most to leave my space with a hint of floral fragrance.” Scents aside, the reed sticks and jar speak to Art Deco design that thrived during this time period. Case in point: the bold jewel tones and geometric patterning.
Notes: Vetiver, citrus, tomato leaves
Looking for endless compliments on your home’s fragrance? Commerce editor Audrey Lee recommends this must-have scent diffuser. “The show-stopping vessel and striking blue reeds blend in seamlessly with more modern decor but at the same time the luxurious gilded accents give it an almost vintage feel,” she says. “The scent pairing makes an equally big statement. Its prominent vetiver notes have a spicy aroma that lingers in your senses and creates an air of mystery in your space.”
Notes: Green fig leaf, bergamot, cardamom, fig water, geranium, ylang ylang, maraschino cherry, clove, cedarwood, musk
“I am most drawn to fruity fragrances in my space, so when I saw P.F. Candle Co. had a smoked cherry scent, I knew I had to try it,” Baker says. Described as a “whiskey-tinged maraschino cherry,” this diffuser definitely delivers on its promise. Baker says she feels like she is ready to sip an Old-Fashioned with this exact garnish every time the aroma illuminates her space. What’s more, the deep-red bottle looks like that of a high-end perfume to spritz day in and day out.
Notes: Korean pine, juniper, bergamot, ivy, magnolia, freesia, mimosa, smoked aged wood, upcycled cedarwood, Hanji, incense
While Lee says Elorea’s scent innovations always “surprise and delight,” the brand’s Baekja diffuser is a particular standout. “I’m specifically drawn to Hanok—which smells like a fresh take on a bergamot scent (one of my favorite notes in the fragrance world),” says Lee. “It’s clean, minimal, and super mellow.”
Notes: Sandalwood, vetiver, cardamom, iris
Mixed with a blend of sandalwood and leather, this earthy set lives up to its name as a crowd pleaser. “I’m usually not drawn to pure musky scents, but this scent might have changed my mind,” says Baker. “Notes of amber and green cardamom are the winning pair for me, as it gives the large rooms in my home a warm ambiance.”
Notes: Lily of the valley, syringa, light and musky woods
While there’s likely no such thing as a “traditional” fragrance out there to fit everyone’s preferences, we’d say that the Maison Francis Kurkdjian is as close as it gets. “This diffuser from MFK is so classic,” says Lee. “The scent is a fresh blend of woody and floral notes that reminds me of checking into a five-star hotel or shopping at a luxury boutique.” With a porcelain fragrance diffuser design, it gets even more polish.