Why Reed Diffusers Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All (And How to Make Them Work for You)
If you’ve ever bought a reed diffuser, taken it home, and found yourself wondering why it doesn’t smell quite as strong as the one in the shop - you’re not alone.
We hear it often: “It worked great in one room, but I can barely smell it in another.” And the truth is, it’s not just about the diffuser. The type of room - or even the type of property - it’s placed in can have a huge impact on how well it performs.
Let’s take a moment to explore why reed diffusers behave the way they do and how you can get the most from them in your own space.
The Basics: How Do Reed Diffusers Work?
Reed diffusers are beautifully simple. Fragrance oil is drawn up through natural reeds and slowly released into the air. No flames, no plugs - just a steady, subtle scent that can gently fill a space over time. But while the process is the same wherever you put one, the result can vary quite a bit depending on the environment.
A Tale of Two Properties
In the showroom we have a small range displayed in - a lovely Victorian building with tall ceilings and a few rather drafty corners - our diffusers smell incredible. Even the more delicate scents seem to carry throughout the space.
At home, things are a little different. Our house, built in the 70s/80s, is more modern in structure. It’s not overly drafty, has an open-plan layout, and is typically kept around 19–20°C. The reed diffusers still work, but the scent throw is more subtle - and in some areas, barely noticeable.
Sound familiar?
So, What’s Going On?
Several factors influence how a reed diffuser performs:
- Air Circulation A little movement in the air helps carry the scent around the room. But too much airflow - especially near windows or vents - can cause the fragrance to disperse too quickly before you’ve had a chance to enjoy it.
- Temperature Warmer rooms tend to help the oil travel up the reeds more easily, meaning a stronger scent - but also faster use. Cooler rooms slow everything down a little, often resulting in a longer-lasting but gentler fragrance.
- Room Size & Layout Open-plan spaces or rooms with very high ceilings may need a little more help. A single diffuser might not be enough to scent the whole space effectively, especially if the fragrance is soft or subtle.
- Humidity & Materials Some materials (like wood, fabric, or carpets) can absorb fragrance, which affects how much of it you notice in the air. Drier environments can also encourage faster evaporation, changing how the scent performs over time.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Reed Diffuser
A few small changes can make a big difference:
Flip the reeds regularly – once a week is usually enough to refresh the scent.
Add more reeds for a stronger throw - but remember, more reeds = faster scent consumption.
Try different placements – hallways, bathrooms, and entranceways often carry scent beautifully.
Avoid placing diffusers in ‘dead spots’ with no airflow at all (like inside cabinets or behind large furniture).
Match scent intensity to space – bold, resinous or woody fragrances often hold up better in open or larger rooms.
It’s Not You. It’s the Room.
At the end of the day, reed diffusers are a little bit like people—they thrive in the right environment. If you’ve ever felt disappointed with a diffuser that didn’t seem to do much, it might not be the diffuser itself - it could just be the space it’s in.
We’re here to help you find the right fragrance for the right setting, whether it’s a cosy snug, an airy hallway, or a grand open-plan living space. And remember, layering scent (with candles or room sprays) is always a good trick if you're working with a tricky area.
Curious which scent might suit your home best? Have a browse through our Shop by Reed Diffuser Style page or get in touch - we’re always happy to help.