Interior Picks: Home Fragrances

by Barbara Yakimchuk

Interior Picks: Home Fragrances

30 Nov 2024

If I were planning to make a list of the top things that can make my home the coziest place on earth, a unique and pleasant scent would probably be at the top. For sure, a lot depends on personal taste — some people love fresh, airy fragrances that feel like the moment right after cleaning, while others prefer richer, deeper scents that turn their home into a high-end boutique. While there are countless scent options out there, a few are universally loved and suitable for most.

Before we dive into the details, keep in mind one rule: typically, it is best to stick with one scent per room. But in a small apartment, too many fragrances can mix and feel overwhelming rather than pleasant.

Below is a selection of home fragrances for every occasion, along with a few tips to help you choose the best (and healthiest) one for you.

Candles

The key tip to remember is that the candle's wax needs to warm up properly to release its fragrance (meaning the candle should burn for at least an hour). That is why it is better to choose candles around 200–250 ml or larger to ensure they last longer. And, of course, pay attention to the type of wax — it is best to choose natural options like soy, beeswax, apricot, or coconut.

One more thing: if your goal is not only to enjoy a pleasant scent but also to create an ambient atmosphere, consider candles with wooden wicks — they crackle softly as they burn, adding the cozy sound of a fireplace.

Midnight Scented Candle, 100% Soy Wax134 AED

Housewife Candle, Bees and Coconut Wax.129 AED

WoodWick Candle135 AED

Midnight Scented Candle, 100% Soy Wax134 AED

Housewife Candle, Bees and Coconut Wax.129 AED

WoodWick Candle135 AED

Personally, I love it when candles are not just fragrant but also part of the decor! Depending on your apartment's interior, you can choose something minimalist (Zara Home and H&M have great options) or, on the other hand, something bold and eye-catching.

LOTUS BLOOM SCENTED CANDLE179 AED

Assouline, Mykonos Muse Candle300 AED

Arizona Candle, 350g525 AED

LOTUS BLOOM SCENTED CANDLE179 AED

Assouline, Mykonos Muse Candle300 AED

Arizona Candle, 350g525 AED

Diffusers

The first thing to understand about diffusers is that they always work — if you do not notice any scent, there is a good chance you have placed it in the wrong spot. Ideally, diffusers should be placed in the centre of the room on an elevated surface, like a table or shelf. The size of the diffuser can also make a difference: smaller ones may not be sufficient for larger spaces.

Another important tip — once you have chosen a spot for your diffuser, leave it there for a few days to allow the scent to fully unfold (avoid moving it around from place to place).

As per the scent recommendations, I would highlight these three:

Culti Milano: One of the most versatile options. If you prefer subtle scents, this is a great choice to start with. However, keep in mind that it might take a little time to fully reveal.

Jo Malone: Another versatile option, but with a more pronounced fragrance. My favorite is Pomegranate, but I would also recommend trying Lime Basil & Mandarin. With December around the corner, it is a great way to start boosting Christmas mood.

Dr. Vranjes: These scents are rich, slightly sweet, and have a luxurious, elegant feel, similar to Arabic fragrances.

Jo Malone Pomegranate Diffuser291 AED

Dr. Vranjes Diffuser387 AED

CULTI Milano MAREMINERALE Diffuser804 AED

Jo Malone Pomegranate Diffuser291 AED

Dr. Vranjes Diffuser387 AED

CULTI Milano MAREMINERALE Diffuser804 AED

Incense Sticks

Incense sticks are my favorite type of souvenir to bring back from other countries! However, if neither you nor your friends have any upcoming trips planned, you can still buy incense sticks locally.

Personal tip: Better choose the sticks with sweet cents (like caramel or cinnamon). Some citrus scents can have a bitter smell.

L'Objet N.69 incense sticks341 AED

L'Objet Mojave Palm Incense284 AED

L'Objet Grand Bazaar incense sticks341 AED

L'Objet N.69 incense sticks341 AED

L'Objet Mojave Palm Incense284 AED

L'Objet Grand Bazaar incense sticks341 AED

It is also a good idea to add an incense stick holder to your cart — it makes a great addition to your decor.

Incense Stick Holder28 AED

YINENG Incense Stick Holder27 AED

Liandxy Incense Stick Holder19 AED

Incense Stick Holder28 AED

YINENG Incense Stick Holder27 AED

Liandxy Incense Stick Holder19 AED

Room Sprays

Room sprays are the easiest way for me to add a pleasant scent to the home. Just remember to keep the bottle 20–25 cm away from furniture and bed linens (where, by the way, sprays are also used) to avoid oily stains.

Olous Aromatique Room Spray235 AED

My Way Room Spray94 AED

FLEUR DE MUSC SPRAY DIFFUSER129 AED

Olous Aromatique Room Spray235 AED

My Way Room Spray94 AED

FLEUR DE MUSC SPRAY DIFFUSER129 AED

Sage Bundles

Our last option — sage bundles — are dried herbs, usually tied with string and lit at one end to produce smoke. Some people use them as part of meditation or spiritual practices, others believe that these bundles help cleanse the home of negative energy.

For those who buy them just to try a new fragrance for the home, there is one rule to remember: do not let the bundle burn for too long, as it can produce a lot of smoke that may be difficult to get rid of.