Where to put a reed diffuser, room by room

A reed diffuser is a slow machine. Oil climbs the reeds and evaporates into the air, and how fast that happens depends mostly on where you put it. The same bottle can feel faint in one spot and generous in another.

The two things that matter

Airflow. Gentle movement carries scent around a room. A spot near a doorway, at the bottom of the stairs or on a hallway console works well. A sealed corner behind a sofa does not.

Heat. Warmth speeds up evaporation. A little, from a sunny windowsill or a shelf above a radiator, makes the scent stronger but shortens the life of the bottle. If you want it to last, keep it out of direct sun and away from radiators.

Room by room

Hallway. The best place in most homes. It is the first thing anyone notices when the door opens. Something with presence suits it, such as Oud & Bergamot.

Living room. Larger rooms need the diffuser where people actually sit, not on a far shelf. A side table at nose height is ideal. Amber & Sandalwood settles into a room rather than filling it.

Bedroom. Keep it softer and away from the bed itself. A chest of drawers across the room is enough. Cashmere & Silk is made for this.

Bathroom. Small, warm and humid, so scent travels quickly. Use fewer reeds than elsewhere. Pomegranate Noir holds its own against steam.

Three small habits

• Turn the reeds every week or so to wake the scent up.
• Use fewer reeds for a softer room, more for a stronger one.
• Stand the bottle on a saucer or coaster. The oil can mark wood and paint.