Candle or Reed Diffuser: Which Should You Choose?

If you love a fragrance and it's available as both a candle and reed diffuser, which one should you choose?

The simplest answer is:

Choose a reed diffuser if you'd like continuous fragrance, and a candle if you'd prefer to choose when you fragrance the room.

Of course, there's absolutely nothing stopping you having both.

When Is a Reed Diffuser a Good Choice?

A reed diffuser continuously releases fragrance into the room without needing to be lit or switched on.

Once you've set it up, there really isn't much you need to do. The reeds draw the diffuser liquid upwards and gradually release the fragrance into the air.

That makes diffusers particularly useful in places where you'd like fragrance throughout the day, such as hallways, living rooms, bathrooms and guest rooms.

You might prefer a reed diffuser if:

• You'd like continuous fragrance throughout the day.
• You don't want to remember to light something.
• You prefer fragrance gently working in the background.
• You'd like something that can stay in place as part of the room.

They're also a good option for places where you wouldn't necessarily want to keep lighting a candle.

When Is a Candle a Good Choice?

The biggest difference with a candle is that you're in control of when it's fragrancing the room.

Perhaps you light one in the evening, when friends come round or simply when you fancy your favourite fragrance.

You also get something a reed diffuser can't give you – the glow of a flame.

You might prefer a candle if:

• You only want fragrance at certain times.
• You enjoy changing fragrances regularly.
• You like the warmth and atmosphere of candlelight.
• You want to be able to stop the fragrance simply by extinguishing the candle.

Just remember that candles require more attention than diffusers. They should always be used according to the safety instructions and never left burning unattended.

Which Gives a Stronger Fragrance?

This isn't quite as straightforward as saying that one is stronger than the other.

A candle releases fragrance as it burns and the wax warms, while a reed diffuser releases fragrance continuously through the reeds.

How noticeable either one seems can depend on the fragrance itself, the size and temperature of the room, airflow and where you've positioned it.

So we'd choose between them based on how you want to use the fragrance, rather than assuming one format will always smell stronger.

Can You Use a Candle and Reed Diffuser Together?

Absolutely.

If you really love a particular fragrance, using the same scent in both formats is an easy way to enjoy it throughout the day.

Your reed diffuser can provide the continuous fragrance, while you can light the matching candle whenever you'd like to enjoy a little more fragrance and the lovely glow of candlelight.

Or don't match them at all.

You might have one fragrance in your hallway, another in the living room and something completely different upstairs.

There are no home-fragrance rules here.

Which Lasts Longer?

They're difficult to compare directly because they work in completely different ways.

A reed diffuser is continuously releasing fragrance, while a candle is only being used while it's burning.

How long either lasts will also depend on how it's used. The number of reeds, room temperature and airflow can affect a diffuser, while candle burn time and care will affect how long you enjoy a candle.

The individual product information is therefore the best place to check expected size, usage and burn-time details.

Which Is Better for Gifting?

Both make lovely gifts, but it can help to think about the person you're buying for.

If they're forever lighting candles, that's probably a fairly substantial clue!

A reed diffuser can be a great choice for someone who likes their home continuously fragranced, while a candle may suit someone who enjoys changing fragrances or loves candlelight as much as the scent itself.

And if you really can't decide, you could always choose both.

Candle or Diffuser? There's No Wrong Answer

Ultimately, it comes down to how you like to enjoy fragrance.

Choose a diffuser for continuous fragrance. Choose a candle when you'd like to decide when the fragrance fills the room. Or combine the two and enjoy your favourite scent both ways.

Every fragrance in the new Heyland & Whittle collection is available as both a candle and reed diffuser, so whichever you prefer, you don't have to compromise on the fragrance.

Explore:

Wild Lemongrass
Neroli & Rose
Green Tea & Grapefruit
Clementine & Fizz
Citrus & Lavender
Amber Oakmoss

You don't necessarily need to choose between candle and diffuser.

You only need to decide where to begin.

Explore Candles & Reed Diffusers

Quick Answers

Are reed diffusers better than candles?
Neither is necessarily better, they simply work differently. A reed diffuser provides continuous fragrance, while a candle allows you to choose when you want to fragrance the room.

Can you use a candle and reed diffuser in the same room?
Yes. You can use the same fragrance in both formats, or choose complementary fragrances that you enjoy together.

Are reed diffusers good for hallways?
Yes. Hallways can be a great place for reed diffusers because they provide continuous fragrance without needing to light a candle.