Candles, Wax Melts, Reed Diffusers, or Room Sprays: Which Home Fragrance Suits You Best?

There’s nothing quite like walking into a beautifully scented home. The right home fragrance doesn’t just freshen the air, it creates atmosphere, sets the mood, and even tells a story about your space. From candles to wax melts, reed diffusers, and room sprays, each option has its own benefits. And when used together, you can even explore scent layering to create a signature aroma for your home.

Have you ever wondered which home fragrance is actually best for you and suits your lifestyle? Let’s break down each option and show you how to combine them for the ultimate sensory experience.

Candles – For Mood and Home Fragrance

Candles are timeless when it comes to home fragrance. They provide both scent and ambiance with their warm flickering light. Beyond fragrance, candles create rituals, lighting one in the evening instantly shifts your mindset into relaxation mode. Perfect if you love cozy nights in, baths, or curling up in front of Netflix with a brew.

Best for: Relaxing evenings, self-care baths, or creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Pros:

• Creates a relaxing atmosphere and cozy vibe.

• Combines scent with soft, glowing light for ambiance.

• Variety – from floral to spicy, mini candles to giant jars, there’s a candle for every taste and space.

• Perfect for self-care rituals, aromatherapy, relaxation, or romantic evenings.

Cons:

• Needs supervision (open flame).

• Shorter lifespan compared to wax melts or diffusers.

• Can tunnel if not burned properly.

Wax Melts – Little Powerhouses of Fragrance

Wax melts have become a home fragrance favourite, and for good reason. They’re like the fun, younger sibling of candles—a real fragrance powerhouse. Pop one into a warmer and enjoy hours of scent. Wax melts are perfect for scent lovers who crave variety, and you can easily swap them out depending on your mood.

Best for: Fragrance lovers who enjoy variety and long-lasting scent.

Pros:

• Strong, long-lasting fragrance.

• Budget friendly, small packs can last for weeks.

• Reusable, 3–4 tea light burns from one piece of wax.

• Flame-free option when used with an electric warmer, safe for homes with kids or pets.

Cons:

• Requires a wax warmer (electric or tea light).

• Cleanup can be messy (unless you use our botanical wax melts, which pop out cleanly).

• No cozy flame for ambiance.

• Tea lights required for traditional warming.

Reed Diffusers – Effortless, Always-On Fragrance

Reed diffusers are like the laid-back friend of the home fragrance world—quiet, stylish, and always there making everything smell lovely. No flames, no fuss, just a jar of scented liquid and a handful of reeds doing all the work. Diffuser placement and a little airflow make a big difference, allowing the scent to circulate throughout your space.

Best for: Busy households, pet owners, or anyone who wants consistent fragrance without daily effort.

Pros:

• Works 24/7 with no effort—your home smells great even when you’re not there.

• Flame-free and safe for kids, pets, and forgetful adults.

• Low maintenance, flip reeds occasionally for a fresh burst of fragrance.

• Stylish décor piece for any room.

• Long-lasting, can scent a room for weeks or even months.

Cons:

• Subtle scent, may be too gentle for those who prefer a strong aroma.

• Takes a day or two for scent to fully develop.

• Reeds need flipping weekly to maintain fragrance.

• Evaporation may occur faster in warm rooms or direct sunlight.

• Not ideal for large spaces—works best in small to medium rooms.

Room Sprays – Spritz and Refresh

Room sprays are the superheroes of home fragrance—fast, powerful, and always ready for action. One spritz instantly brightens up a space, making them perfect for last-minute guests or eliminating cooking or pet odours. While they don’t last as long as other options, they’re unbeatable for instant impact.

Best for: Quick bursts of freshness and on-demand fragrance.

Pros:

• Instant fragrance—one spray transforms a room.

• Portable and travel-friendly—perfect for car, office, or bag.

• Flame-free, safe for kids and pets.

• Targeted application—linen, curtains, or living areas.

• Versatile—layer with candles, diffusers, or wax melts to create a signature scent.

Cons:

• Short-lived—requires frequent spritzing.

• Can dampen fabrics if over-sprayed.

• Quick fix only—does not provide long-term fragrance.

• Easy to overuse—one spritz is often enough.

Which Home Fragrance Is Right for You?

When it comes to home fragrance, there's something for everyone. Whatever your scent style, there’s no wrong choice, just the one that suits you best.

• Love a cozy, calming vibe? Ambience candles are perfect for you.

• Prefer strong, long-lasting scents? Wax melts pack a punch.

• Need something quick and convenient? Room sprays are the way to go.

• Want a constant, gentle aroma? A reed diffuser might be your best friend.

This is my go-to that works for me.

• Diffusers in bathrooms and hallway for constant freshness.

• Wax melts in my kitchen and living spaces for powerhouse aroma.

• Candles in evenings for cozy, ritualistic ambiance.

• Room sprays for quick refreshes especially with 4 dogs.

No matter which home fragrance you lean toward, there’s no need to pick just one. Each type has its strengths, and the best approach is often to combine them for a layered, signature scent experience. Think of candles for cozy evenings, wax melts for long-lasting aroma, reed diffusers for effortless all-day freshness, and room sprays for a quick burst of fragrance whenever you need it. Mixing and matching allows you to enjoy the full spectrum of scent, mood, and ambiance throughout your home.

It’s your turn to share! Do you have a signature scent that makes your home feel extra cozy? Or maybe you've discovered a new fragrance that you just can’t get enough of, or there is a fragrance you would like me to add to my collection. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any tips you have for creating the perfect scent atmosphere in your home.

Feel free to drop a comment below or share your fragrance journey with me on social media. I’d love to hear from you!

Warmly

Jacky x

The Science of Scent | How Fragrance Affects the Brain, Mood and Wellbeing

2 Aug 

Written By Jacky Turner

Welcome

I’m so glad you’re here!
As the founder of Mamo’s Candle Co., I started my small business with a simple intention: to create clean, sustainable, and affordable home fragrances that do more than just smell good — they help you feel something.

What began as a creative outlet quickly became a deeper passion. I started to truly understand the emotional power of scent. A single fragrance can calm anxiety, spark a memory, or completely shift the energy of a space.

Your home is your sanctuary, and scent is one of the simplest ways to shape its atmosphere.

The Power of Scent

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt calmer, nostalgic, or more energised? That’s the power of scent at work. Home fragrance and aromatherapy isn’t just about a pleasant aroma — it’s about creating spaces that support your emotional wellbeing.

But how does scent actually influence the brain?

The Brain’s Shortcut to Emotion

This scent-memory connection is called the Proust Effect — when a smell triggers vivid and emotionally powerful memories, often more effectively than sights or sounds.

When we smell something, that scent travels through the nose to the olfactory bulb, which is directly connected to the amygdala (emotion) and hippocampus (memory). This is unique among the senses — and it’s why certain scents can instantly trigger memories, emotions, or even physical responses, often without us realising it.

I’m sure, like me, you’ve had a whiff of something that instantly transported you — maybe even back to childhood. These scent-memory connections can be deeply comforting and even therapeutic.

Scent and Mood Regulation

Seeing the therapeutic benefits of essential oils inspired me to explore aromatherapy. Let’s just say I’m at an age where I struggle with sleep and occasionally feel anxious — so I wanted to see if there was a natural way to support myself.

I’ve found the world of scent absolutely fascinating and incredibly helpful. Using essential oils has become part of my self-care, and I’ve noticed a shift: what was once seen as “alternative” is now part of mainstream wellness.

From energising your morning to grounding you at midday, to winding down in the evening — creating scent-based rituals is a beautiful way to support your emotional and mental wellbeing.

“If you’ve ever paused to breathe in the calming scent of a forest or the brightness of citrus peel, you’ve already tapped into the world of aromatherapy”

What Happens to the Brain Under Stress?

When you’re stressed, the amygdala senses a threat and triggers your fight or flight response. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis signals the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, leading to tension, a racing heart, anxious thoughts, and difficulty sleeping.
Sound familiar?

How Scent Calms the Stress Response

Certain scent molecules can:
- Lower cortisol levels
- Slow heart rate and breathing
- Boost serotonin and dopamine

Take lavender, for example — well-known for its calming, sleep-inducing properties. That’s thanks to a naturally occurring compound called linalool, which has sedative effects backed by numerous studies.

There’s also something called associative calming: if your brain links a scent with safety or comfort (even subconsciously), smelling it again can recreate that same calming effect.

What I’ve Learnt

Scent is emotional: It’s directly linked to the limbic system — the brain’s emotional centre.
Scent supports wellness: The right fragrance can calm, uplift, or focus the mind.
Scent is personal: Genetics, culture, and life experience shape how we react to smells.

Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils

There’s space for both in home fragrance — and I use both! To me, it’s all about how the scent makes you feel.

While fragrance oils often contain synthetic components, they’re specifically made for candles and still evoke deep emotional responses. Some of my happiest moments have been enriched by the glow — and aroma — of a candle.

Clean Ingredients Matter

What I burn in my home matters to me — which is why I use 100% plant-based waxes (coconut, rapeseed, and GMO-free soy) that are sustainably sourced.

Not all fragrance oils are created equal, so I carefully choose suppliers who are transparent about their ingredients and offer clean, non-toxic blends.

If I wouldn’t burn it in my own home, I wouldn’t create it for yours.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for reading. I hope this exploration of scent and its impact on the brain has sparked your curiosity — or perhaps inspired you to be more intentional with how you use fragrance in your own self-care.

This is my very first blog, and it’s been a joy to put pen to paper (well, fingers to keyboard!).

I’d love to hear from you:
Has scent played a role in your life?
Is there a fragrance that calms you, a memory tied to a certain smell, or a ritual that helps you reset?

Please share your experiences in the comments — I’d genuinely love to hear them.

Warmly,
Jacky
Founder of Mamo’s Candle Co.