Nowhere around the home is fragrance more important than in the bedroom. Scent sets the mood and tone for sleep, and relaxing notes help to create and curate a sense of calm.
According to home fragrance experts, however, there's one scent that firmly doesn't belong in your sleep space – bold florals might be a favorite for spring and summer in your kitchen or living room, but in your bedroom, these lively, fresh scents can serve to keep you alert and awake, rather than ready to drift off.
Fortunately, you don't need to wave goodbye to using your best home fragrance in your bedroom altogether. Instead, grounding, earthy aromas help you to relax and unwind.
Using Floral Scents In Your Bedroom Could Be Waking You Up
There's an important distinction when I refer to florals – it's the powerful florals, rather than soft, romantic iterations, that are of concern for disrupting sleep.
The difference is between those floral scents that make you feel enlivened, like sweet jasmine, botanicals, orange blossom, and any mint-infused blends, and those that subtly float into the background.
Certified Aromatherapist Amy Galper explains, 'How an aroma makes you feel is because of the different aromatic molecules that they are composed of. When the scent detector nerve endings in our noses get triggered by one of these molecules, it sends a signal to the emotional part of our brain that influences our mindset and behavior.
'So, smelling flowers has been known to uplift us, balance our mood, and make us feel good. Those emotions can invite us to feel more “alive” and “awake."'
Similarly, she continues, scents that come from the needles of trees, like pine, cypress, and juniper, have similar molecules. 'They uplift our mood, make us feel more positive, and can help focus.'
Therefore, while all of these scents might be among the best scents to boost productivity in a home office or to make an entryway more luxurious, using them in your sleep space is a bedroom scenting mistake to avoid, and can seriously throw off your bedroom Feng Shui, too.
The Feng Shui Scent Fix for Deep Sleep
Opt for grounding, earthy scents to better support sleep.
So, what's the best way to marry Feng Shui and fragrance in your bedroom?
'On the other hand, atoms that come from the actual wood of the tree, like cedar wood, rosewood, sandalwood, are known to be heavier and more grounding, and the molecules in these oils trigger the relaxation mode in our minds and bodies,' advises Amy.
Think earthier and heavier – the P.F. Candle Co. Woody Amber & Moss Glass Candle, available at Anthropologie, the Mahogany Teakwood Candle, available at Bath & Body Works, and LE LABO Santal 26 Scented Candle, available at Selfridges, are all gorgeous options.
Importantly, though, don't forget that your home's (and your bedroom's) signature scent should be just that – signature.
'No one scent “is better” than the other,' adds Amy. 'It all depends on what you need them for.
'For example, if you are looking to reduce tension and nervous energy, sniff floral oils, but if you are looking to relax and feel sleepy before bedtime, smell some grounding wood oils.'
What to Shop
Below, you can shop my edit of relaxing, soothing scents, all of which will suit any bedroom space. Opt for a candle or my best essential oil diffuser for added ambience, and one of my best reed diffusers for something a little more low-maintenance.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This diffuser is just a simple, timeless classic – I love the scent and it lasts extremely well. Just be aware that this refill only includes the diffuser liquid and the reeds, not the fluted glass vessel, which is available for purchase separately.
If you've got the budget to spend, you really can't go wrong with Santal 26 from Le Labo. It's leathery, smoky, and delicious, yet never overpowering, with soy wax and a cotton wick for an impressively clean burn.
The rosier, more floral notes of this candle are offset by deeper notes of vanilla and glowing embers. It features high concentrations of rich fragrance oils and is made with lead-free wicks.
This NEOM diffuser will elevate any bedroom space, without the look of bulky plastic that so many have. It also comes with a convenient remote control, so you can turn it on and off and adjust it from the comfort of your bed.
Hinoki is one of the most grounding woody scents in my opinion, and this bestselling candle from Boy Smells features notes of cardamom, pear, calming hinoki, and dry cedarwood, and is hand-poured in the USA.
This more compact diffuser is perfect for smaller spaces. It also features a stylish ceramic cover, timer settings, and an auto-off safety function, and is available in white and suede colorways
Meet the Expert
Amy has been a certified aromatherapist for over 25 years and founded the first professional aromatherapy school in New York City in 2013. At the school, Amy and her team certified thousands of students to become aromatherapists and became a sought-after voice on the safe use of essential oils. Amy has co-authored two books, both featuring her expertise using and blending essential oils: Plant Powered Beauty, available at Amazon, and The Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy. She has been invited to speak about essential oils and aromatherapy at countless events, and has created signature aromatherapy blends for dozens of clean beauty brands. Currently, Amy mentors and advises emerging clean beauty founders about launching and scaling their brands.
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