In decoration and interior design the focus is often on visuals, but smells are a highly effective way to create atmospheres or evoke emotions. There are many different products that can be used, each with different pros and cons - and some unfortunately also have health risks.
Scented Candles
Scented candles and tealights are one of the most popular ways to add fragrance to a room, with numerous different scents available. One problem especially with cheap candles and tealights is that the scent they emit is often negligible. They may also have health hazards described at the end of the article.
There are also candle-like scented blocks of wax which contain no wick and are meant to be used in an aroma burner.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are inexpensive and most have no health hazards associated with them. Many people also prefer them to incense.
Essential oils can be used in many different ways, such as in an aroma burner (either one using a tealight or an electronic one), bath, a vacuum cleaner's bag, air conditioning, porous aroma stones, or simply a few drops let to evaporate on a plate. Some even apply them on walls or textiles, but they can cause stains or discoloring.
Besides personal preference, it is a wise idea to look into the properties of an oil before using it. Some can be quite calming and thus may not work well in the morning, while others can have an energizing effect. The effects can depend on the individual, though: e.g. mint is found to be stimulating by some and soothing by others.
Some "aroma oils" are not essential oils but blends of natural and synthetic fragrances. They may produce harmful chemicals if vaporized and leave an icky residue in an aroma burner.
Fragrance Diffuser Sticks
Fragrance diffuser sticks (reed diffusers) are all the rage now in room fragrances. Sticks usually made of reed are placed in a bottle of fragrance and slowly diffuse.the fragrance around in the room.
Fragrance diffuser sticks are subtle and low maintenance, often with elegant, designer fragrances. They can be thought of as "room perfumes". Not surprisingly they can be somewhat pricey, though (often $20 for a small bottle, $50 for a large one), even though a bottle lasts for quite a while.
It is also possible to make reed diffusers at home.
Potpourri
Potpourri is a traditional room fragrance with additional visual appeal, often consisting of dried flowers and other natural aromatic ingredients, such as spices, leaves, dried fruit and wood shavings. Modern varieties often have added synthetic fragrances. Most potpourris produce a very subtle smell.
Incense
There are several types of incense, the most common types being sticks and cones. There is also resin sold in big bars, which is cut or molded into pieces at home. Incense produces a very strong smell, which some people like and others find overpowering.
Air Fresheners
Air fresheners for indoor use come in several different types: sprays, gels/jellies and decorative strips with a thread (similar to car air fresheners). They are inexpensive and long-lasting, but especially the sprays are often laden with all kinds of less-than-healthy chemicals. For removing unpleasant smells baking soda is a better alternative.
Possible Risks with Decorative Fragrances
Incense smoke, like all smoke, contains carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances. Paraffin-based candles (almost all cheap candles) produce toxic and carcinogenic substances when burned. Soybean wax candles and beeswax candles should be safer, but even those are sometimes scented with harmful chemicals instead of essential oils.
Because of their additives scented candles are more likely than non-scented ones to produce soot, which is not only a health risk, but can also stain walls, textiles and furniture. Up to 30% of candle wicks contain lead, which is highly toxic and based on studies can leech into the air in measurable quantities.
Air fresheners commonly contain many poisonous, allergenic and even carcinogenic chemicals, such as benzene, formaldehyde, acetone and toluene. Even 100% natural potpourris can contain toxic substances, such as some fragrant yet poisonous woods.
Many people are sensitive to strong smells such as incense and find t´hat they cause headaches or respiratory symptoms. However, even mild and subtle natural odors can cause problems in people with chemical sensitivities.
Join the Conversation