The scent of a space

Ruhi Ahmed

Aromas and aromatic products have become an integral part of home decor these days as much as an aesthetic décor piece or new age art. Décor of your home is never about one thing alone. It has to appeal to all your senses.

Having said that, aromas play a vital role. The sense of odour should be used appropriately in terms of creating the tone you expect from a space.

A refined nose can easily tell the difference between natural and artificial fragrance.

Electronic diffusers can smell a bit like alcohol whereas pure natural fragrances like agarbatti, incense, cones, and scented candles have different soothing aromas and work naturally by just burning.

With several fragrance knick knacks available in the market, it can be confusing to understand which device works best for which room. Using the correct product in the correct space can greatly enhance the effectiveness of the fragrance. Here are some types of ways you can use fragrance around the house.

Incense sticks (agarbathi)
Incense sticks are used for various exquisite reasons like religious worship, aromatherapy meditation, and ceremonies. They may also be used for its aroma or as an insect repellent. In India people associated with spiritualism burn incense sticks to make their surroundings pure. Incense sticks work best in places that have good ventilation. A highquality incense stick can burn up to an hour and leave a lingering scent throughout.

Incense cones
According to research, the aroma of incense cones used as aromatherapy helps to relax and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul. It helps you concentrate and focus at the time of reading or performing meditation. It prevents infections and helps to fight depression and reduces stress. Pooja thali at home temples can be decorated with these cones.

Aromatic diffusers
Essential oils get absorbed by reed diffusers which release fragrance into the room. This is smokeless but still the smells are effectively dispersed. A good quality diffuser takes about an hour to release the smells into the air. It’s ideal for smaller rooms and powder rooms and great for bedrooms.

Candles
Candles symbolise celebrations. It enhances the style of home decors. They help in transforming any indoor and outdoor setting by adding a row or bunch of candles. Candlelight creates a relaxing atmosphere and adds a sense of warmth. It is one of the most effective ways to make your home smell nice.

According to the dimensions of the room, the right number of candles can engulf the right fragrance. Candles are a stylish way to add the finishing touch to any room in your house. They are very versatile and come in a variety of shapes and colours. They can make any space look cosy and creative.

Plug-in diffusers
Plug-n diffusers work the same as oil burners but use electric heat to help release the scent into the air. The flame is replaced with a plug that uses electricity to heat the oil. These diffusers start working after about 5-10 minutes from the time you switch on. They are ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and study. These require essential oils of your choice that can be refilled regularly.

Miscellaneous
Other types of home fragrances are potpourri, fragrant sacks and sachets, and handmade fragrance tablets of oudh and bakhoor. Oudh and bakhoor can be used in an incense burner.