Home-scenting experts share the 6 most welcoming fragrances for a guest bedroom including lavender, oud and tuberose

When you have guests coming to stay, be it family or friends, you probably spend time changing linens, fluffing cushions and cleaning carpets. But, what about room scenting?

The right fragrance can set a relaxing mood from the offset, and make your guest room feel inviting and comfortable. Plus, it's a great way to add a personal touch.

Here, we spoke to fragrance experts to find out their top scents for your guest bedroom ideas, for a room so relaxing, they won't want to leave.

The best fragrances for a guest bedroom

1. Lavender

It's a classic for a reason, and Sahina Ibrahim, founder of Nuhr, recommends lavender as one of the best bedroom scents for sleep, to create a snug haven that welcomes relaxation.

She says, 'Lavender is practically a sleep potion in plant form. If you want guests snoozing happily within minutes, a lavender reed diffuser by the bedside will do the trick. It's gentle, soothing, and a perfect welcome after a long journey.'

Ibrahim recommends using a diffuser, such as the Cocorrína Premium Reed Diffuser Set Lavender Thyme available at Amazon. 'Sweet dreams guaranteed!' she adds.

2. Citrus

For something a little more uplifting, experiment with citrus scents, which are one of the best scents for every room of your home.

Annabelle DeGrazio, fragrance expert and founder of TAJA Collection, recommends the TAJA Collection scent in Miami Squeeze. She says, 'This fragrance brings an energizing yet refreshing vibe, ideal for starting the day on a bright note.

'The citrus-y blend maintains a sense of cleanliness and brightness, channeling the warmth of an endless summer. Miami Squeeze will transport you to Miami.'

As Miami Squeeze has notes of mandarin, neroli, and jasmine, we also recommend the NEST New York Amalfi Lemon & Mint Reed Diffuser available at Saks Fifth Avenue, for a complimentary, zesty fragrance.

Similarly, grapefruit is lovely option for the warm, summer months. Bekah Nixon, vice president of lifestyle product innovation at doTERRA, says, 'For a vibrant, uplifting touch, Grapefruit essential oil has a sweet, citrussy aroma that brings energy and positivity to the room.

'This scent adds an energizing spark that will make your guest room feel welcoming and bright,' and really make your home smell nice.

For a slightly more unusual take on citrus scents, Hanan Malul, fragrance expert, CEO and founder of Michael Malul recommends bergamot. He says, 'When bergamot is combined with amber or musks, it can create a very clean scent that is universally appealing,' and works to make a home smell expensive.

3. Linen

I always think nothing smells cleaner than the scent of freshly washed linen, and Mark Crames, CEO and chief perfumer at Demeter Fragrance Library, agrees.

He says, 'This fragrance captures the essence of freshly laundered sheets and the outdoors, bringing a sense of cleanliness and comfort, and creating a crisp and inviting mood. It makes the space feel fresh and welcoming, reminiscent of a cozy, sunlit day.'

Demeter Fragrance has created the wearable DEMETER Linen Cologne Spray, Perfume for Women and Men available at Amazon, and, for your home, we recommend the Yankee Candle Clean Cotton Signature Medium Pillar Candle, also available at Amazon.

4. Oud

As fragrance expert Ibrahim explains, oud is ideal for creating the 'luxury spa retreat vibe.'

She says, 'If you want to give your guest room five-star luxury with zero renovation, go for oud. It's rich and deep, adding a mysterious warmth.

'Our Oud Arabia Candle, available at Nuhr, is perfect for setting that boutique hotel feel, with just enough drama to make your guests feel extra special – no fluffy robe required.'

Karl Neale, personal fragrance expert, developer, and founder of Rebel Aromas also recommends woody scents as the best fragrances for a guest bedroom. He says, 'To add a warmer, cozier feel, an amber and soft wood blend is a great choice. This kind of scent is grounding, with a gentle, layered aroma that encourages guests to settle in.

'The Paddywax Amber & Smoke Candle available at Amazon has just the right mellow feel, making the space relaxed and comfortable.' Why not try fragrance layering, mixing heavier, oud scents with light florals for a unique twist on scent-scaping.

5. Tuberose

When it comes to universally appealing, best home fragrances, florals, like tuberose, are definitely up there.

Fragrance expert DeGrazio says, 'Floral scents exude sophistication and elegance, and tuberose is no exception. This milky, rosy fragrance fills the room with grace and serenity, creating a luxurious and serene atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.'

To create this in your own guest bedroom, we recommend using one of the best reed diffusers, such as NEVAEHEART Tuberose Reed Diffuser Set available at Amazon, or one of the best candles, such as the Diptyque Scented Candle (Tuberose) available at Walmart.

6. Vanilla

The most popular of all gourmand scents, and undoubtedly one of the best fall candle scents, fragrance expert Ibrahim recommends vanilla as one of the best fragrances for a guest bedroom.

She says, 'Vanilla is like a warm hug in scent form – cozy, sweet, and universally loved. Pop a vanilla candle, such as the Vanilla Bliss Birthday Candle available at Walmart, on the dresser, and your guests will feel like they're being wrapped in a soft blanket as soon as they walk in. It's the perfect "stay awhile" fragrance.'

FAQs

How can I make my guest bedroom smell nice all the time?

To really compliment the best fragrances for a guest bedroom, and make your room smell nice all the time, ensure you know how often you should wash your bed sheets, deodorize carpets with baking soda, such as the ARM & HAMMER Pure Baking Soda available at Walmart, and always ensure dirty laundry is promptly removed. Then, add a scent of your choice, to create whichever mood best fits your space.

If you're looking for alternative approaches to a great-smelling home, I tried quick ways to make my home smell nice – here's what really worked.