How Do I Get My House To Smell Like A Spa?
Bring the Tranquil Scents of the Spa into Your Home
There’s nothing quite as relaxing and luxurious as walking into a spa and inhaling the calming aromas. The beautifully blended scents of lavender, eucalyptus, chamomile and other herbs and flowers immediately evoke feelings of tranquility and wellbeing. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to recreate that spa-like environment right in your own home?
Bringing those signature spa smells into your personal space can provide many of the same benefits you experience at a professional spa. Surrounding yourself with calming scents helps lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, promote deep relaxation and set the stage for restful sleep. Making your home smell like a spa is an affordable way to create a relaxing oasis and retreat right in your own home.
Signature Spa Scents
There are certain scents synonymous with the luxury spa experience. Bringing these signature scents into your home is an easy way to cultivate a soothing, spa-like atmosphere. Some of the most popular spa scents include:
Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus has a fresh, invigorating scent that opens up the airways. It has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Eucalyptus oil is often used in spa steam rooms or saunas. Diffusing eucalyptus essential oil or using eucalyptus-scented candles and products will make any room feel like an upscale spa.
Lavender – Lavender has a light floral scent that promotes relaxation. It has natural sedative qualities that help reduce anxiety and stress. Many spas infuse lavender into their massage oils, lotions, and bath products. The soothing scent of lavender can instantly trigger calm feelings.
Lemongrass – With its crisp, citrusy aroma, lemongrass essential oil smells clean, fresh, and bright. It has purifying and detoxifying properties. Lemongrass is often used in spa treatments to energize and revitalize the body. Use lemongrass-scented products to make your home smell refreshing.
Peppermint – Peppermint has a cool, sharp scent that is both awakening and renewing. It may promote mental clarity while having a relaxing effect on body aches and pains. Many spas offer peppermint foot treatments or skin products. The invigorating scent of peppermint can instantly energize any space.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a great way to infuse your home with spa-like scents. When used in a diffuser, essential oils will permeate the air with their aromatic compounds. Some of the best essential oils for creating a spa-like aroma are:
- Lavender – Known for its relaxing, calming scent, lavender is perfect for evoking a spa’s tranquil vibe.
- Eucalyptus – This cooling, minty scent helps open up airways and is often used in steam rooms and saunas.
- Lemongrass – With its crisp, clean citrus aroma, lemongrass oil can make you feel refreshed.
- Ylang ylang – The sweet, floral bouquet of ylang ylang is uplifting and sensual.
- Bergamot – This bright, citrusy oil has an energizing yet calming effect.
When using essential oils, it’s important to properly dilute them before putting them in your diffuser. Oils should be diluted with water according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. As a general rule, aim for about 5-10 drops of essential oil per 8 ounces of water. Diluting the oils helps spread the aroma evenly and prevent any potential skin or respiratory irritation.
Diffusers
Diffusers are one of the most popular methods for dispersing essential oils and fragrance oils throughout a room or your entire home. There are several types of diffusers to choose from:
Electric diffusers use an electric heat source or ultrasonic technology to diffuse oils into the air. They allow you to cover large spaces and can run continuously without needing to be refilled frequently.
Nebulizing diffusers use pressurized air to atomize oils into a fine mist. They don’t use heat or water so the oils remain in their purest state.
Evaporative diffusers like reed or bamboo diffusers rely on the natural process of oil diffusion. Simple and inexpensive, they provide light to moderate diffusion.
For the strongest spa-like aroma, use an electric or nebulizing diffuser. Place them in open central areas like the living room or bedroom. Move diffusers from room to room to spread the scent throughout your entire home.
Spa-Inspired Candles
Candles can infuse your home with the signature scents of a spa experience. When choosing candles for your home spa, consider opting for soy wax over paraffin wax. Soy wax burns cleaner and is derived from soybeans, a renewable resource. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is a byproduct of petroleum refining.
Look for candles scented with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, bergamot, chamomile, sandalwood, and lemon. These scents evoke the aromas used in many spa treatments. Avoid candles with synthetic fragrances, as these can contain harmful chemicals.
Scented candles can fill your home with calming, refreshing aromas. Place them in areas where you relax like the living room, bedroom and bathroom. You may also want to light a scented candle while enjoying a home spa treatment like a bath or facial. Just be sure to never leave burning candles unattended.
Potpourri
A simple yet nostalgic way to scent your home with soothing spa smells is to use fragrant potpourri. Potpourri consists of dried flowers, herbs, spices, essential oils, and other natural ingredients that release a lovely aroma as they dry. You can either purchase pre-made potpourri blends or make your own custom mixes with ingredients like roses, lavender, citrus peels, pine needles, cinnamon sticks, cloves, dried berries, and more.
To release the most potent scent from potpourri, add a few drops of spa-inspired essential oils like eucalyptus, lemongrass, or lavender. For the best aroma diffusion, display potpourri in open bowls or dishes around your home. You can sprinkle potpourri directly on tables and shelves or fill small fabric sachets to tuck into drawers or hang in closets. The options are endless when creating your own signature spa scent with natural potpourri.
Simmering Stovetop Potpourri
One of the easiest ways to make your home smell like a spa is to simmer potpourri on the stovetop. The gentle heating releases the essential oils and aromas from ingredients like citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, pine needles, and more.
Try this simple recipe:
- Gather aromatics like orange and lemon peels, rosemary, lavender, pine needles, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, etc.
- Place the ingredients in a small pot and cover with water.
- Simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes, replenishing the water as needed.
The simmering potpourri will fill your home with relaxing, spa-like scents. Just a small batch can make a big impact. Experiment with different ingredient combinations until you find your favorite spa-worthy scent.
Scented Sprays
Scented sprays allow you to quickly scent any room or linen in your home. Some popular scented spray options include:
- Room sprays – These provide an instant aromatherapy boost when sprayed in a room. Go for relaxing lavender or uplifting citrus scents.
- Linen sprays – Spritz these on beds, towels and robes to make them smell freshly laundered.
- Pillow mists – Lightly mist your pillows before bed for a soothing, sleep-inducing aroma.
When using scented sprays:
- Spray in short bursts – Don’t overdo it or the scent will be overpowering.
- Focus on linens and soft furnishings – These will hold the scent nicely.
- Use complementary scents – Pair fresh linen scents with relaxing lavender, or citrus and mint for an energizing effect.
- Allow scent to dry before use – Avoid directly inhaling concentrated spray.
With the right scented sprays and proper usage, you can quickly infuse any space with inviting, spa-like aromas.
Reed Diffusers
Reed diffusers are a simple, stylish way to scent your home with lovely spa fragrances. They consist of a bottle filled with fragrance oil and a set of reeds that draw up the oil and disperse the scent. Reed diffusers provide continuous fragrance without the need for flames, electricity, or refills.
When selecting a reed diffuser, first choose an enticing spa-inspired fragrance oil like eucalyptus, lavender, or sea salt. Look for oil blends with natural essential oils for the true aromatherapy experience. Next, pick a beautiful vessel that fits your decor, like ceramic, glass, or rattan. Make sure the bottle opening is wide enough for the reeds. Arrange the reeds so their cut tips reach the bottom of the bottle in order to properly draw up and diffuse the fragrance.
Display your reed diffuser in an open area so the scent can waft through the room. Rotate the reeds occasionally so they absorb evenly. When the fragrance starts to fade, simply flip the reeds to revive the aroma. Add more oil as needed for continuous spa smells. With the right fragrance oil and decorative bottle, a reed diffuser infuses your home with the luxurious scents of an upscale spa.
Creating a Spa-Like Environment
Beyond just making your house smell like a spa, you can create an immersive spa-like environment by engaging all of your senses. Consider the following ways to transform your home into a relaxing spa oasis:
Soft Towels: Invest in ultra-soft, plush towels and have them available in your bathroom. The soft texture will make you feel pampered.
Robes: Get some comfortable, lightweight robes for lounging around the house. The robes will make you feel relaxed and cozy.
Slippers: Have some spa slippers or slides on hand so you can comfortably walk around. The cushy slippers will add to the spa vibe.
Calming Music: Create playlists with gentle, soothing music like light classical or ambient sounds. Play the peaceful music quietly in the background to promote deep relaxation.
With scented candles burning, essential oils diffusing, and the sensory touches above, you can fully immerse yourself in the tranquil spa experience right at home.