Why Lavender?
Lavender is one of the most popular scents for fragrancing the home. Here are some key reasons why people love it:
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Relaxing and calming properties: Lavender has long been used for its soothing and relaxing effects. Filling your home with lavender can help create a calm environment.
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Pleasant, fresh aroma: Lavender has a clean, floral, herbaceous scent that many find pleasant and refreshing. It’s a great scent for spring and summer.
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Natural ingredient: Lavender essential oil and dried lavender buds are derived from the lavender plant. Many people prefer natural scents like lavender over synthetic fragrances.
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Versatility: The lavender scent complements many home décor styles from modern to cottagecore. It’s light enough to use year-round without being overpowering.
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Insect repelling properties: Lavender oil is sometimes used as a natural bug repellent. Its scent can help deter moths, mosquitoes and flies.
Ways to Scent Your Home With Lavender
Here are some recommended techniques for infusing a lavender aroma throughout your home:
Use Lavender Essential Oil
Pure lavender essential oil is extremely concentrated and fragrant. Here are some ways to use it:
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Put 5-10 drops in an aromatherapy diffuser. This will scent the air in one room.
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Add a few drops to unscented lotion or oil and apply to skin as a perfume. The scent will rub off on surfaces.
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Dab 1-2 drops on lightbulbs, lamp shades, or AC vents so the heat releases the aroma.
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Add 5 drops to a scented sachet or small cloth bag. Keep one in drawers, closets, or under pillows.
Incorporate Dried Lavender Buds
Dried lavender buds retain their scent well. Display lavender in:
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Small bowls or jars placed in rooms, entryways, and bathrooms.
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Scent sachets in drawers, closets, or wardrobes. Combine with other herbs and essential oils.
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Small muslin or organza bags tucked into sofa cushions, pillows, or bedding.
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A vase or potpourri on the dining table, kitchen counter, or coffee table.
Use Lavender Household Products
Choose products like:
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Room sprays scented with lavender essential oil. Spritz on curtains, couch cushions, beds, etc.
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Candles and reed diffusers with pure lavender fragrance. Use in bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces.
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Cleaning products like surface spray, laundry detergent, fabric refresher with a lavender scent. Cleaning with lavender purifies air.
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Personal care items like lotion, shower gel, or potpourri with lavender. Apply before bed for a relaxing ritual.
Cook With Lavender
Add dried edible lavender buds or lavender extract to:
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Baked goods like scones, shortbread, cupcakes, muffins, etc.
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Beverages like lemonade, iced tea, cocktails, lattes, hot chocolate.
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Savory dishes like salads, breads, soups. It pairs well with chicken, fish and vegetables.
The scent will waft through the kitchen and home as you cook and bake.
Lavender Decor Ideas
Decorate with lavender to enhance its scent in a room. Some ideas:
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A small vase of fresh lavender sprigs on a side table, console, dresser, desk, or nightstand.
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Lavender-scented candles displayed on mantels, counters, coffee tables, or windowsills.
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Dried lavender buds and flowers in a bowl or jar.
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A wreath made from dried lavender on the front door or above the kitchen sink.
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Framed pressed lavender flowers on walls.
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A lavender plant in the garden, patio, porch, or yard to scent the outdoor areas.
Which Lavender Scents to Use
There are many varieties of lavender but the most common for home use are:
- English Lavender – floral, sweet, fresh, herbaceous
- French Lavender – floral, powdery, citrusy, green
- Spanish Lavender – camphorous, sharper, pine-like
For a traditional fresh floral lavender, English lavender is a great choice. French lavender also works well. Spanish lavender has a stronger camphor-like undertone.
When shopping for lavender products, look for the type noted on the label and choose the scent you prefer. Smell test candles, oils or dried buds to find your perfect lavender match.
Tips for an Inviting Lavender Home
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Start with just a few lavender accents in key areas like the bedroom or entryway. Don’t go overboard.
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Open windows regularly to circulate fresh air and let lavender fragrance waft through.
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Replace dried flowers and refresh scent diffusers and containers frequently as the aroma dissipates.
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Use lavender in moderation. Its relaxing effects could potentially make you sleepy.
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Combine lavender with other uplifting scents like citrus, vanilla, peppermint or rosemary.
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Time your lavender so the scent greets you when you arrive home and as you get ready for bed.
With a little lavender each day, you can create a welcoming retreat filled with this beautiful floral scent. A touch of lavender brings a breath of fresh air into any home.
