2 Types of Diffusers Perfect for Small Spaces
When I lived in a tiny New York City studio apartment, I started trying various diffusers to help with scent. My apartment was on the ground floor, complete with a perfect view of the outside garbage cans through the only window. Dust would easily get in through this window thanks to the construction nearby on the block. All in all, a diffuser was a nice addition to help find a relaxing garden-like feel for my home…and take care of any musty smells in the area farthest from the window!
Now that it’s officially Spring, bringing in a fresh floral scent can help transition your home into the new season. Drawing on my experience, if you have a small shadowy apartment like my former studio or perhaps a windowless bathroom, these two types of diffusers are perfect for your space.
Reed Diffuser
The reed diffuser is, at least to me, the type of diffuser that comes to mind first. You’ve seen it topping shelves or entertainment stations everywhere: unmistakable dried reeds squeezing through a small glass bottle’s very narrow top opening. The glass container holds a scented oil mixture of a base oil with selected essential oils for scent.
You can creatively make your own solution or can buy a pre-made one in store. I personally enjoyed a lavender geranium one I bought from Cotswolds Lavender. It was a fairly strong scent for my bathroom shelf and the scent carried through to a good portion of my living area. Only one diffuser needed for my small apartment!
Once it ran out, I attempted to mix my own lavender solution and continue to use the same glass container. I definitely didn’t do it correctly, so I will not recommend any particular recipes here (yet!). However, it is great to reuse the container either by making your own mixture or purchasing a refill mixture if possible. The only downside is that you will need to get new reeds every so often, as the reeds eventually get over saturated. Once they are over saturated, the mixture will no longer travel up the reeds to be diffused and the scent will become nearly absent. I found this upkeep to be an annoying negative to using this type of diffuser.
Tile Diffuser
The other diffuser that I have used religiously over several years, starting in my old studio apartment and now in my current apartment’s bathroom, is the tile diffuser. The tile diffuser is my favorite type of diffuser due to its simplicity. Made of ceramic, this tile holds a the essential oil while it evaporates. Simply add 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil and you are done. You can repeat as often as you like. I refill mine as I wish, usually twice a week at most. The scent fills my windowless bathroom perfectly, with a bit escaping just outside the door.
Of course I use my favorite lavender essential oil in my diffuser, but you can choose what you like! However, if you switch scents you likely will need to clean the tile. Also, it doesn’t hurt to dust the tile’s surface as needed as well!
Tile diffusers can be quite pretty with little decorations. Mine is fairly simple with a sprig of lavender raised above the rest of the ceramic tile. Naturally these diffusers are fragile, so may break if dropped. Mine had an unfortunate accident, but managed to escape with only a chipped surface.
Summary
These two types of diffusers both work well in small rooms without being overpowering. I personally prefer the tile diffuser for the simpler upkeep and cost effectiveness. After all, you only need to keep adding essential oil to it and a jar of essential oil can last a long time! However, both diffusers are relatively easy to maintain. It really is up to your personal preference and lifestyle.
Let me know in the comments which type you prefer!
