We can’t all live in a rustic log cabin, surrounded by feet of snowfall outside of our front door. While this image evokes feelings of freshness and tranquility, it isn’t always accessible.
Thankfully, if we can’t take a trip to the Alps, we can make it smell like a woodland forest in our homes! There are lots of woody scents that can transform your space in seconds.
Not sure where to start? Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite options. With just one whiff, you’ll be transported to your favorite hiking spot, with the crisp air in your lungs and a peaceful canopy above.
Table of Contents
Cypress
If you love woody fragrances that have a smoky and earthy undertone to them, then you’ll love cypress oil. This essential oil is wonderful to diffuse in your living room, bedroom, or anywhere you want to create a warm and rich environment.
Often used as a note in male fragrances, it’s potent and robust, without being overpowering. It also has a bit of a minty element, so it may even help clear your airways if you inhale it while battling a cold! This makes it one of the best home fragrances you can use and diffuse.
Pine Needle
If you’ve ever landscaped with pine needles, then you know that this natural foliage has a sticky resin that can actually be quite enjoyable to sniff, even if it is frustrating to get on your hands! Technically speaking, pine needles are the leaves of the pine tree, and they get their fresh scent from the terpenes they contain.
Put simply, terpenes are a group of unsaturated hydrocarbons that are found in the essential oils of certain plants. They’re especially common in citrus trees and conifers, like pines. They help give the plant its unique characteristics, including its aroma.
The prominent terpenes found in conifer resin include:
- Alpha-pinene
- Beta-pinene
- Limonene
- Bornyl acetate
You don’t have to be a chemist to enjoy the scent of pine needle oil. It’s naturally relaxing and stress-relieving, so add it to your bathroom for a spa night at home!
Juniper Berry
Woody scents can often be spicy in nature, and juniper berry is no exception. This is one of the most popular essential oils, known to have grounding and centering properties.
In nature, these berries have a strong and pungent aroma, so it’s best to enjoy them in an oil form. Their scent is comparable to cedar and pine, so if you enjoy those, then you’ll love this one! In fact, there are lots of woody scent aroma oils to browse, including ones with notes of leather and tobacco, and this is just the tip of the iceberg!
Rosewood
Another name for rosewood is bois-de-rose oil. As you might expect, it’s both woody and sweet, with a hint of rose that adds a delicate balance to the overall effect.
Rosewood is also a great blending oil. If you want to create a more complex concoction, we suggest mixing it with other woody essential oils like lavender or geranium, as well as citrusy ones such as orange, lemon, and tangerine!
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is an essential component of many perfumes and fragrances designed for men and women. It’s not as spicy or intense as some of the others on this list, so if you want something a little gentler, this is a great one to try.
In addition to woody notes, you’ll also pick up on hints of sweet cream, flowers, and even balsamic vinegar. The end result is both soft and sweet, with just the right amount of zing.
Cedarwood
This earthy scent goes hand in hand with sandalwood. In most cases, it’s a combination of both juniper berries and cedar trees. Like sandalwood, it has a balsamic undertone but there’s also another note you may notice: camphor.
If you’ve ever inhaled the scent of an old cigar box or even just a pile of pencil shavings, then you’ve smelled cedarwood at work. It’s a warm and layered scent that pairs well with lighter oils, including citrusy and floral options. When blended, these scents create a luxurious, inviting aroma that you’ll want to diffuse all around your home.
Vetiver
Do you love the smell of freshly cut grass on a warm summer day? If so, then you may love the scent of vetiver! This oil has a grassy aroma, as well as richer and more earthy undertones.
This is an aroma that smells arid and dry, with different levels of flowery, citrusy, or smoky notes depending on the product and the variety used. It’s closely related to similar fragrances such as lemongrass or citronella. It can also have a leathery touch!
Vetiver is used as a base note in many different perfumes, mostly because it accepts and combines with other scents beautifully. If you want to add just a touch of woodiness to an essential oil blend, this is a great one to choose.
Patchouli
Technically, patchouli oil is a member of the mint family. However, it doesn’t have the same fresh, zesty scent that traditional peppermint or spearmint has. Instead, it has more of a faint, musky smell that’s more nuanced in nature.
Due to its complex notes, patchouli is used in a wide range of household products, from candles to perfumes. This is a rich, powerful scent that can be a bit polarizing. While some people think the musky notes can be a little overpowering, others can pick up on the sweet or herbaceous notes that give them more depth.
Add These Woody Scents to Your Home
When you know the right woody scents to diffuse throughout your home, every day can be like waking up to a cabin in the forest! These are just a few of the most common and popular picks, so take the time to explore all of the different single-ingredient oils and blends so you can find your new favorite!
Along the way, we can help you live and play with your best foot forward. Check out our Lifestyle section for more guides on your home, style, and more!
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