Goodbye Spice, Hello Subtle Sweetness — These 10 Festive Scents Are What Your Holiday Home Needs. Here's Why

Long gone are the days of scented candles only being used in bedrooms and living rooms. Nowadays, no place is out of bounds when it comes to home scenting. There's a fragrance for every room in your home and formats galore to pick from.

In the process of getting into the festive spirit and learning how to make your home smell like Christmas, you'll likely come across a plethora of fragrances that vary from spicy to sweet and woody to fresh. The tricky part is picking which fragrance works in which space in order to curate the perfect sensory experience.

And as it turns out, QVC is home to plenty of home-scenting products. From candles to diffusers and a variety of lush scents to pick from, they're sure to become your one-stop fragrance shop of the season. Experts we spoke to shared their thoughts on how to choose the right ones.

1. Entryway

In conversation with interior designer Nina Lichtenstein, she tells us that the entryway is the first impression of your home. If you're wondering how to make your home smell good as soon as you step through the door, her advice is to introduce convivial scents like fresh pine and birch to create a warm welcome.

"Embrace clean, woodsy aromas that evoke the feeling of stepping into a winter forest," she notes. "Steer clear of overly sweet or synthetic scents that can create an artificial atmosphere."

2. Living Room

The living room is meant for comfort and relaxation, making cozy, soothing scents ideal. "Look for fragrances that capture the essence of evergreen forests or natural greenery, perfect for a welcoming environment," Nina advises. "Avoid intense floral or overly spicy scents that might overwhelm the senses during gatherings."

Aside from classic scenting formats like candles and diffusers, you can also fall back on the hidden dryer sheet hack to make your living room smell fresh if you're in a rush.

Nina Lichtenstein

Nina Lichtenstein is the founder and principal designer of her eponymous interior design studio which specializes in customized living spaces. Her recognizable calling card includes serene palettes, diverse textures, and elegant blends of stone, wood, and other natural materials. For close to a decade, Nina has showcased her in-depth construction and design expertise on projects spanning the North East. Over the years, Nina has become known for designing spaces that inspire wonder, drawing the eye from one to another, inside and outside, night or day.

3. Kitchen

Among the things people with nice-smelling kitchens always do, incorporating natural odor eliminators is a tried and trusted scent-busting solution. However, sometimes the space calls for a format that's a touch stronger for proper scenting.

According to Nina, in the kitchen, scents should complement cooking aromas while adding a festive touch. "Include warm, earthy scents that incorporate spices and subtle fruity notes to create an inviting ambiance," she adds. "Stay away from overly fruity or sweet scents that might clash with food preparations."

4. Dining Room

The dining room should enhance the meal experience with delicate fragrances. Nina recommends choosing scents that evoke cozy seasonal elements, such as spiced pumpkin or crisp autumn leaves, to create a warm atmosphere.

"Steer clear of heavy or cloying fragrances that may overpower the aromas of the meal," she warns. And if you're looking for further fragrance inspiration, look to our designer-approved scents for some seasonal retail therapy.

5. Bedroom

There are plenty of ways to make your bedroom smell nice for the holidays and beyond, but choosing the right scent is crucial to elevating the atmosphere in this restful haven.

Nina tells us this sanctuary should promote relaxation and tranquility. "Soft, soothing scents that combine elements of warmth and nature are perfect for winding down," she notes. "Don't use stimulating fragrances that may disrupt sleep, such as sharp citrus or heavy spices."

6. Bathroom

When it comes to making your home smell gorgeous, the goal is always to use the best scents to make your bathroom smell like a spa. That way, every time you enter this space you'll feel like you're away on vacation at a fabulous retreat.

Since the bathroom is meant to smell clean and invigorating, Nina tells us to avoid dense or overly sweet scents that can feel overwhelming in this intimate space. "Instead, embrace fresh, herbal aromas that evoke a spa-like atmosphere for a calming experience," she says.

7. Home Office

When it comes to the best candle scents for a home office, Nina encourages selecting fragrances with intention. "In a home office, scents should inspire focus and creativity," she says. "I recommend choosing invigorating fragrances that blend woodsy and herbal elements to foster productivity."

She tells us that it's best to avoid including distracting or overly sweet scents that may detract from concentration. So choosing the right fragrance ties directly into creating an atmosphere that's WFH-friendly.

8. Sunroom

"The sunroom invites nature in, making fresh and uplifting scents ideal," says Nina and we're in complete agreement. Since sunrooms are typically bright and breezy, these spaces are best complimented by refreshing subtle scents.

"Look for light, airy fragrances that mimic a winter stroll through a forest, bringing the outdoors inside," she advises. "Steer clear of synthetic or heavy scents that could disrupt the serene vibe."

9. Playroom

When you're experimenting with playroom ideas, chances are that scenting will take a back seat. But there's no reason to leave this space fragrance-free.

Nina says the playroom should feel cheerful and fun, with engaging scents. "Fruity and spiced scents that evoke autumn harvests can create an inviting and playful atmosphere," she explains. "But it's best to avoid mature or complex scents that might not resonate with younger occupants."

10. Hallways & Stairwells

As you walk through your home, you should experience a scenting experience that makes your living space feel like a fragrance wonderland. Nina points out that these transitional areas should maintain a cohesive scent that flows throughout the home.

"Choose subtle, natural scents that create a seamless connection between rooms, enhancing the holiday charm," she advises. "And stay away from strong scents that might clash with the different aromas from adjacent spaces."

Now's the best time to plan out your home's scentscape and experiment with seasonal scent layering to make your home guest-ready. Nina tells us these selections emphasize organic, earth-centered aromas that celebrate winter forests, seasonal botanicals, and earthy, comforting elements.

"These fragrances reflect the beauty of natural winter landscapes, botanicals, and rustic elements," she says. "They not only bring festive spirit but also celebrate the essence of the natural world, enhancing each room with scents that evoke a grounded, adventurous, and organic holiday ambiance."