How To Pick A Signature Scent For Your Guest Bathroom (& What It Really Says)

If you pride yourself on your hosting capabilities, then you probably go above and beyond for your guests. You like to go the extra mile, whether that means having disposable slippers to pad around in, having the guest bedroom stocked with an overnight guest's favorite products, or going all-out when designing the tablescape. But while all of those elements are important, one thing you don't want to neglect is making the guest bathroom as memorable as possible. A clean, well-stocked bathroom will earn you a thumbs up in your guests' minds, but going that extra mile and transforming the space into an experience will really make you stick out as the best host. And one easy way to do that is to create a signature scent for your guest bathroom. 

This is akin to how hotels create signature scents for their guests. They do so to not only highlight the aesthetic of the hotel — such as a Morrocan-inspired lobby utilizing heady smells such as bergamont — but also create a mood and lasting memory. It will help guests remember your house the way you want them to, and the scent will help you form that opinion. Here is how to pick a signature scent for your bathroom. 

When designing your guest bathroom, you probably had a desired theme in mind. Did you choose a white and light blue motif to make the room feel airy and spa-like, or did you opt for dark floral wallpaper and moody sconces to make it feel dramatic? Whatever your answer is, make sure to choose a scent that matches that theme. It will help bring it out more and create a more lasting design impression in your guests' minds. "When creating our signature scents, we have to think about the desired atmosphere or feeling we are trying to create," Tina Edmundson, global brand officer at Marriott International, told Conde Nast Traveler. "Should the scent balance comfort with a quiet sexiness? Does it need to be energizing or calming? How will it blend with the colors and textures used in the design?" 

When making your bathroom more guest-friendly, implement the same principles when choosing your scent. If the room is moody and dramatic with dark colors and dim lighting, choose a scent that is equally as heady, like bergamot or ylang ylang. This will signal to your guests your home isn't afraid to take risks. If the powder room is clean and comforting, try choosing something with a touch of citrus, such as lemon or grapefruit. Or if you want them to be transported to a Martha Stewart inspired bathroom, choose something homier, like a fresh linen scent or a light floral, like gardenias. 

Once you have decided on your chosen theme, you then have to determine how to scent the area. There are several different ways you can go about it. The first is the most common, and that is using a candle. Lighting a candle in a safe and stable area not only releases a pleasant scent but also creates inviting mood lighting upon entering the space. However, if you go this route, make sure to choose a candle that is part of a permanent collection. Since you want to keep using the same scent to create a signature, you can't choose a candle that is part of a limited collection. This will make it difficult to recreate. Instead, choose a scent from a line that has been established for a few years.

If you prefer not to have an open flame but want to make your house smell amazing, then you can also try reed diffusers. One popular brand with aesthetic blends is Jo Malone, which has intriguing mixes like English Pear and Freesia, or Lavender and Moonflower. Lastly, if you're a fan of essential oils, you can also create your scent using an essential oil diffuser. A popular option is the VIVITEST Ceramic Diffuser, which is a stylish pick thanks to its white stone design and wooden base. It clocks in at $33 on Amazon.