How Do You Love Your Home to Smell? Nigerians Answer

Smell is one of the strongest senses linked to memory and mood. Think about it: the scent of freshly laundered clothes can remind you of childhood or the warmth of being cared for. The aroma of stew or Jollof rice simmering in the kitchen can instantly make you feel hungry, happy, and at home.

Scientists refer to this connection between scent and memory as the Proust effect. It explains why certain smells evoke nostalgia or put us in a good mood. A comforting home smell can lower stress, boost relaxation, and even make guests remember your house for all the right reasons.

That’s why many people pay close attention to their home fragrance, because it’s not just about freshness, it’s about identity. So, what’s that home smell you’re obsessed with? Let’s talk about the popular scents people we asked love, why they matter, and how you can make your own house smell inviting and comforting.

When people described the scents they couldn’t live without, their answers were both familiar and surprising. Here are some of the home smells they’re obsessed with:

One person told us they love their house to smell like a bakery because it instantly feels homey. To create this, they combine citrus, cinnamon, and ginger-scented candles. They also enjoy linen-inspired fragrances that remind them of a hotel room — clean, neat, and comforting.

Cinnamon Spice Scented Candle - This indulgent candle blends warm cinnamon and cozy spice notes to fill your home with a comforting, sweetly aromatic ambiance. It’s perfect for creating a snug, inviting atmosphere, especially during cooler evenings.

Citrus Scented Candle - A luxurious 300g candle housed in a sleek, matte-black vessel, offering an invigorating and tangy cranberry-citrus fragrance. Top notes of orange and lemon peel blend with mid-notes of cranberry, wood, and spice, resting on a mellow base of vanilla and musk. Its extended burn time and chic design make it an elegant touch for living areas, kitchens, or bathrooms.

Several people couldn’t stop mentioning lavender. One said they’re a “floral person” and lavender gives them exactly what they need. Another admitted they can’t get enough of Air Wick lavender air fresheners because they’re light, calming, and relaxing after a long day.

Two lavender-scented refills for the Airwick Freshmatic dispenser, delivering continuous, time-released fragrance, ideal for keeping rooms noticeably fresh. Their gentle, floral aroma brings a sense of calm to bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, hallways, and kitchens. At around ₦6,000 per pack, they offer an effortless way to let your home breathe tranquility. 

Not everyone sticks to traditional air fresheners. One person revealed that they spray their favourite body spray, Riggs (Grey & White fragrances) on the A.C's air duct so that the cool air spreads the scent around the room. For them, mixing fragrances is part of creating a personal and unique space.

Two lavender-scented refills for the Airwick Freshmatic dispenser, delivering continuous, time-released fragrance, ideal for keeping rooms noticeably fresh. Their gentle, floral aroma brings a sense of calm to bedrooms, bathrooms, living spaces, hallways, and kitchens. At around ₦6,000 per pack, they offer an effortless way to let your home breathe tranquility.

Chocolate and vanilla came up more than once. Someone said they prefer chocolatey and vanilla-scented candles because they make their house smell indulgent and welcoming. Another described vanilla as “sweet and candy-like,” while chocolate felt rich and cosy.

A well-priced candle at ₦5,500, its vanilla fragrance is designed to keep your space continuously fresh with a long-lasting scent. It’s presented as a practical, value-for-money choice perfect for maintaining a gentle, inviting ambience all day. 

Coffee isn’t only for drinking, it’s also for smelling. One person told us they adore coffee because of its husky and powerful fragrance. For them, coffee brings character to the home, and they sometimes pair it with vanilla or lavender, depending on their mood.

This candle releases a rich and comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, creating an ideal atmosphere for relaxation and tranquility. It features top-quality fragrance oils, a reusable ceramic container, a lead-free cotton wick, and offers up to 40 hours of burn time, making it perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or bathrooms.

Some people prefer deeper, grounding fragrances. One shared that diffusers with woody and leather notes make their space feel rich and earthy. For them, those scents create balance and add sophistication.

A 100 ml room diffuser inspired by Le Labo’s iconic Santal 33, blending creamy Indian sandalwood with smoky, milky, floral, and musky notes for a warm and sophisticated aroma. It balances rich woods with subtle florals, offering a refined, comforting scent at a more accessible price point. Well-reviewed fans appreciate its luxurious feel and thoughtful craftsmanship. 

Even though everyone mentioned different home smells, one theme ran through all their answers: comfort. For some, comfort comes from bakery-style candles, for others it’s lavender or fresh linen, and for a few it’s woody leather diffusers.

These personal choices prove that home fragrance is not about following trends. It’s about finding a smell that reflects your personality and makes your house feel inviting.

Inspired to find your own signature home fragrance? Here are some practical ways people create theirs:

1. Try Candles and Diffusers

Candles are timeless. They instantly fill a room with fragrance and create a warm atmosphere. Diffusers, whether reed or electric, are another easy way to keep your space smelling inviting throughout the day.

2. DIY Natural Home Fragrance Ideas

• Simmer pots: Boil citrus peels, cloves, or cinnamon in water for a natural, bakery-style smell.

• Essential oil sprays: Mix a few drops of lavender, vanilla, or eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle.

• Baking soda jars: Place small bowls of baking soda around the house to absorb odours, then add a drop of essential oil for fragrance.

3. Keep It Clean

No amount of fragrance can cover up a messy or musty room. Regular cleaning, washing fabrics, and opening windows go a long way in making your home naturally pleasant.

4. Layer Your Scents

Like some of the people we spoke to, don’t be afraid to combine fragrances. Mixing lavender with vanilla creates a harmonious balance of fresh and sweet notes. Pairing woody notes with citrus gives a rich yet refreshing effect.

5. Keep It Subtle

Heavy spraying can overwhelm a room. A subtle fragrance lasts longer and feels more natural, giving you a signature scent that is not overpowering.

READ ALSO: Noisy Neighbours? Generators? Here’s How to Soundproof Your Home

After hearing people describe their favourites from bakery-inspired candles to woody diffusers, it’s clear that home fragrance is deeply personal. Some people want their home to smell like fresh linen, while others can’t resist the strength of coffee or the sweetness of vanilla.

So now it’s your turn: what’s the smell you’re obsessed with? Are you drawn to lavender’s calmness, the indulgence of chocolate, or the freshness of linen? Or maybe you have your own creative mix that makes your space feel alive.

A home's smell is more than fragrance; it’s a memory, comfort, and identity. The people we spoke to proved that no two homes smell the same. Some prefer floral and sweet notes, others lean toward earthy or musky tones, and a few like to mix things up.

At the end of the day, the most delightful home smell is the one that makes you smile the moment you step inside.