No matter if you're settling down with a computer at a proper desk or in an improv set-up, setting the mood can do wonders for your actual work from home. Something as simple as a candle, diffuser, or room spray can make this new normal all the more pleasant [1] and give you a little extra self-care [2], too.
We looked through all the home fragrances at Sephora and picked out the best options from calming aromas to energizing boosts, including Jo Malone London [3], Vitruvi, Phlur, and more. In addition to dressing in a way that makes you feel your best (and maybe spritzing on some perfume [4]), consider one of these home scents to help improve your focus and spirits [5] at the same time.
Find candles, diffusers, and sprays from Sephora ahead, and make your workspace the best-smelling spot in your home.
Vitruvi Stone Diffuser
If you're looking to set the mood in your workspace but shying away from lighting a match, this Vitruvi Stone Diffuser [6] ($119) fills your room with the fragrance of your choice when you add an essential oil to water inside. Or choose the Vitruvi Quiet Time Diffuser Set [7] ($135), including a special oil blend of geranium, ylang-ylang, and sage meant specifically for stress release.
Vitruvi Organic Peppermint Essential Oil
If you're looking to add an essential oil to your stone Vitruvi diffuser, options include this uplifting Vitruvi Organic Peppermint Essential Oil [8] ($15), the soothing Vitruvi Organic Lavender Oil [9] ($18), a grounding Vitruvi Frankincense Essential Oil [10] ($18), and a rejuvenating Vitruvi Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil [11] ($13).
Pinrose Secret Genius Candle
If there ever was a candle whose name could inspire greatness, it's this Pinrose Secret Genius Candle [12] ($49). And what do smarts smell like, exactly? Well, vanilla, caramel, and sandalwood, of course.
Tocca Bora Bora Diffuser
If you're ready for your next holiday, head somewhere exotic like Bora Bora, Valencia, or Capri. Just kidding, you're still not going anywhere (and there's still work to do), but the Tocca Bora Bora Diffuser [13] ($35), Tocca Valencia Diffuser [14] ($35), and Tocca Capri Diffuser [15] ($35) may convince you otherwise.
Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Candle
This is the perfect candle for someone who's not into fruity or floral fragrances. The Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Candle [16] ($34) smells like cedarwood and sandalwood with a smidge of spicy cinnamon and earthy vetiver in there, too.
Tom Ford F*cking Fabulous Candle
Get ready to have the best workday ever with this Tom Ford F*cking Fabulous Candle [17] ($132). It's rather spicy, and if someone asks how you're doing in your next virtual meeting, well, just pick it up and show them.
Nest New York Grapefruit Room Spray
Give your room a fresh spray before work each day with the uplifting Nest New York Grapefruit Room Spray [18] ($28). Or there's the crisp Nest New York Linen Room Spray [19] ($28) to make your home smell like the fresh laundry you (may not) have just done.
Overose Nudesse Pink Candle
Pretty in pink and pretty aromas, too. This Overose Nudesse Pink Candle [20] ($58) smells like newly blooming flowers as if you were reading this from your own private rose garden.
Maison Margiela Replica At the Barber's Scented Candle
You probably don't work at an actual barbershop — and there's a good chance you don't know what one smells like, either. Light this musky, leathery Maison Margiela Replica At the Barber's Scented Candle [21] ($62) and pretend you're working from your own personal library or study . . . and if you're working in your robe, even better.
Capri Blue Citrus and Violet Haze Candle
Here's a gift (for yourself) that keeps on giving. When you're done burning this Capri Blue Citrus and Violet Haze Candle [22] ($40), the delicate jar can stay on your desk to stash things, too.
Slip Sleep Mist
When you spray this Slip Sleep Mist [23] ($32) above your head, the sweet chamomile and lavender fragrance brings a sense of calm (and could be the perfect wind-down treat at the end of your workday, too).
Phlur Claremont Candle
The Phlur Claremont Candle [24] ($68) brings a bright, energetic aroma inspired by Central Park. No, it doesn't smell like hot dogs and pretzels; it's got white ginger, maté, and shiso leaf instead.
Coal and Canary Fake Lashes and Camera Flashes
Your normal days probably don't include a red carpet (unless you have an actual ruby rug). But since no one is coming near that kind of paparazzi-drawing crowd, this cheeky Coal and Canary Fake Lashes and Camera Flashes [25] ($28) can "fill your air with confidence" — and it crackles like a fireplace (or flashbulbs) when lit, too.
Jo Malone London Red Roses Scent Surround Diffuser
Pretend you just got a big bouquet of roses with this Jo Malone London Red Roses Scent Surround Diffuser [26] ($98) or the Jo Malone London Red Roses Candle [27] ($67). You will have to find a spot in your workspace for it . . . but there's no trip to the flower shop needed.
Atelier Cologne Vanille Nolita Candle
This Atelier Cologne Vanille Nolita Candle [28] ($75) is perfect for vanilla-lovers. Just light the wick and fill your workspace with the scent of those beans alongside delicate jasmine and earthy vetiver.
Ellis Brooklyn Pseudonym Terrific Scented Candle
You don't need to have an actual fake name to place this Ellis Brooklyn Pseudonym Terrific Scented Candle [29] ($60) in your workspace. It's meant to evoke enough mystery as if you did with an initial fig aroma that morphs into something more peppery and almost floral as it burns.
Nest New York Pura Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser Set
This Nest New York Pura Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser Set [30] ($85) comes with the brand's best-selling bamboo and grapefruit scents — and all you need to do is plug it in, and you can control the schedule and intensity right from your phone. Plus, you can get refills to last up to a month at a time with both the Nest New York Bamboo Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser Refill Set [31] ($36) and the Nest New York Grapefruit Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser Refill Set [32] ($36).
Voluspa Mini Candle Trio — French Cade, Goji and Lychee
No need to pick just one scent here. Switch the three scents in this Voluspa Mini Candle Trio — French Cade, Goji and Lychee [33] ($24) to use different ones on different workdays — or, since each candle burns for about 40 hours, pick a new one to kick off a new workweek.
Capri Blue Exotic Blossom & Basil Diffuser
Not only does this Capri Blue Exotic Blossom & Basil Diffuser [34] ($40) smell luxurious, but the jar will look stunning on your desk, too.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea
For an at-your-desk pick-you-up, the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea [35] ($7-$12) can wake up tired skin with fresh-smelling cucumber and peppermint. There's also the soothing Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Chamomile and Lavender [36] ($7-$12) that can bring a de-stressing spritz and scent to your face and body in between emails.
Voluspa Gilt Pomander Boxed Scalloped Candlepot
The special electroplated glass in this spicy-smelling Voluspa Gilt Pomander Boxed Scalloped Candlepot [37] ($18, originally $24) is meant to mimic the glow of a fireplace that would be so cosy to work by.
Nest New York Ocean Mist and Sea Salt Reed Diffuser
Pretend you're working beachside with this Nest New York Ocean Mist and Sea Salt Reed Diffuser [38] ($48). Coconut also joins the hints of salt air, but postwork piña coladas are extra.
Voluspa Japanese Plum Decorative Tin Candle
The Voluspa Japanese Plum Decorative Tin Candle [39] ($10-$22) comes in a regular or jumbo size, depending on the amount of fragrance you want and the space you have near where you work. This one smells like ripe plums and crushed currants, so we won't blame you if your mouth starts watering when you dream of fruity tarts during your next virtual meeting.
Nest New York Sicilian Tangerine Scented Candle
For a citrusy aroma, the Nest New York Sicilian Tangerine Scented Candle [40] ($42) smells like the fanciest, fresh-pressed juice of tangerine, mango, and passionfruit. Yum.
Tocca Florence Candle
If you're dreaming of travelling, this Tocca Florence Candle [41] ($20-$42) is inspired by old-world Paris. Close your eyes and pretend you're strolling by the Seine with a bouquet of gardenia, tuberose, and iris in your hands (but not for too long, 'cause you have work to do).
Vitruvi Sleep Face & Body Mist
You can also spray yourself and bring that sweet smell to your seat. This Vitruvi Sleep Face and Body Mist [42] ($24) may say it's for sleep, but the soothing chamomile and lavender will bring that scents sense of calm to your work area, too.
Voluspa French Cade and Lavender Glass Jar Candle
The Voluspa French Cade and Lavender Glass Jar Candle [43] ($30) and Voluspa French Cade and Lavender Home Diffuser [44] ($24) offer a relaxing scent while you work but can later help you unwind. Don't worry about it putting you to sleep — a refreshing lemon verbena joins the sweet lavender and cade wood.
Capri Blue Coconut Santal Candle
If you love coconut, the Capri Blue Coconut Santal Candle [45] ($9-$32) brings that fruity scent — plus lime and hibiscus — to your work area. Bonus: the jar's bright pattern is like instant desk decor, too.