Learning how to make a fire smell good while it burns is a fantastic way to add atmosphere and a cozy vibe to your home at the same time as warming it up.
Our experts have shared six easy, affordable and effective ways of getting your fire to give off beautiful fragrance and how you can try it at home, including using dried herbs, fruits and pine cones.
Armed with these tips you can take your fireplace ideas to the next level, enhance your well being, conjure up a calm and welcoming mood and really set the scene in your home.
1. Choose the right wood to burn
Not all firewood is created equal. Not only do some types of wood burn more efficiently and make it easier when it comes to how to start a fire in a fireplace, but the fragrance they give off also differs.
'Some woods naturally smell better than others when they burn,' explains Matthew Coates, president and principal architect of Coates Design Architects. 'Try using woods like oak, maple or hickory. These give off a nice, pleasant aroma and burn longer than softer woods like pine.'
'Applewood, hickory, and cherry are types of firewood that naturally give off pleasant aromas,' adds Metturan Ketheswaran, owner at The Great Fire Company. 'This form of wood tends to have a sweet, smoky fragrance, adding to the ambiance of the fire.'
'Want something a bit unique? Try burning apple or cherry wood,' continues Matthew. 'It adds a sweet, fruity smell that’s a little different but super nice.'
Matthew strongly advises against burning treated wood if you want your fire to smell good. 'Stay away from burning treated or painted wood. It smells awful and can be bad for your health.'
The kiln drying process of this firewood is designed so it gives off less in the way of smoke and burns hotter than many others. The cherry in particular gives off a lovely aroma when burning. The listing also has maple, oak, and birch varieties.
2. Add bunches of dried herbs
If you want to bring a sense of nature into your home through fragrance then adding bunches of herbs to your lit fire will really help. This is a great way to make a home smell nice when sensitive to fragrances.
'Add small bunches of dried herbs like rosemary, sage or thyme into your fire to release natural earthy fragrances that add to the depth of the experience, just by tossing them on the top of your burning wood,' explains Metturan Ketheswaran, owner of The Great Fire Company.
'Trust me, the smell is amazing!' agrees Matthew Coates. 'You just toss a bundle in after the fire is going strong, and it’ll give off a cool herbal scent.'
3. Pop some dried fruits in your flames
Dehydrated fruits, such as orange, lemon and lime slices can really add something when making decorative wreaths come fall and winter, but did you know they can also up the fragrance credentials of your fire? In fact, when it comes to feng shui and fragrance, citrus-based scents can bring a sense of joy into your home.
'Dry some peels from oranges, lemons or grapefruits and place them between your wood,' says Metturan Ketheswaran. 'As they burn, they will release a light, citrus fragrance that combines well with the wood smoke.'
No time to dry orange slices yourself? This 3oz packet contains 23-37 slices that give off plenty of fresh, citrus-y aroma – perfect for throwing on your fire to give it a zesty kick. You can also grab bigger bags 8.8 and 17.6 ounces on this listing.
4. Throw on some cinnamon sticks
If you are wondering how to make a home smell good for Christmas, there are certain aromas that make want you to snuggle up and enjoy the comfort of being inside while the weather does its thing outside – and cinnamon is one of them.
'Hurl some cinnamon sticks into the fire for an even cozier and spicier scent,' advises Metturan Ketheswaran. 'This adds a very nice, holiday-like fragrance to your home.'
Star anise is another woody spice to consider adding to your fire. Not only does it smell good, but it is also said by some to have health benefits when burned, such as relieving certain respiratory conditions. More intriguingly, some people believe it can enhance intuition and increase psychic awareness when burned.
These 2-4 inch cinnamon sticks have a strong scent and can be used in your fire, in stews, and to make cinnamon tea. Simply boil water, add one stick per cup and leave to brew till cool enough to drink.
5. Get creative with pine cones
Fall is a great time to go foraging and you can find anything from apples to late-season raspberries and walnuts. You should also be on the lookout for pine cones. Not only will it give you the chance to try your hand at making some pine cone decorations or natural bird feeders, but they also smell great when burned on the fire.
'My personal favorite is to add dried pine cones to your firewood,' says Metturan Ketheswaran. 'This will evoke a woody, rustic scent to your fire. Just make sure they are fully dry and sap-free so you don't get too much smoke.'
'If you want to get creative, soak some pine cones in essential oils such as lavender or eucalyptus, let them dry, and then throw them into the fire,' suggests Matthew Coates. 'Not only do they smell great, but they look cool too.'
Lavender is known for its soothing properties and this oil features a blend of two varieties of the plant which results in a particularly rich aroma. It is 100% natural and would be great combined with the peppermint oil also in the range.
6. Invest in a scented fireplace log
If the DIY approach isn't for you, yet you are looking for how to make a house smell nice without candles, then you might be interested to learn scented fire logs that give off a fragrance as they burn exist. They come in all kinds of fragrances, from fresh mountain pine to some more unusual perfumes.
'Believe it or not, you can actually buy a KFC-scented fire log!' says Matthew Coates. 'It’s a real thing, and it works – I've tried it.'
These fire logs are made from real hardwood yet give off 80 percent less emissions than solid wood. They throw out a fresh balsam fir scent as they burn and will keep crackling away for three hours.
FAQs
How can fireplace maintenance help keep it burning well?
There are many ways you can keep your fireplace in optimum condition and one of these is regular cleans of your fireplace. Clear out ash regularly, check your brickwork and chimney lining for damage or faults and have your chimney or flue swept annually.
Keen to ensure your whole home benefits from beautiful aromas? Check out our guide to the best scents for every room of your home.
