Candles are great and all, but they can be a pretty serious fire hazard if they're not handled with care. Reed diffusers, on the other hand, don't require any flames, plugs, or batteries. Their downfall: Some reed diffusers come with a hefty price tag, and many have an artificial scent. And while many top brands have a large range of vessel styles and oil aromas, buying store-bought reed diffusers can be rather limiting.

Rather than searching the aisles for an almost-perfect option, make a homemade reed diffuser instead. That way you can use a vase that best matches your aesthetic, and mix and match a variety of essential oils until you get a blend that sparks joy.

First things first: Stock up on all the supplies you need to DIY a reed diffuser. When it comes to picking a glass or ceramic vase, opt for one that has a narrow opening at the top, which slows down evaporation. Most importantly, pick the right kind of oil to use as a base. Mineral oils like sweet almond oil or safflower oil tend to be the most popular because they're thin enough to travel up the diffuser reeds (or bamboo skewers!), allowing your room to quickly fill with the scent of your choice. The rest is your call: pick from an assortment of essential oils to infuse your space with scents that fit the mood or season.

Once you round up the necessary supplies, follow this step-by-step guide to make your very own reed diffuser:

1. Pour sweet almond oil or safflower oil in 1/2 cup increments into the ceramic or glass vase.
2. Add 30 - 50 drops of essential oils per 1/2 cup of base oil. Remember: Some essential oils can be harmful to pets, so do your research before you add them.
3. Give the vase a good shake or stir to mix oils.
4. Stick in 5 - 8 reed diffuser sticks. You can also cut off the pointed ends of bamboo skewers, if you have extras on hand. Flip the reeds or skewers after one hour or when half-saturated.
5. For a stronger scent, flip reeds once every week and replace the oil mixture once a month.