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The scents of summer are some of the most deliciously inviting. Think fresh lavender swaying in a warm breeze right outside the window, the zing of freshly mowed grass, and juicy, bright pink watermelon sitting in a bowl ready to devour. Some of summer’s best scents can be bottled and enjoyed on a whim via home fragrance, while others require a more creative approach. From room sprays to candles to fresh flowers, we’re highlighting a handful of ways you can bring the scent of summer into your home.

1. Freshly picked roses

So many florals reach their pinnacle of glory come summer, so try to take advantage of the fluffy, colorful blooms this time of year.

“If you want to fill your home with fresh and floral fragrances, there’s no better scent than the rose in the height of summer,” says Theresa Larivee, lead product designer for Winston Flowers. “Summertime is its natural blooming season, so this flower is rich in color and aroma.”

2. Bouquets of mint and geranium

If you’re looking for something more herbal, Larivee says that summer is the perfect time of year for both mint and geranium. These fresh scents are a perfect seasonal accent to any floral bouquet, or you can simply put sprigs and stems into little glass jars around the house.

3. Reed diffuser

Reed diffusers offer a flame-free way to infuse your home with summer scents, and as a bonus, they continue to emit fragrance all day long without you needing to do any work. That means you’ll get a burst every time you walk in the door, even if it’s been a minute.

4. Plug-in wall diffuser

For another “set it and forget it” way to make your home smell like summer, incorporate plug-in wall diffusers throughout your home. Some strategic spots include the entryway, large rooms and hallways that allow for greater diffusion across your square footage.

5. Dried flowers and herbs

Fresh blooms are glorious, but they are also destined for the compost pile after a week or two of enjoyment. To stretch your summer scent, consider drying some herbs and flowers. Some summer-y options include lavender, mint, basil, thyme and eucalyptus.

“Cut a bundle and tie them together and hang upside down in a dry, dark and warm spot,” suggests interior designer Grey Joyner. “Once they’re dry, you can make sachets to put in your drawer [or linen closet].” You can also place dried bouquets in vases or hang them in your shower.

6. Sun-soaked linens

What better way to make your home smell like summer than to bring the outdoors inside? And a multi-tasking way to do exactly that is to hang your linens outside to dry after running them through the wash cycle. The sun’s UV rays help brighten white fabrics and can zap away unsavory scents. At the same time, your linens will soak up the scents of summer, including fresh breezes, mowed lawns, and even nearby florals. When you bring them inside, it’ll usher in those glorious earthy summer smells. (Just beware, this might not be the best method if you have allergies.)

7. Summer candles

A flickering candle lends a soothing ambience and fills your home with delightful fragrance. Whether you’re into beachy aromas, herby smells, or bright and splashy scents, there’s a summer candle with your name on it.

8. Citrus simmer pot

Summer lends itself to simmer pots, too. To keep your home cooler, opt for a small crockpot versus a stovetop. “Bring a few cups of water to a boil, then put it on low, add pineapple juice and slices of lime and orange,” Joyner says. “This will make your entire house smell of summer.”

You could also try lemon, lime, orange, peppercorns, thyme and rosemary, or for a softer option, combine lemon, mint, ginger and vanilla. If you’re craving a floral simmer pot, fuse rose petals, lavender, lemon, lime, rosemary and vanilla.

(Real Simple magazine provides smart, realistic solutions to everyday challenges. Online at www.realsimple.com.)

©2025 Dotdash Meredith. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.