I used to think candles were the key to creating a cozy, Hygge-inspired space. You know, that warm, inviting feeling of home, where everything feels safe and peaceful. Hygge is all about atmosphere—creating a space that feels like a retreat from the world. For the longest time, candles seemed like the perfect tool for that, even though I knew deep down they weren’t the healthiest option. Five years ago, I decided to ditch candles altogether, and honestly, I haven’t missed them at all! Now, I want to share how I create that same cozy, inviting vibe in my home—without the candles.

More and more people are realizing that candles, while lovely, pose more risks than benefits. Not only is there the obvious fire hazard, according to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, over 1,000 house fires occur annually across the country, many of which are preventable. Common causes include unattended candles, especially during winter when fire risks increase, but most candles also release harmful chemicals when burned. If you’re craving that candlelit glow, LED candles are a fantastic alternative! They look just like the real thing, flicker and all, minus the flame and toxins. I love using Ivory LED Candles  for that realistic glow. Pair them with a vintage ceramic plate, and you’ve got a safe, cozy setup.

But let’s be honest—most people buy candles for the scent. We associate candles with comfort, stress relief, and relaxation. Imagine my excitement when I found out I could replicate that same atmosphere, scent included, using a diffuser!

I now run diffusers around the clock in my home, and I even tuck one into a large lantern to mimic the glow of a flickering candle. Essential oils are not only a healthier option, but they also provide incredible health benefits. You can diffuse blends that support immunity, respiratory health, better sleep, focus, and emotional well-being. It’s like having the best of both worlds—beautiful scents and a healthier home.

I started using essential oils to help my son, who struggled with falling asleep at night. He had a hard time calming down enough to fall asleep. Thankfully, diffusing essential oils made a huge difference! Now, every night we fill our diffusers with sleep-supporting oils like Lavender, Orange, and Peace & Calming and it’s become a comforting routine for the whole family.

And here’s an important fact: studies show that burning candles can release chemicals as harmful as secondhand smoke. That’s why I’m so passionate about switching to clean, non-toxic alternatives like Young Living. Their products contain only the highest quality, therapeutic-grade essential oils—no harmful fragrances, just the pure, natural scents of the oils themselves. Even better, a tiny bottle of essential oil lasts much longer than a candle, since you only need a few drops per use. Plus, you can easily change up the scent whenever you want!

If you’re ready to make the switch but don’t know where to start, I’ve put together a list of my favorite diffusers and bundles to help you on your journey. You’ll also love Young Living’s Simplified Collection—pre-made diffuser blends that take the guesswork out of mixing oils. Just add drops to your diffuser with water, and you’re good to go! These blends offer all the comforting scents of the seasons, without any of the toxins.

To make things even easier, new customers get a diffuser with their purchase, so you’ll be ready to enjoy the cozy, Hygge-inspired atmosphere in no time. As the gatekeepers of our homes, we have the opportunity to create healthy habits and choose safe products for our families.

So why not start by swapping out those candles for a diffuser and healthier, more sustainable scents?