Bergamot vs Lemon: What's the Difference in a Home Fragrance?
Lemon smells sharp, bright and clean, like a freshly cut lemon. Bergamot is a citrus fruit with a softer, rounder smell: a little floral, a little bitter, and more elegant. It is the note that gives Earl Grey tea its scent. Our Kew Morning reed diffuser pairs bergamot with mandarin and vetiver.
How do bergamot and lemon compare?
| Lemon | Bergamot | |
|---|---|---|
| Smells like | Sharp, zesty, clean | Soft citrus, floral, slightly bitter |
| Mood | Energising | Calm and polished |
| Feels | Kitchen fresh | Boutique hotel |
| Best rooms | Kitchen, utility, bathroom | Bathroom, hallway, living room |
Why do perfumers love bergamot?
Bergamot is one of the most used top notes in fine fragrance. It adds brightness without the sharpness of lemon, and it blends easily with florals, woods and amber. That is why it appears in many luxury home scents.
Why use both?
Many citrus blends use both. Lemon gives the first burst. Bergamot smooths it out. Grapefruit and mandarin add juiciness.
Our Kew Morning takes a similar approach. Mandarin and bergamot give a fresh citrus start, with vetiver underneath.
Which should you choose?
- Want a clean, zingy kitchen? Lemon led.
- Want a polished, hotel like bathroom or hallway? Bergamot led.
- Can't decide? A blend of both.
Quick answers
What does bergamot smell like?
Soft citrus with a floral, slightly bitter edge. Think Earl Grey tea.
Is bergamot a lemon?
No. It is a separate citrus fruit, grown mainly in southern Italy.
Is citrus good for a bathroom?
Yes. See how to make a bathroom smell good.
Find your scent
Browse our luxury reed diffusers, handmade in England in four scents, each named after a corner of London. Or scent every room at once with our reed diffuser Home Sets: mix any three scents for £159, or five for £250. Each reed diffuser is made from organic natural ingredients, with a plant based reed diffuser base and is vegan.
More answers in our reed diffuser FAQs.
New to IVNA London? Every scent we make comes as a reed diffuser and a matching luxury scented candle, both handmade in England.
