Demeter Fragrance Library is a New York firm that challenges the creation of conventional perfumes. Some of their best-selling fragrances include Dirt, a “nostalgic” scent with the essence of freshly turned dirt; Baby powder, a soft and comforting aroma; or even Tomato, which captures the freshness of the fruit and its leaves.

While these scents are not altogether strange, they do break away from the more usual market view. However, some of their fragrances are even more striking. What scents come to mind when you think of a funeral?

The creation of a Best Seller

Funeral Home, introduced in 2008 by Demeter, has been one of the most popular scents in its catalog, presented in the form of perfume, cologne, oil diffuser and even shower gel. The fragrance, according to its official website, would be described as “a blend of classic white flowers including lilies, carnations, gladiolus, chrysanthemums with stems and leaves, with a hint of mahogany and oriental carpet”.

This final result was not the goal of these combinations, but rather to recreate a floral scent. However, when sniffed by one of Demeter's founders, he said, “It smells like my Grandfather's funeral...call it Funeral Home!” and it did.

Despite its name, not all buyers report feeling this fragrance with a negative sentiment. Some say they sense a tender scent of flowers, a freshness aroma or even a flower shop, while others say they relate it directly to a floral arrangement for a funeral.

Among its other curious fragrances you can also find the scent of Holy Water, which seeks to bring you “good memories of church”; Sunshine, which claims to replicate the smell of cotton and the warmth of the sun; Rain, with freshness and a scent of fresh rain, Kitty fur, with a sense of warmth and comfort, such as “the neck of a kitten”; or even Salt air, like the scent of a gentle breeze on the beach.

Final thoughts: a good fragrance or just something unique?

Whether for everyday use or for a collection of perfumes, Funeral Home breaks the mold of traditional scents and for €21,95 for the smaller bottle (30mL), it is not such a big risk if you are interested in acquiring it. You can find their official website here and you can also check out some of their more unconventional fragrances.