Whether your home is large or small, getting the most functionality out of every room is key to a happy lifestyle. Finding useful decor that serves a specific function can help you make the most out of every single space. Whether it’s storage furniture or multifunctional accessories, there are many ways you can incorporate functional decor into your space. Using these items will help you add beauty, style, and usefulness that make every day better and life easier. This guide covers the meaning of functional, how it can work with different styles, and a few easy room-by-room ideas to help you get started.

What does functional mean?

Functional decor is a key aspect of home improvement, as it allows homeowners to maximize the utility of their spaces while maintaining aesthetic appeal. For example, a construction worker might use a multi-tool that includes a screwdriver, knife, and other useful items in one singular piece of equipment. When it comes to the decor in your home, these multipurpose items should look attractive, but also serve one or several specific functions at the same time, too. Using this type of decor in your home can make life easier in a variety of ways. For example, if you struggle with clutter, a piece of functional decor that includes storage can help you keep things organized. Even something as simple as a wall mirror can give your home more beauty and functionality, as well. Overall, in the world of interior design, functional means items that serve more than one purpose other than simply being a decorative item that is beautiful to look at. 

Styles that go with the concept

No matter what type of design style you like best, using functional decor can add beauty and usefulness to every room. Here are some examples of styles that go well with the concept of useful decoration.

  • Minimalism: If you prefer a minimalist home, functional decor is a smart way to add style and functionality. Minimalists like to keep things clean and prefer not to use an abundance of decor to express their style. Look for things like multipurpose furniture that serves two or more functions in one.
  • Glam: Those who love the luxurious life likely prefer the glam interior design style. This style incorporates things like shimmering metallics, mirrored details, and faux fur. Look for decorative and functional items you can use in your glamorous home, like a beautiful rolling bar cart in a gold finish to store glassware and mixing tools. This simple piece of functional decor is perfect for entertaining, too.
  • Rustic: A rustic or farmhouse home features warm colors and rugged materials like reclaimed wood and metal. Key pieces might include a large solid wood hutch or cabinet used for storage, or a wooden wall shelf you can use to display small potted plants or framed pictures.
  • Modern: Sleek and sophisticated, modern homes use clean lines and dramatic details to make a statement. In this home style, look for decorative objects that can double as functional decor for storage and display. A tall, contemporary floor lamp with two separate heads gives you functional task lighting that you can adjust to suit your needs. Sculptural wall hooks add modern style while providing a place to hang purses, coats, or hats.
  • Traditional: Most people tend to have a classic or traditional home-style which means that finding useful decoration for these types of homes is fairly easy. Try a comfortable bench with hidden storage so you can provide seating to guests while hiding extra items like stray throw blankets and pillows. A wood hall tree with metal hooks placed in your entryway is another excellent choice.

Room by room ideas

Here are some helpful ideas for functional decor that you can incorporate into every room of your home. Feel free to get creative and look for new, unusual pieces that will add beauty, style, and plenty of useful function in every space.

  • Living room: From extra remote controllers to throw pillows, it’s easy to let the living room become cluttered. Look for functional decor that adds extra storage to this space, so you can keep it neat and tidy. A small storage ottoman or storage bench is an excellent choice. Coffee tables and end tables with drawers offer additional storage for smaller items, too. Hang a beautiful mirror in your living room to add a sleek, bright touch. Not only are mirrors a beautiful decor choice, but they reflect natural light, making the room look bigger while giving you a place to check out your reflection.
  • Kitchen: If you have a lot of cooking tools and cookware, hang railing on the walls to keep everything organized and off the counters. Install custom cabinet drawers that will help you separate items like spices and flatware so it’s easy to find what you need. If you have an island in your kitchen, make sure there are cabinets installed underneath to give you more room to store pots and pans. A stylish spice rack or a set of attractive canisters provide easy ways to keep cooking ingredients organized while adding a beautiful touch to your space. Add some stylish hooks to the wall in your kitchen and use them to hold and display your favorite coffee mugs. The possibilities are endless in the kitchen, so look for unique home gadgets that will give this part of your home a stylish touch and lots of useful functionality.
  • Bathrooms: From toiletries to towels, the bathrooms in your home can always use some useful home gizmos. Install stylish and sleek towel rings and bars to neatly fold bath and hand towels to keep them off of the floor. Look for beautiful bathroom vanity organizers so you can corral cosmetics and personal care products. This will free up space on your vanity and make the bathroom look beautiful and luxurious. As for the shower, install a multifunctional showerhead in a beautiful finish that comes with several different setting options, so you can change the flow of the water to suit your needs. Use color to make small bathrooms look and feel larger. For example, if your current wall color is dark, paint it a lighter color like white to help make the room seem bigger and more open. Install a medicine cabinet with a mirror in your bathroom to get two uses in one. Hang a shelf over the toilet or use an etagere to keep toilet paper organized and close at hand.
  • Bedrooms: Your bedroom is a place for rest and relaxation, so finding the right functional decor in this space is extremely important. A beautiful, upholstered storage bench at the foot of your bed helps you keep items like shoes and jackets neatly put away. Try a bed with built-in drawers tucked underneath so you have a spot for extra blankets, sweaters, and clothing. If your bedroom closet is small, be sure to incorporate functional furniture like a large dresser or armoire. This functional furniture gives you even more storage to keep the bedroom free of clutter. Mirrors are a must-have for your bedroom. Hang one above your dresser or try a full-length mirror that will make the room look brighter while giving you a place to check out your outfit before you head outside for the day.
  • Studio: Whether you love to paint or sew, there are many useful items you can incorporate into this space. Shelving and drawers are especially important since you’ll likely have plenty of paints, thread, scissors, and other artistic tools to organize. Add a tall bookcase to your studio and fill it with fabric bins or clear glass jars to keep everything separated and in its own place. A pegboard on the wall with some hooks makes it easier to access a variety of items within reach. Don’t forget the lighting in this room. Look for task lighting like a beautiful table lamp that includes a USB port so you can keep all of your devices charged while you’re working on your next project. You can also get a few cheap photo tiles that will look aesthetically pleasing.
  • Office: If you work from home or have a home office, good functionality is vital to helping you stay on task. Be sure to bring in a beautiful, stylish desk that includes the functionality you need to get the job done. Look for large executive desks with file drawers to keep paperwork organized. If you mostly work on a computer, try a smaller writing desk that has just enough room for your computer, a lamp, and a mousepad. A locking file cabinet is an excellent way to secure confidential paperwork. Look for office chairs that are beautiful and comfortable with features including an adjustable back, arms, and tilt so you’re comfortable throughout the workday.

No matter what type of home style you like best, adding functional decor to every room will make your life much easier. Whether it’s a large mirror in your bedroom or some racks to hang pots and pans in the kitchen, these helpful home gadgets can bring a stylish element to any space. Keep these tips in mind and get ready to enjoy a beautiful home that also offers you plenty of functionality.