Functional items can also add to the decorative style of a room

Different rooms have different needs, and that applies as well to functional items that also may serve as decorative features within a space.

Clocks, for instance, are often viewed as purely functional in a household because they are so useful. But they can be drawn into the design scheme of any room in the house.

"Beautifully designed decorative wall clocks not only tell you what time it is, but are a must-have fantastic decorative accessory that will add style, character and dimension to any home or office," according to AllWallDecor.com.

In bedrooms, the place where the day begins and ends, clocks are needed to wake us. But not all alarm clocks are the same, and homeowners should take into account how they prefer to wake – listening to music, by the sound of a loud buzz or a quiet beep.

In the same way, window treatments may be viewed as necessary for privacy and for managing light, but they also contribute to the decorative look of a room. Roman shades provide an attractive look for passersby outside, but they also can be matched to any room décor from a wide range of fabrics and colors. Light-filtering roman shades allow natural light to permeate without giving up privacy.