> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.accentuate.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.accentuate.io/use-case-guides/home-and-living/function.md).
# Function
OVERVIEW
The Function field captures the primary use or functional purpose of a Home & Living product. It goes beyond the product category to describe what the product does: a sofa functions as Seating, but also potentially as Storage (ottoman storage) or as a Sleeping surface (sofa bed). Structured function data enables discovery by use case, not just by product type.
Function is distinct from Room (where the product is used) and Style (how the product looks). It answers: what does this product do? What problem does it solve? What behaviour does it enable? A decorative bowl that does not hold anything functions as Decoration. One that holds fruit functions as Storage. Both look identical but serve different functional purposes.
BUSINESS VALUE
Why this field matters
* Function-based search ('storage solutions for living room') is common and converts well — structured data captures this intent
* Multi-functional products (sofa beds, extendable tables) can be surfaced across multiple use-case searches with one product listing
* AI recommendation systems use function to group products into use-case-based suggestions ('complete your workspace')
* Function data powers editorial content — 'best storage solutions under £200', 'top lighting picks' — with automated product linking
* B2B and contract buyers specify by function (seating capacity, workspace solutions) — structured function data supports trade sales
* Space-optimisation content (small space living, studio apartments) relies on function tags like 'Space-saving' and 'Convertible'
ACF SETUP
How to configure this field in Accentuate Custom Fields
| Where | ACF dashboard → Templates tab → Product scope → Add new field |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Label | Function |
| Name / Key | function |
| Namespace | accentuate (default) |
| Field type | Shopify >> Single-line text (List) |
| Multi-value | Yes — multi-functional products are common in home & living |
| Note: Multi-value is essential for this field. A storage ottoman functions as both Seating and Storage. An extendable dining table is both Dining and Space-saving. Forcing a single function value misrepresents the product and limits discovery. |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
STEP-BY-STEP IN ACF
* Open ACF, go to Templates tab and select the Product scope
* Click 'Add new field'
* Label: 'Function' — Key auto-fills as 'function'
* Namespace: leave as 'accentuate'
* Field type: Shopify >> Single-line text (List)
* Enable 'Allow multiple selections' — most home products serve more than one function
* Click Done, then Save
* Populate each product with every function it genuinely performs, not aspirational functions it might theoretically serve
REFERENCE VALUES
Example values — assign based on what the product actually does
| Value | When to use |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Storage | Product holds, organises, or contains items — drawers, baskets, shelves, cabinets |
| Seating | Product supports a person sitting — chairs, sofas, stools, ottomans, benches |
| Sleeping | Product supports sleeping — beds, sofa beds, daybeds, pull-out mattresses |
| Dining | Product is used for eating — dining tables, dining chairs, buffets, bar stools at kitchen islands |
| Workspace | Product supports work or study — desks, office chairs, monitor stands, cable management |
| Lighting | Product provides light — floor lamps, pendant lights, table lamps, wall sconces, candles |
| Decoration | Product's primary purpose is aesthetic — vases, sculptures, framed prints, ornaments |
| Organisation | Product structures and sorts items beyond simple storage — drawer dividers, cable organizers, pegboards |
| Multi-functional | Product explicitly designed for multiple primary uses — flag when the multi-functionality is a key selling point |
| Space-saving | Product is designed to minimise footprint — folding, nesting, wall-mounted, or collapsible |
| Convertible | Product transforms between modes — sofa bed, extendable table, adjustable height desk |
| Room dividing | Product separates or defines spaces — screens, open shelving units, curtain room dividers |
\
BEST PRACTICES
* Assign function based on what the product is designed to do, not every possible thing a creative customer might use it for
* 'Decoration' is a valid primary function — do not omit it for genuinely decorative products by assuming they must also 'do' something
* Use 'Convertible' in addition to both primary functions: a sofa bed should have both 'Seating' and 'Sleeping' and 'Convertible'
* Use 'Space-saving' as a secondary function tag, not a replacement for the primary functional category
* Review function assignments when a product's positioning changes — a desk repositioned for children becomes a Workspace for a different audience
COMMON MISTAKES
* Assigning 'Storage' to every product that has any storage element — a sofa with one hidden compartment is not primarily a storage product
* Confusing function with category: 'Bookshelf' is a product category; 'Storage' and 'Organisation' and 'Decoration' are functions
* Omitting 'Decoration' because it feels less commercially significant — decorative products drive significant home & living revenue
* Not using 'Convertible' for sofa beds, extendable tables, and similar — this is a high-intent search term
* Marking a product 'Multi-functional' without also listing its individual functions — the multi-functional tag should supplement, not replace
IN CONTEXT
| Storage Sofa Bed — Grey Velvet |
|
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Room | Living room, Bedroom |
| Style | Contemporary, Modern |
| Material | Velvet upholstery (polyester), Engineered wood frame |
| Function | Seating, Sleeping, Storage, Convertible, Multi-functional |
| Assembly required | Partial assembly (legs only) |
DEVELOPER IMPLEMENTATION
| Liquid note: Shopify >> List — use .value for the array. Function tags are ideal for 'Shop by need' navigation — link each to a use-case collection. |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Liquid — Storefront Rendering
\| {% comment %}
Function — Shopify >> Single-line text (List)
Namespace: accentuate | Key: function
Use for 'Shop by need' navigation and related product logic
{% endcomment %}
{% assign functions = product.metafields.accentuate.function.value %}
{% if functions != blank %}
\
{% for func in functions %}
\{{ func }}\
{% endfor %}
\
{% endif %}
|
\| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Pro tip: Build 'Shop by Function' navigation using function metafield values as collection conditions. A 'Space-Saving Solutions' collection filtered by function = 'Space-saving' populates automatically and is highly relevant to urban apartment shoppers — a growing and underserved customer segment. |
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
\
\
SEE ALSO
* Room — function is always performed within a room context
* Style — function and style together define a product's full identity
* Dimensions — large multi-functional products often have complex dimension sets (open/closed, extended/retracted)
| Full ACF documentation: help.accentuate.io \| Metafield Definitions → Fields → Field data type → Shopify field types |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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