The design and placement of furniture should take into account aesthetics, visual identity, function, pedestrian mobility and road safety.
Street furniture itself has become as much a part of many nations' identities as dialects and national events, so much so that one can usually recognise the location by their design; famous examples of this include: Since most items of street furniture are of a utilitarian nature, authorities generally keep them up-to-date and replace them regularly (usually to conform to regulations, safety codes, etc.).
Because of this, old, outdated, obsolete, or even non-functional street furniture can be rare sights and hold a special fascination and inspire nostalgia for many people.
Some concealed cell sites disguise the tower with a structure that can fit into street furniture.
Large displays in central streets can provide information, advertise events or products, or warn citizens about potential problems.