In my opinion, home decor should never be boring. Even if you prefer a more formal style, adding a touch of humor with a unique item is a great way to liven up any room.

One way to create a humorous effect is by introducing a funny text caption added onto an item, a pillow, a door mat or a mug. Another way to add fun is simply by using the element of surprise. Anything that is out of the ordinairy and brings a smile to your face will do the job.

Here are some simple rules to help you lighten up the atmosphere in any room:

1. Keep funny elements functional to the room. Use a funny pillow in the bedroom, a funny chair next to the dining table, a funny plate in the kitchen, or a funny bean bag in the kids room. That way the humor is incorporated into the room rather than forced unto it.

2. Try to make the joke pertinent to you and your lifestyle. Make a statement with it about who you are and what you believe in. A witty comment about men can work well in a single woman's home while a note about retirement could be out of place in a teens bedroom.

3. Avoid clutter and keep it simple - don't try to cram too many funny items in a room. You want a touch of humor in your home decor - don't turn your home into a joke.

4. Keep it appropriate. Some types of jokes are not for everyone. A college pad can be fine with some raunchier funny items, but you may want to keep them out of sight if younger or more conservative folks are visiting the place.You want to make people smile - not to upset them.

Here are some ideas for funny items by amazon that you can work into your home decor for that extra smile.

Here's a functional little item that can make you smile everytime you get out of the shower and reach out for some body lotion. The squished toothpaste tubes have a realistic look, enough to make you hesitate before they push that pump, at least during the first few uses. In light baby blue hues, it looks good too, and can easily be integrated into most color schemes.

This doormat is a great example for using text on a home decor item to generate a smile. While waiting for you to come to the door, your guests will have just enough time to read this caption and get ready for your pooch to jump out at them...You don't even have to have a dog to use this, and it can be a fun way to usher in smiling guests.

This little figurine is hilarious, although it may not be to every dining table's taste. You need to have a good sense of humor to enjoy this painfully amusing makeshift woodoo doll... I am not sure if I would recommend this one for kids - definitely not if you have young children - but for adult company, this agonizing little dude can be a funny addition to the dinner table.

Another variation on the "poor little guy" theme with this flexible magnetic man, that can be stretched across your fridge door in a variety of ways. It's practical and it's fun at the same time. The bright color is sure to make your guests come over and check out the little guy. Available in bright blue too.

I chose this beautiful black rooster because it's a great example of stylish beautiful decor, where the humor is not necessarily the focus. This small sculpture in shiny black actually looks quite formal and, well, "pretty". It's only when you look at that funny head, with the bulging eyes, that you notice just how funny this round fella actually is. A more understated way to introduce humor into your home decor - with style.

Like the rooster, this fishy trio is decorative first, and funny later. The subdued tones and glossy finish can make these planters easy to fit in within your living room or patio. Their rich details and funny expressions are an added bonus, which take some glancing time to fully appreciate.

Humor is often created by something unexpected. The wrong thing at the wrong place usually brings a smile to one's face, when done with taste. This shower curtain is a great example. Fish may be a common theme for shower curtains, much like sea shells and sea horses, but you certainly do not expect to see those fish in the forum of sushi roll!

Let's wrap up this funny home decor buffet with one more edible item. Speaking of food in the wrong places, how about a pizza on your wall? This life size pepperoni pizza with extra cheese is an instant attention grabber. The red and yellow colors, as well as the very unsual theme, can make this one a challenge to work into your home. It can be perfect for a light-hearted kitchen though, or even for a teenager's room (especially if your teen is a pizza freak!)