Functional coatings can provide many benefits when applied to steel structures including energy efficiency, healthcare and safety functions. Intumescent coatings provide fire protection and anti-microbial coatings improve health. Solar cells and heaters can be fabricated on low-cost rough steel surfaces using insulating coatings like SU8 and SiOx to provide functions like electricity generation and solar heating. Characterization of steel coated with insulating layers shows improved properties for solar applications like reduced roughness and electrical insulation. Future trends in functional coatings include more sustainable and environmentally friendly water-based technologies, as well as coatings with self-healing and sensing abilities.