It satisfies both form and function. :)
We bought the chrome version with smooth bars to hold the rolls. They are so great! Bought one for every bathroom. Convenient to have another roll ready if one runs out, and buys you some time, contributing relaxed but household. 
We put one in our tiny bathroom with a towel bar above it. The unexpected benefit was that the phone shelf over the toilet paper is protected from the dripping water when we dry our hands. 
Super pleased with this purchase!