A method for producing a decorative element and uses of a decorative element. A polarizing layer functioning as an analyzer is applied to a transparent optical carrier material and a transparent optical functional layer is applied as an image-forming layer including an optically anisotropic material. By spatially structuring the functional layer, a targeted location-dependent dependency of material properties of the optically anisotropic material is created for producing the image-forming layer. One or several decorative elements produced can each be introduced into a light field of a lighting device in a desired shape, size and quantity and having settable image motifs (image structures) and being disposed at different spatial distances and being freely disposable. The decorative element produced is intended to be used as an architectural element for creating light-optical effects in the exterior area of buildings, as a design element for interior design or for object design.