Let ( Ω , Σ , μ ) be a finite measure space and consider a Banach function space Y ( μ ) . We say that a Banach space E is representable by Y ( μ ) if there is a continuous bijection I : Y ( μ ) → E . In this case, it is possible to define an order and, consequently, a lattice structure for E in such a way that we can identify it as a Banach function space, at least regarding some local properties. General and concrete applications are shown, including the study of the notion of the pth power of a Banach space, the characterization of spaces of operators that are isomorphic to Banach lattices of multiplication operators, and the representation of certain spaces of homogeneous polynomials on Banach spaces as operators acting in function spaces.