Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes 866-400-1776
Follow Us On Social Media!
  • Home
  • Specials
    • Mailboxes, Mailbox and Lantern Posts
  • Gallery
    • Garages
    • Barn Cupolas
  • Cupolas
    • Louver Cupolas
    • Window Cupolas
    • Custom Cupolas >
      • Four Sides
      • Six Sides
    • Estate/Select Series
    • Signature Series
    • Gazebo Cupolas
    • Metal Cupolas
    • Wood/Shed Cupolas
    • PVC-Cedar
    • Cupola Lanterns
  • Weathervanes
    • Sealife
    • Boats
    • Flying Birds
    • Running Animals
    • Finials & Arrows
    • Novelty Weathervanes
    • Smaller
    • Accessories
  • Custom
    • Custom Cupola Installation
    • Royal Crowne Custom
    • VF Custom Designs
    • Digital Garage Quotes
    • Finished Garages
    • Digital Building Quotes
    • Finished Buildings
  • Shop Now
  • Contact
    • Installation >
      • Cupola Sizing Charts
    • Contractors & Developers >
      • Just Completed in Sulphur Springs, Texas (February 2019)
      • Just Completed in Scarsdale, NY (January 2018)
    • Testimonials
    • Cupola Shop Visit
    • Blog
    • Referral Program
    • Partners

 What are Finials? Enhance Your Cupola with this Elegant Touch!

1/12/2017

0 Comments

 
​When choosing an accent for the top of a cupola, weathervanes are the most popular choice. Weathervanes have a long and glorious history that contributes to their popularity. However, finials also have a rich history and can bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to your home.

What are Finials?

Picture
Finials are decorative ornaments placed on top of poles or the apex of a roof, cupola, or similar structure on a building. In architecture, they are commonly used to emphasize the top of a spire, dome, tower, roof, or other prominent feature of a structure. A series or group of finials is often referred to as a “pinnacle.”
 
While Greeks and Romans occasionally adorned their buildings with finials, they did not become a prominent architectural design element until around 711 A.D. The trend gained popularity in Asia, where finials were used to ornament the tops of pagodas. Pagodas are temples or other sacred buildings with a pyramid-like tower and upward-curving roofs. A central finial would be placed on the very top of the highest roof, with smaller finials gracing the upturned corners of each eave.
 
Many of these initial finials were made out of stone, and their designs were heavily influenced by Buddhism. The most common design was that of a lotus bud: a closed bud represented the potential for enlightenment, while an open bud represented rebirth. The Japanese began making finials out of metals, such as iron and copper, but they kept Buddhist symbolism in their designs. (These included the sacred wheel, the water flame, and nine rings stacked vertically to represent the Buddhist deities.)
 
Finials saw a resurgence in use during the Victorian and Gothic eras. Designs based on Arthurian legends became popular, such as the Gawain, Merlin, and Lancelot finials. Gothic finials also typically included ornamental figures such as gargoyles, dragons, and other mythical creatures. Victorian finials tended more toward regal designs, such as the fleur de lis.

Find the Perfect Finial at Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes

We have seventeen different finials to choose from, including our latest addition, the Aragon. This magnificent copper finial is available in both 28” and 40” heights. While most of our finials come in polished copper finish, some of the designs offer the following finishes:
  • Verdigris
  • Black matte
  • Black gloss
  • White antique
  • White gloss
  • Nickel brushed
  • Nickel polished 
If you are looking to add style and flair to your home, look no further than Valley Forge Cupolas and Weathervanes. Call us today at 866-400-1776 to order one of our beautiful finials.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    ​A Little

    About Us

    We are the "Cupola Specialists" who can help you with every aspect of your cupola selection. Let us do a customized digital quote so that you can see exactly how one of our beautiful vinyl or wood cupolas will look on your roof.

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016

    RSS Feed

Save Up to 72% Cupola and Weathervane Sale!
For your FREE quote, email MagicCupolas@ValleyForgeCupolas.com or call 866-400-1776!

© 2019. All Rights Reserved.