Where to Find Finials

In the present, finials are mainly added to roofs. These are typically copper points that are added to the apex of a roof to accent the height. But, while finials are added to give a roof such an effect, they're also added to other objects, too, for the same purpose. Finials can be found on a number of objects ranging from homes to flagpoles to Hindu temples in Indonesia. Essentially, as a finial is usually considered any point that accents an object's height, these fixtures are made in a number of shapes and materials. Although copper is the most common, stone and other metals are used, as well.

When finials are found on homes in the present, they're mostly atop a peaked, pyramid-shaped roof. This wasn't always the case, however. Finials have been used in architecture on buildings and homes as a way to seal cracks and seams to prevent leaks. While using a finial is an ornamental way to seal a seam between parts of a roof, they're not always used on peaked or pointed roofs. In fact, homes with flat roofs, which are typically row houses, were ornamented with a finial on each corner. These, too, were added to accent the height of the home.

Although finials are usually associated with building architecture, they're found on many other objects. An ancient Hindu temple in Java, Indonesia, for example, uses several finials, also to accent the height of the building. Aside from this typical architectural use, they symbolize fingers pointing upwards, as if to elevate the building skyward. Finials are found on smaller objects, as well. Many flagpoles, for example, are designed with an eagle-shaped finial on top, while several gates and fences are embellished with iron finials at various points.

In many cases, if you're looking for finials, you can find them. Various older buildings are decorated with them, while numerous objects, like flagpoles, have one positioned on top.

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