Cupola Ideas

Wood and Vinyl

• Wood is a common material for decorative cupolas, which are often made from White Northern Pine wood, as noted by the HG Lifestyle website. This choice of material gives the cupola strength and durability, making it a long-term investment. Another good option for a tough, sturdy cupola is a product made from PVC vinyl, which can then be painted as required. The end effect of choosing a cupola made from either material is that your house is lent a traditional air by the addition of the cupola.

Weather Vanes

• If you're going for a cupola design in the classic American style, a weather vane is an addition to consider, bringing to mind glimpses of the decorations seen on country houses and barns dating back to colonial times. The weather vane is typically constructed of brass or copper, and common designs include the arrow or the rooster shape. Not only does a weather vane lend a house's exterior a more unique feel, but it also has a practical use, since the weather vane will act as a lightning rod in stormy weather, offering protection to your home.

In the Garden

• Cupolas don't have to be limited to house exteriors alone. If you're renovating or remodeling your garden, you might consider a cupola as an addition to the top of a garden building; for example, a gazebo, pavilion, or even a folly can benefit from such an addition, where the cupola will crown the top of the building. These cupolas are often constructed of cedar wood, as noted by the Amish Woodworks website, and in some cases the building might be modeled around the cupola itself: a Roman temple design, for instance.

Colors

• Color is a consideration when choosing a cupola. Some building materials, for example, red cedar wood, lend themselves to certain cupola colors, while some people may prefer to have their cupola painted upon installation. An article on the Period Homes website notes the popularity of ivory cupolas, which provide a neutral tone that's not as bright as a plain, white cupola. Meanwhile, other cupolas can be installed with stained glass, which itself offers a choice of colors, including red, blue and green.