What is a Finial?
A finial is a decorative accent piece usually found at the top of a building or decor item. Finials are also featured at the ends of curtain rods and the top of flagpoles. A finial is sometimes called a knop. The three most common materials used to create finials are stone, metal and wood. Wooden finials may top fence posts or bed posts also made out of wood. A fence post finial may be called a cap. Finials made from turned or carved wood can often be seen as a decoration on top of a wooden clock such as on grandfather clocks. A wooden clock finial is usually featured in a broken pediment. A broken pediment is a decorative wood piece placed in two parts with an open area in the middle. Newel finials sit on the tops of the newels or posts of a staircase. A newel finial may be just a plain geometric shape or it could be intricately carved to look like an acorn, flower or other design. Hollow or solid metal finials may top fences and gates as well as appear at the ends of curtain and tape
A finial is much more than a decoration, it is also a way to weather proof and protect the apex of a tower, turret, cupola or gazebo. Finials have been an integral part of many architectural periods including Medieval, Tudor, Gothic Revival, Italianate, all the Victorian styles, Richardsonian Romanesque, Chateauesque and Second Empire. The current Victorian Revival has renewed an interest in these delightful adornments.
