Cupolas are making a come back---not only for barns, but for homes, garages, commercial buildings, and gazebos. Although they are ornamental, cupolas are also very functional, by circulating air and providing an inexpensive light source. Found throughout America in a variety of types, shapes, and sizes, they provide graceful lines that add to a buildings character, and definitely impressive when gazed upon. They help us return to our roots, a simpler life, when gazed upon we are brought back to our forefathers, the rock of this great nation.

Here are 7 pointers to consider when choosing a cupola:

1. Cupolas are built to last, with a character of tradition. They can be a bold ornament, a sophisticated focal point, a look out, and provide roof ventilation. They often serve as a landmark on commercial buildings, a personal touch on a home or country property.

2. Cupolas can be very small and decorative on medium sized structures, or large enough to be a full room. They can be square, rectangular, octagonal or round. The roofs may be square, peaked or domed. Most are built with a copper roof finished in natural, which will patina over the years, patina, which has been chemically treated to produce a patina, or polished finish, where the copper has been lacquered to keep the bright shiny copper finish.

3. For every architectural style there is a cupola to match. You have the ability to hone the aesthetic appeal of your home/business, and accent your style on antique or modern structures in a distinguishing way and give your buildings a touch of what designers have dubbed "Americana".

4. The size of a cupola is determined by the height, length, and width of the building it will be placed upon. Basic rule of thumb is for every foot of unbroken roof line, you need a inch of cupola base. Example: 24 foot roof line = 24 inch base. If the building is higher than one story, it is recommended a larger cupola. You do not want the cupola to look unbalanced, or out of place, this is why the sizing is so important. The most common mistake is choosing the size from the ground, without realizing that once placed on the roof, it becomes much smaller. Therefore, it is important that appropriate measurements be taken.

5. Cupolas need to be proportional. They should not be tacked on---rather, they should be integrated into the building. A well proportioned cupola off sets the stark designs of modern architecture.

6. Cupola bases are designed to accommodate different roof pitches of the structure it will be placed upon. Typically, a cupola will fit a 6 to 12 degree pitch without a problem. The goal is to choose one that fits the roof, one that enhances the look, without over powering it.

7. Cupolas should be built by quality craftsman. A reputable craftsman will know the appropriate wood, how to make varied designs, when to recommend glass or louvered, and so on. They should listen to the look and functionality you want. Providing them with a picture of the building you will be placing the cupola on can help in the decision process. Working with them you get a chance to create something unique and elegant.

The cupola has become a symbol of America from the most extravagant and majestic, to the simple varieties that grace the roof tops of barns. It is exciting to see the past sitting atop many of the finest buildings of the world, maybe on top of yours.