A cupola provides an attractive break to what can otherwise be a characterless roof and though many homes have them fitted purely for decorative purposes they actually have developed to satisfy the practical requirements of providing a viewing platform, adding light, a feeling of internal space and ventilation.

A cupola is traditionally seen as a dome structure built upon a circular or polygonal base; when they are not used as a roof addition they are better known as a gazebo when built at ground level. Modern designs are not restricted to a dome structure and it is more usual to see a straight sided polygon used, not least as this is cheaper and easier to construct. Adding a cupola is not a complicated exercise, though much will depend upon the pitch of the roof – a steep pitch is likely to require an extension unit to provide the foundation and to avoid harming the structural integrity of the roof. A pitch of 10/12 (ten inch rise per foot) will readily take a vinyl or wood standard cupola while a castle style cupola will take a steeper 12/12 pitch; in both cases the extension provides the stability for the cupola.

Though it has been traditional to manufacture a cupola from wood, modern man made materials, such as white vinyl and polyurethane, are increasingly abundant in their construction. Wooden cupolas can also be shingled to match the roof itself and provide an architectural appearance and all types can be painted to suit your home's appearance and color scheme.

Internally, a cupola may not be visible however many designers incorporate a cupola so the dome structure is visible form indoors. This gives a feeling of space and light as well as providing a internal design feature that is usually only seen in larger buildings seeking to emulate a Greco-Roman style. If a cupola is not going to be used for providing a vantage point from the attic or roof space, they may still deliver a much needed ventilation function by using louvered panels for their construction; insufficient ventilation in the roof space will make it uncomfortable for any use including simple storage.

A belvedere is a type of cupola that is intended to provide a high vantage point from which to enjoy the scenery and is usually larger than the small, decorative structures we are most accustomed to. Belvedere's are also known as “widow walks” from the romantic notion that they provide a place of peace and solitude however, this is a serious misnomer when you are enjoying a spectacular sunset from your rooftop. Smaller cupolas that provide restricted or no viewpoint but do provide additional light are known as monitors and are much less obtrusive from the external aspect but do provide great opportunities for natural indoor lighting effects.

Using a cupola provides a great opportunity to combine the external and internal aspects of your home; one of the great architectural challenges when building any building. If you are looking to enhance the external appearance of your home with effective and practical design that will provide you with great interior design opportunities then you will be looking at what a cupola can do for you!