What to Know at a Glance

  • A finial is a decorative end piece that adds a finished look to items like stair posts, curtain rods, lamps, furniture, and architecture.
  • They come in many shapes and materials, most commonly wood, metal, and resin/plastic.
  • They differ from caps and knobs because their main purpose is visual rather than functional.
  • Custom wood finials can be made to match unique designs or production specs, especially for architectural or bulk applications.

A Simple Definition of a Finial

A finial is a decorative or ornamental piece that marks the very top or end of an object. In simple terms, it’s a “cap” or finishing touch that makes something look complete. The word “finial” comes from the Latin finis, meaning “end,” because a finial usually signifies the end point of an object.

Finials are often added to everyday items and structures to make them more attractive. For example, you can find them on furniture, curtain rods, lamps, and even on the tops of buildings.

Custom mahogany finials, precision-turned to match a customer sample for newel posts and decorative woodworking.

Custom Mahogany Finials – Matched to Customer Sample for Architectural Projects

Handcrafted mahogany finials, reproduced from a customer sample for custom woodworking projects.

Common Types of Finials & Where They’re Used

These wood pieces come in many shapes and sizes, and they serve different purposes around the home and in architecture. Some are very simple, while others are elaborate and eye-catching. No matter the type, all of them act as a finishing detail that makes an object look complete and decorative.

Finials can be found in all sorts of places. Below are some common types and where you might see them.

  • Stair Finials (Newel Post) – These sit on top of newel posts, which are the thick posts at the bottom or turning point of a staircase. They are often made of turned wood or metal. If the topper is plain, it may just be called a newel cap. If it’s especially fancy or ornamental, it’s considered a finial. Besides looking nice, a sturdy stair finial is also something you can hold onto when using the stairs.
  • Curtain Rod Finials – These are the ends that screw onto curtain rods (drapery rods). Curtain rod versions keep the curtains or drapes from sliding off the rod and also add decor to the window. They come in many designs to match different room styles. They can be simple or fancy depending on your preference.
  • Lamps & Lighting Finials – On lamps, a finial is the small knob on top that holds the lampshade in place. It usually screws onto the lamp’s harp (the metal frame of the shade). Lamp versions are both functional and decorative. They secure the shade and also serve as a little ornament on the top of the lamp. You might see them shaped like balls, animals, or other fun designs.
  • Architectural Finials – These are larger pieces used on buildings and structures and often crown the tops of roofs, domes, spires, etc. on a building. For example, old churches and castles might have metal or stone finials at their peaks. They don’t have a practical function other than to make the building look more impressive and to emphasize the highest point of the structure.
  • Furniture Finials – They are also common on furniture pieces. You might find them on the corners of dressers, the top of a bed post, or on cabinets. In furniture, they are mostly for looks. Many wooden furniture finials are turned on a lathe into shapes like balls, acorns, or spindles.

Architectural versions are usually the most noticeable type of finial. As an example, the famous Taj Mahal in India has a bronze finial perched on the top of its main dome. It sits over 30 feet tall and was originally made of gold, serving as the “crown” of the building’s design. It doesn’t hold anything up or cover anything; it simply shows off the importance of that building’s highest point. In general, they often become a signature part of a design.

Finials vs. Caps vs. Knobs – What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse finials with other end pieces like caps or knobs, but they do have differences. A cap is usually a plain cover for the end of a post or rod – its job is mostly to protect the end or give it a finished look. Caps tend to be smooth, flat, or simple in design and don’t draw much attention. For example, a flat wooden plug on the top of a fence post is a cap.

A knob, on the other hand, is usually a functional handle or a simple rounded piece that you grab or turn (like a door knob or a drawer knob). Knobs can be decorative, but they are primarily made to be touched and used. Finials are different because their main purpose is to decorate and enhance the appearance of the object’s end point. You typically don’t grab or turn a finial (except perhaps a lamp finial when unscrewing it). In fact, the same stair post might have a newel cap if it’s plain, but an ornate one is called a newel finial if it’s highly decorative.

To summarize, a finial is like an ornamental crown for an object, whereas caps and knobs are usually simpler and more about function than flair.

Looking for custom wood finials or caps for your project?

New sapele newel post cap finial next to weathered customer sample on a workbench.

Sapele Newel Post Cap Reproduction Beside Aged Sample

Reproduced sapele newel post cap shown next to the original customer-supplied sample for comparison.

What Are Finials Made Of?

As we mentioned earlier, finials can be made from various materials depending on what you need them for and how you want them to look. Below are a few common materials and where they are often used.

  • Wood: Many are made of wood. Wood is easy to shape by carving or turning on a lathe, so it’s great for creating custom finial designs. Wooden pieces are common on things like newel posts, bed posts, and older furniture. They can be left natural, stained, or painted. And because wood is so workable, you can order custom wood finials in any style you want! A craftsman can carve or CNC-turn them to your exact specifications.
  • Metal: Metal is popular for drapery rods, lamps, and outdoor architectural versions. Metals like brass, steel, iron, or aluminum are strong and can be cast or forged into detailed shapes. For example, a brass curtain rod finial might be shaped like a pine cone or a leaf. Metal is also used on flagpoles (often a ball-shaped top) and on roof peaks or fences. They’re pretty durable and can withstand weather.
  • Resin/Plastic: In many mass-produced home items, these are common. They’re lightweight and can be molded into almost any shape. Resin will often be chosen to mimic wood or metal designs depending on the user’s end goal. You might find them on cheaper lamp shades or curtain rods and painted to look like brass or wood. They may not be as sturdy as real wood or metal, but they can be cost-effective for decorative purposes.

Can These Pieces Be Customized?

Absolutely! Finials are often the design detail that designers and builders especially want to get just right. Thankfully, companies like ours offer full customization! You can have them made in any shape, size, or style you need.

For example, a carpenter or manufacturer can create them to match a unique furniture design or an architectural theme. They will turn or carve the wood to the precise dimensions and even choose the wood species you prefer (oak, maple, cherry, etc.).

The same goes for metal. A metalworker can cast a custom shape or logo into a finial if needed. You can also specify the finish. You might want a finial painted in a certain color, stained to match other woodwork, or plated with a specific metal coating.

Ordering a custom finial usually involves providing a drawing or example of the design you want. Manufacturers can then produce that design, especially if you need many identical components for a project. This is common in restoration projects (to replicate old versions) or in large-scale builds. With modern tools and machines, very intricate finial designs can be made reliably!

Need custom wood pieces for your production run or architectural project? Request a quote!

Small poplar ball finials and a poplar cap finial for decorative applications.

Custom Poplar End Cap Finials

Small poplar ball finials and one poplar cap finial designed for custom architectural and furniture applications. These finials can be customized in different sizes and wood species.

Final Thoughts: Small Details, Big Impact

Finials are considered to be small details that have a big impact on design. They tie together the overall look of furniture, window treatments, or architecture, and a well-chosen finial shows that someone paid attention to the finishing touches. The right finial offers completeness and style to a project and proves that sometimes the smallest pieces have the biggest impact.

Let’s Get Started on Your Custom Order

If you’re ready to begin production on the perfect wood finial(s) to match your desired decor scheme, reach out to us to learn more about our process. We’ll talk you through each step and provide you with a free, no-obligation estimate. Contact us today to see why we’ve been the best in the business for over 100 years!