The Best Ways to Use a Cupola on a Roof

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Cupolas are an enchanting design element that can bring light, ventilation, and visual interest to your roof. From creating compelling architecture to implementing practical functionality, our designers know all the best ways to use a cupola on a roof. Read on for some of our favorite examples.

What is a cupola?

A cupola is a small, hollow structure that protrudes up from a roof. Cupolas typically feature windows, openings, or louvers for ventilation and natural light, and they often have pointed roofs. These structures add charm and architectural interest to homes while also serving functional purposes like improving airflow and allowing more natural light into your home.

We offer comprehensive exterior design visualizations that include a myriad of design elements, from shutters and cupolas to front doors and windows. Partner with us to make your design dreams a reality. Learn more about our virtual exterior design services.
house with multiple colors and materials with a cupola on the roof

Create visual interest

This design emanates compelling contrast: the varied window shapes, mixed exterior colors and textures, and dynamic roofline. To add more allure to the straight roofline on the right side, we added a cupola, which complements the home’s peaks. 

white brick house with a black hip roof and a cupola

Embrace shapes 

Our designers added impactful accents to enhance the elegance of this home. The black shingles on the roof and cornice returns beautifully contrast the white brick and stone on the exterior. The architecture features a blend of curves and points, including arched doorways and windows alongside multiple pointed gables. A pointed cupola with an arched ventilated section sits atop the hip roof, tying all the shapes in this design together.

rustic house with a cupola

Architectural focal point 

Cupolas can bring a touch of whimsy to rustic exteriors. The midsection of this home is captivating, with grand, extra-large windows, a striking gable, wood trusses, and eclectic exterior lighting. To top things off, we adorned the roof’s peak with a cupola that features windows, a copper top, and a weathervane for ornamental appeal.

ranch house with a cupola

Make a point

The gabled end of this ranch home stands out amid the rest of the low-pitch roofline. We added a tapered cupola, adorned with a weathervane, for extra appeal.

traditional white house with dormer windows and two cupolas

Double feature

Cupolas are an excellent way to add some interest to the roofline and elevate the curb appeal of a traditional home. Throughout this façade, our designers embraced symmetry. Gables flank the entryway with two dormer windows above. We added two cupolas to the roof, which make the straight roofline more dynamic. We also appreciate how the windows on the cupolas emulate the paned windows used on the rest of the exterior.

sprawling home with cupola

Add some ambiance 

Next, we have a design with a varied, angular roof and a sprawling layout. There are several peaks and sharp lines throughout the design and, specifically, the roofline. Our designers helped the owners visualize a cupola with windows for height at the intersection on the cross-gabled roof on the left.

green house with a metal roof and a cupola

Bring balance 

Combined with the green siding and white trim, this home’s sleek metal roof stands out. The cupola draws the eye up the steep sloped roof, and the windows allow for more light to pass through, creating an airy aesthetic.

brick house with a metal roof and a cupola

Crushing on cupolas?

Cupola roof accents offer interesting geometry and useful height to just about any roofline. Plus, they can provide ventilation or added light. Our designers carefully consider the style, placement, and purpose of these charming structures to simultaneously improve aesthetics and give a home’s exterior and interior some added function.

Unlock the hidden potential of your home and elevate its curb appeal. At brick&batten, our designers create awe-inspiring designs, carefully considering materials, landscaping, and functional elements that reflect your unique style and design aspirations. Don’t wait any longer – get started on your exterior design journey with us today!

Author

brick&batten Contributor

Mackenzie has been writing for brick&batten for three years, and most of her exterior design knowledge comes from renovating her own home. She purchased a log home that was stuck in the '90s and the previous owners were unable to keep up with exterior maintenance. From reimagining the landscaping and hardscaping to revamping the porch and logs, Mackenzie and her family approached the entire project DIY-style. In her free time, Mackenzie enjoys cooking and spending time with her family of six on their farm, which includes cows, chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats. She has been writing for 12 years and has explored a variety of materials from food writing to lifestyle pieces and, of course, virtual exterior design.