finial
FIN-ee-uhl
/ˈfɪniəl/
A distinctive decorative ornament at the end of a curtain rod, or at the apex of a roof or gable.
In window treatments, it serves both an aesthetic purpose and a functional one, preventing the curtain rings from sliding off the rod.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin word 'finis' (meaning 'end'), a finial was originally a large stone ornament crowning the peak of a Gothic spire or gable. Over the centuries, the concept was scaled down for furniture and eventually drapery hardware.
Word relationships
- endcap: An endcap is purely functional and flat, whereas a finial is explicitly decorative and stylized.
Commonly confused with
- bracket: A bracket supports the weight of the rod from underneath, while a finial decorates the outer tip of the rod.
Word family
- finials (noun): Plural form of finial.
Collocations
- brass finial
- decorative finial
- rod finial
Example sentences
- "The matte black curtain rod was capped with a carved wooden finial shaped like a classic acorn." A catalog description of drapery hardware.
Memory hook
A finial is placed at the very 'final' part of the rod. The decorative tip of a curtain rod.
When not to use
Do not use to describe the bracket that holds the rod to the wall.
Fun facts
- Pineapple-shaped finials were incredibly popular in 18th-century America because the pineapple was a rare, expensive fruit that symbolized ultimate hospitality.
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