Lamp finials are the small ornamental structures on top of a lamp

Lamp finials are not necessarily a structural part of the lamp. They are not essential to the build or the structure. They are the decorative and ornamental features which are found on top of the lamp. They can either be decorative or functional.

Practically they fulfill the function of securing the shade. Without it the shade would easily loosen and topple off. As decoration they serve as beautiful ornamentation and add to the aesthetic value of the whole piece. In the past these finials used to be made of wrought iron, shaped into wonderful and many a times very elaborate forms. In fact, unless such a decorative ornamentation was present, the lamp itself was thought to be incomplete. The richer a family, the more elaborate the craftsmanship that went into it. They had over a period of time become a symbol of status and class.

In the present times, they are made not just from wrought iron but many other materials. They come in all shapes, sizes and qualities. Their prices range from a few dollars to a couple of hundred dollars, suiting all kinds of budgets. Being essentially non structural elements, their job is basically aesthetic, giving a finished and ornamental touch to the whole structure. They are used to add to the existing landscape. At times they are so designed that they blend in with the surroundings and many times they are designed such that they are the focus of the whole landscape. Depending upon what you have in mind, lamp finials can serve as a beautiful component of any design or plan. When used they serve as a very unique and eye catching feature lending a quaint charm to the surroundings. Being traditional in their appeal, they are a charming reminder of the past and its beauty.