A cupola that’s too small can get lost visually, while one that’s too large can overwhelm the structure.
A good rule of thumb is to size your cupola based on the length of your roof. For every foot of roof length, you’ll want approximately 1.25” to 1.5” of cupola square size. This guideline helps keep the proportions visually appealing from the ground.
For example, if your roof is 31 feet long, you’ll want to look for a cupola that measures roughly 38 inches to 46 inches wide. Keep in mind these are general recommendations, not strict rules. You can comfortably go slightly larger or smaller depending on your home’s style and personal preference.
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One of the best ways to be confident in your choice is to test it visually before committing. A simple trick is to use a cardboard box that’s close in size to the cupola you’re considering. Have someone hold the box on the roof while you view it from the ground. This gives you a realistic sense of scale and helps ensure the cupola looks just right once installed.
