The first question usually is; What is the right size?
When sizing a weathervane, use the figures largest dimension, length or height, in your determination.
The ‘First rule of thumb’ is “Scale to Width”, one inch per figure’s size should equal one foot of structure size below it. Most people find that adding a little extra looks even better. Example: a 32 foot garage roof is OK with a 32″ figure but will look best with a 36″ figure, 36″ high Finial, or 36″ square cupola (base width). A 14 foot roof looks OK with a 14″ figure but even better with an 18″ figure. ‘Second rule of thumb’ is “Scale to Distance”, the higher up or farther away your piece goes, the larger it will need to be in proportion. An 18″ figure will look fine on a 14′ roof if it is one story but too small if that roof is 3 stories up, so go up a size to 24″ or so. If you are mounting a weathervane on an 18′ pole in your yard far from the house, you will want to increase the figure size from 18″ to at least 24″ so its seen easier. ‘Third Rule of thumb’ is “Scale to Stature”, When choosing your weathervane, be conscious of it’s stature when sizing it to your application. A simple 36″ long arrow has less stature than a 36″ long Buffalo or sailboat. Go larger with figures of less stature and smaller with figures of large stature.
Create a scaled drawing of the building and figure to see the proportions or make a full size silhouette template of the piece and hold it in place on the roof. If you’re still stumped, feel free to email me for sizing assistance. My best advice is ‘bigger always looks best’.
