The first question usually is: What is the right size?
When sizing a weathervane, use the figure’s largest dimension (length, or height) to make your determination.
The ‘First rule of thumb’ is “Scale to Width” – one inch per figure’s size should equal one foot of the main roof line or 1″=1″ of the cupola’s width. 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). The ‘Second rule of thumb’ is “Scale to Height” – the higher up or farther away your piece goes, the larger it will need to be in proportion. A 24″ figure will look fine on a 24′ roof if it is one story but too small if that roof is 2 or 3 stories up so size up to 30″ on a 2 story and 36″ on a 3 story building. The ‘Third Rule of thumb’ is “Scale to Stature” – When choosing your weathervane, be conscious of its stature when sizing it to your application. A simple 36″ long arrow has less stature than a 36″ long buffalo or ship. Go larger with figures of less stature and smaller with figures of substantial 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’.
