When we think about decorating our homes, our minds usually drift to living room rugs, kitchen backsplashes, or perhaps the landscaping in the front yard. However, there is a massive canvas sitting right on top of your home that is often neglected: the roof. Known by architects as the “fifth wall,” your roof makes up about 40% of your home’s visible exterior.
Ignoring this space is a missed opportunity for curb appeal. While structural integrity is paramount, aesthetics play a huge role in the character of a home. Many homeowners struggle with the basics, such as how to choose roof color for red brick house, but once the fundamental materials are selected, the real creativity begins with house roof decor.
From architectural accents to functional art, here is how you can transform the top of your home into a design statement.
The Art of Roof Jewelry: Weathervanes, Finials, and Cupolas
Just as an outfit isn’t complete without accessories, a roof often needs a focal point to break up the monotony of shingles or tiles. This is where traditional house roof decor comes into play.
Weathervanes
Once a crucial tool for farmers and sailors to predict the weather, weathervanes have evolved into charming decorative pieces. While the classic rooster is timeless, modern designs range from copper ships and horses to abstract geometric shapes. A weathervane placed atop a garage, a turret, or the highest peak of the roof adds a sense of history and movement to the structure.
Roof Finials
If you want to draw the eye upward, finials are the answer. These are the decorative ornaments found at the apex of a roof gable, turret, or canopy. They are particularly effective on Victorian, Gothic, or French-style homes. Available in copper, wood, or iron, finials act as the “crown” of the house, adding a sharp, sophisticated silhouette against the sky.
Cupolas
A cupola is a small, dome-like structure sitting on top of a larger roof. Originally designed for ventilation to cool down barns, they are now largely aesthetic. A white vinyl or natural wood cupola adds height and grandeur to a standard ranch or farmhouse-style home.
Functional Decor: Rain Chains and Snow Guards
House roof decor doesn’t have to be purely ornamental; it can serve a purpose while looking good.
Rain Chains (Kusari-doi): Originating from Japan, rain chains are a beautiful alternative to clunky aluminum downspouts. They consist of a series of metal cups or links that guide rainwater from the gutter to the ground. Watching water cascade down a copper rain chain turns a gloomy storm into a Zen visual experience.
Snow Guards: If you live in a colder climate, snow guards are essential for preventing dangerous sheets of ice from sliding off the roof. However, they don’t have to be ugly. You can install decorative bronze or cast-iron guards shaped like maple leaves, fleur-de-lis, or eagles, turning a safety feature into an architectural asset.
Solving the Color Puzzle: Roofing for Red Brick
Before you install finials or weathervanes, the foundation of your roof decor is the color of the shingles or tiles themselves. This is particularly challenging for homes with distinct siding, leading many to ask: how to choose roof color for red brick house?
Red brick is a dominant, texture-heavy material. Because the brick itself is “busy,” your roof needs to complement it without competing for attention.
- The Classic Contrast: The safest and most elegant choice for red brick is Black or Charcoal Grey. This creates a sharp, modern contrast that grounds the house and makes the red pop.
- Earth Tones: If your brick has flecks of brown or tan in it, a Dark Brown or Weathered Wood shingle can create a warm, cohesive look.
- What to Avoid: generally, you should avoid red or terracotta roofs on a red brick house. It creates a “washed out” look where the house blends into itself. You also want to be careful with very light grey, which can sometimes look mismatched against the visual weight of the brick.
Illumination: Roofline Lighting
Decor isn’t just for the daytime. How your roof looks at night matters, too. Modern house roof decor involves strategic lighting.
- Soffit Lighting: Recessed lights installed in the roof overhangs (soffits) wash the walls with light, highlighting the texture of your brick or siding while outlining the shape of the roof.
- Permanent Track Lighting: Gone are the days of hanging Christmas lights every December. New permanent LED track systems can be installed under the roofline. They are invisible during the day but can be programmed to display any color at night for holidays, game days, or simple architectural accenting.
Conclusion
Your home’s exterior is a reflection of your personal style, and the roof should never be an afterthought. Whether you are installing a whimsical weathervane, swapping ugly gutters for elegant rain chains, or simply selecting the perfect shingle color to match your brickwork, house roof decor is the secret ingredient to outstanding curb appeal.
For more inspiration on transforming your living space, visit American Home Protect (americanhomeprotect.co.uk). Whether you are looking for expert home design, unique home decor ideas, or practical home improvement tips, they offer a wealth of resources to help you build and maintain your dream home.
