What is the meaning of the furniture term Finial?

A finial refers to a decorative ornament or feature that is often found at the top end or apex of an object. It is usually a small, ornamental piece that adds a finishing touch to the design of the furniture or other items such as bedposts, curtain rods, lamp shades, or the top of a staircase. Finials can come in a variety of shapes, such as balls, spires, acorns, or flowers, and are typically made from materials like wood, metal, glass, or ceramic. They serve both a decorative and functional purpose, adding visual interest to the furniture while also providing a way to secure or cap off the end of a rod or post. Decorative terminal, placed vertically to accentuate a point of a structure, such as a pediment, a post, or intersection.