~ R ~

Rabbet: See rebate.

Rail: A horizontal framing member in joinery, such as a seat-rail, table carcase, chair frame, back-rail etc., or as found in a door.

Rake: The angle, inclination or slope backwards at which, for example a chair back deviates from the vertical. (See Splay).

Rebate (note, this is pronounded as rabbit!): A right-angled recess cut in the edge of a piece of wood, or formed by two pieces, to house another piece such as a panel or drop-in seat. It can also be a groove, such as that used to hold a removable shelf. Can also be spelt rabbet.

Reed: A long, thin piece or sliver of something such as brass, inserted into a slot cut into the background, solely for for decorative effect.

Reeding: Repeated, decorative half-round convex mouldings in parallel lines used especially round pillars or legs. Can sometimes be found in flutes.

Renaissance: Principally a rejection of the Gothic, this revival of Classical ideas, styles, architecture and decoration began in C15th Italy (principally Florence), and spread to Northern Europe during the C16th, eventually reaching England. Bringing a new naturalism, this influence didn't really affect English art and design until the early C17th

Ribbing: A repeated decoration of small-scale reeds (see reeding), which is often used in flat panels.

Rocaille: A French word meaning rockwork, often applied to shell and rockwork decoration found in Rococo work.

Rococo: A term derived from the French rocaille meaning rockwork, this extravagant architectural and decorative style developed in France in the early C18th, spreading to and being developed all over Europe. It was principally a reaction against, and was born out of, the heaviness and seriousness of Baroque. Principally used in interior decoration, its influence spilled over into furniture design. In essence it was frivolous, light and asymmetrical, its principal motifs being Chinese and Indian motifs, and delicate curvaceous shapes.

Rosette: A circular-shaped, floral ornament. They were often used at the corner joints of fireplaces and in cabinet making.

Roundel: A circular ornament, which may or may not incorporate some applied or inlaid decorative moulding or carving.

Rule joint: A stopped hinged joint used on table leaves, press doors etc., comprising a long ovolo moulding which leaves no gap at any stage of the opening or closing. This involves routing or planing an ovolo mould on a table with a radius profile on the leaf to match.

Runner: So-called because they're the strips of wood fixed to the carcase of a piece of cabinet furniture, on either side and on which a drawer runs. It's a good idea to give these a rub with a candle if the drawers stick.

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