These were one of the last pieces commissioned by Ninian and Penelope Home prior to the couple leaving Paxton for London, and from there, in 1792, sailing to Grenada for the last time. Made by Thomas Chippendale Junior, this is a very good example of a highly fashionable Japanned bed cornice. Painted cornices came into full fashion in the 1780s, replacing carved mahogany cornices.

Painted cornices appear in the Haig & Chippendale accounts from around 1780, usually billed separately at prices ranging from £2 to £6 according to their amount of detail. In the 1790s there are many instances of colourful japanned cornices being made to match accompanying chintz bed hangings, sets of ‘cottage’ chairs and window curtain boxes. Surviving bed cornices alone give only a hint of the overall pretty decorative effect that once existed in these rooms.