The Chinese Room was created in the late 1820s, inspired by visits to the Brighton Royal Pavilion. Marianne, Lady Clifford Constable, and her sister Eliza transformed the space with Chinese wallpaper, painted decoration and carved ornament, reflecting a growing interest in chinoiserie. 

Elaborate features were added throughout the room, including gilded dragons, a suspended lantern and decorative details designed to create a richly layered interior. Marianne also designed the distinctive dragon chair, carved in 1841. 

The Chinese Room underwent extensive conservation in the 1990s. The Chinese wallpaper was removed, restored and re-hung, preserving the detailed decoration that makes the room so distinctive today.