Question for all my fellow fiends.....

[Hinchley_and_Trumbull]

      I'm wanting to redo a room for  the collection my wife and I will be starting (Slowly, unfortunatly), anywho, does any one have any recommendations for props or converting a dining room type area, into a mad scientist lab or egyptian tomb. I've seen pictures around the web of really great rooms, but when I try to find props, the ones I find look kinda cheap. Thanks all.

[Count_Zirock]

A mad doctor's lab might be easier to do than an Egyptian tomb. Or maybe a "haunted room" look, with lots of bookcases to hold your collection. You can hit yard sales and flea markets for decorations. Simple, white bookcases can be easily converted with spraypaints, or primed and given a two-toned wood treatment. (I think they even sell a kit for that, now.) Look for stuff on clearance at Hobby Lobby or Garden Ridge and ask yourself, "Would this look out of place in an old, 1930s drawing room mystery?" If it's too bright and colorful, could it be repainted? Hope these tips helped some.
~Z

[Dr. Madd]

An Egyptian Tomb: You're gonna need Sheetrock and beige stone-style linoleum, and a skilled hand to paint heiroglyphics. The mad Science lab is better. Grey stone sheetrock, steel table,

Think Sterile, clinical, and minimist.

[Sean]

Have you considered going Gothic Revival?  It could be a very functional room that stores and displays your collection that looks super cool with a dangling skeleton in the corner, big thick books, a taxidermist's raven on the bookshelf and a skull here or there.

[Monster Bob]

There was a great looking full-sized Mummy sarcophogus (fiberglass) produced about 5 years ago or so that has shelves in it for DVDs, CDs, etc. I think it retailed in the $500-$1000 range, depending on the seller. Alot like the Elvis, Blues Brothers, and Frankenstein figures that are around. It has alot of bang for the buck, and if you want something really impressive looking like that, I don't think you'll get off much cheaper. Plus, it's functional to boot.  Various companies also make large styrofoam props for Halloween that are Egyptian tomb related. They're not "cheap" either, but cheaper than a fiberglass one. You get what you pay for, I suppose.

[Pauspy]

I would vote Egyptian tomb because I've seen someone who did that! As long as you have someone who can reproduce the tomb paintings accurately, you can dress it up or down depending on your tastes or budget!  It's also easier to sell to a spouse/partner who may not want a room of their home turned into a monster gallery! 

[Dr. Madd]

Try parlor of Castle Dracula.