How to Decorate a College Dorm in "Phantom of the Opera"

Apollo's Lyre atop the Paris Opera House

"The Phantom of the Opera" is the romantic tale of the tragic love triangle formed between a young opera singer, Christine Daae; her childhood sweetheart, Raoul le Vicomte De Chagny; and the Phantom of the Opera who becomes the young opera singer's mysterious and unseen "Angel of Music," teaching her to sing. The original "Phantom of the Opera" was written by the French author, Gaston Leroux, but perhaps the most famous versions are the musical and movie ones that were created by Andrew Lloyd Webber. The Phantom of the Opera has gained a huge following of fans who are devoted to the tale. If you're one of those, then you can let everyone know by decorating your college dorm in "Phantom of the Opera."

Things You'll Need

• Deep, rich colors
• Candles
• Bookshelf
• "Phantom of the Opera" books
• "Phantom of the Opera" posters
• "Phantom of the Opera" figurines
• "Phantom of the Opera" music boxes
• "Phantom of the Opera" magnets
• Masks

Instructions

1. Decorate your dorm with deep, rich colors that coincide with the theme of "The Phantom of the Opera." Recall the notorious Phantom's dark, mystical lair for inspiration. Use blacks, deep reds, gold and even lacy whites in your décor theme. Thick velvet curtains also lend your dorm a "Phantom of the Opera" air.

2. Scatter your college dorm with candles. Even if you're not allowed to burn them, you can set them up around your room for decoration. Use vintage-looking candelabras and sconces reminiscent of those used in "The Phantom of the Opera."

3. Put a bookcase in your college dorm. Use a black bookcase or a deep mahogany or cherry oak one. Place all your "Phantom of the Opera" books on the bookcase.

4. Hang "Phantom of the Opera" posters in your college dorm. Hang posters representing all versions: the Broadway musical, the Las Vegas musical and the movie version.

5. Place "Phantom of the Opera" figurines and music boxes in your college dorm. Place them on your desk, on your bookcase and anywhere else you have room. When you have friends over, you can wind up the music boxes to play "Phantom of the Opera" tunes.

6. Add "Phantom of the Opera" magnets to your refrigerator if you have one. Most college dorms have mini-refrigerators in them. Your fridge is a perfect place to broadcast your "Phantom of the Opera" love.

7. Hang any masks that you may have from Mardi Gras or other events up in your college dorm, or place them on your bookcase. Masks instantly convey a "Phantom of the Opera" theme.

Tips & Warnings

• Any French or opera-themed figurines, music boxes or posters you have can contribute to the "Phantom of the Opera" theme as well. For instance, French bustier lamps or posters of famous operas or the Paris Opera House would complement a "Phantom of the Opera" theme nicely.

• Display any "Phantom of the Opera" memorabilia you may have, such as ticket stubs or signatures from actors or actresses, in your college dorm as well.

• If you have a "Phantom of the Opera" teddy bear, place it upon your bed every morning when you make it for a special touch.

• Make sure that you comply with the rules of your college dorm, though, in your decorating. For instance, most college dorms will permit candles for decoration only, but yours may not. Double check the rules for your college before decorating.

References

• Thephantomoftheopera.com: The Story

Resources

• Gifts Online: "Phantom of the Opera" Music Boxes
• TeddyBears.co: "Phantom of the Opera" Teddy Bear by Steiff