Xfce is known for being one of the most lightweight desktop environments yet flexible enough to carry out heavy loads easily.
One major issue with Xfce is that its default interface may look old and outdated to many users. This could be offputting for some new users who prefer beautiful-looking Linux distributions.
But Xfce does not bound you to use the default theming and allows you to theme your Desktop as per your taste.
Where to find some good themes for Xfce? There are numerous themes listed on Xfce Look website. You can surely browse through the huge collection.
But to save you some time, I am going to list some of the best Xfce themes that should attract a variety of users.
I have excluded the themes that have not seen updates in years.
Some or perhaps all of these themes could also be available for other desktop environments, such as GNOME and KDE. However, I cannot guarantee that. You’ll have to confirm it on your own.
Recap: installing a new theme in Xfce
A quick word about installing themes in Xfce. There is an appearance tool in the system menu. You can just drag and drop the downloaded theme file in zip format, and it should handle the rest.
Alternatively, you can extract the contents of the archived theme file in the ~/.themes folder in your home directory.
With that aside, it’s time to see the themes in action.
Ankush Das
1. Flat Remix GTK
This is one of the rare themes which supports GTK 2, 3, and 4! A flat remix is one of the most pleasant-looking flat themes which are available for Xfce Desktop. It comes in 4 variants: Normal, Dark, Darker, and The Darkest.
You also get 13 color variants to match your taste. So if you are looking for one of the best flat themes available, Flat Remix GTK is all you need.
2. Sweet
As its name suggests, it's a sweet combination of futuristic looks and premium finish with on-point color gradients. Sweets have been used by numerous users and are often suggested for those who are looking for something different from the traditional look.
Sweet is available in 5 variants: Dark, Mars, Sweet, Ambar Blue, and Ambar. It is GTK 3-based theme and blends well with Xfce Desktop. Sweet can be a good option for those who are tired of traditional options and want to have a completely different look.
Moreover, if you install the BeautyLine Simple icon theme, as shown in the screenshot, it will be an eye-candy system!
3. Skeuos
This is yet another theme by the creator of Flat Remix GTK, which I have already discussed above. While Flat Remix GTK was more inclined towards the Pitch Black and pure white variants, Skeuos is an overall package as you get a decent dark and white variants which are equally good!
Skeuos also supports GTK 2,3 and 4 so you can have great synchronization with all other apps. Being simple yet elegant, Skeuos deserves a try!
Still, modern GNOME apps may at times look out of order.
4. Layan
Yes, Layan is a modern GTK theme. But luckily, there is a properly working Xfce version as well.
It provides both light and dark variants, with the dark version featuring a subtle purple tint that adds depth and elegance without overwhelming the interface.
Paired with a modern icon theme set like Kora ensures a unified and visually appealing desktop experience.
5. Nordic
A dark, gray mystic atmosphere. That’s Nordic. Both in themes and actual landscape. One of the most loved GTK themes, Nordic gives your Xfce desktop a subtle, classy dark look.
You also get a darker variant and a bluish tint variant, all look equally pleasing!
6. Orchis
This is yet another flat-style GTK theme for your Xfce Desktop. I included Orchis to this list as it is one of the most popular themes in Linux and users are having mostly positive feedback.
Orchis will not surprise you with its elegant looks but will bring simplicity and minimal vibes to your setup as it looks so clean out of the box.
7. Dracula
Being the official theme from the popular Dracula Color Palette, Dracula is known for getting users one of the best dark theme experiences. A Dark theme with a purple and pink accent will surely bring a perfect experience to your Xfce Desktop.
Sure, there are many options for dark themes but personally, Dracula is what you need. Creator has precisely selected the color pallet so you can have a great experience without many tweaks.
8. WhiteSur
Most people love the visuals of macOS, including me, and WhiteSur is considerably the best option to bring the macOS feel to your Xfce Desktop.
You do have add-on options for this theme such as Firefox theming to better sync. This is the best option for users who are willing to add a premium feel to their Xfce Desktop, as WhiteSur mimics macOS theming.
9 Graphite
Graphite is a sleek round GTK theme, that offers several color variants like dark, Nord, and light.
This theme will add a neat border to your windows, which adds great value to the overall look and feel.
10. Fluent Round
Love Windows 11 theme? Fluent Round is the answer. Available in both light and dark variant, this is a modern round theme available for GNOME, KDE, and more.
Apply an icon theme like Win10Sur or Win10X, you get a stylish desktop!
11. Pop Xfwm
As its name suggests, this theme will bring a similar look to what System 76 offers in their Pop!_OS. As Pop!_OS is one of the most popular Linux distros, many users are fans of its visuals, and using Pop Xfwm, you can achieve it easily.
Using this theme, you get the window decorations similar to Pop OS.
Old, but works!
Here, you’ll find some themes that work in Xfce. However, due to the rapid development and changes in GTK over recent years, compatibility isn’t guaranteed across all systems and applications. Some older themes may still function well in Xfce, but their appearance or behavior could vary depending on which GTK versions your apps use.
BaZik
This is one of my favorite themes, especially for Xfce Desktop, as it can revamp the whole experience of using it. Rather than just giving us Dark and Light variants of theme, you get 6 color accents to match your Desktop taste.
Pandora Arc
Pandora Arc is an entirely different theme from the given list as it brings cyberpunk vibes. You will get dark colors with cyan and green fonts, and a purple accent bundled with green buttons.
So if you are looking for something which brings hacker-ish vibes to your Xfce Desktop, Pandora Arc is just made for you.
Continue the customization
As you can see, I have tried to include a wide variety of themes, from dark themes for hackers to flat, light themes for minimalists.
Remember, themes are only one part of the visual changes. You should always combine it with some icons. If you need suggestions, check out some good looking icons for your Linux desktop here. Usually, the icons are not desktop environment specific.
Abhishek Prakash
Read this post for more Xfce customization tips.
Abhishek Prakash
There are surely more themes out there. I am excited to see your Xfce theme suggestions! Share your favorite Xfce theme in the comment section.
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