With the near infinite customization options you have on any given Linux distribution, the most visually noticeable difference is customizing the theme. Let’s take a look at some of the GTK themes with dark mode.
Yeah, we have covered the best Linux themes in the past, but this one is specifically dedicated to the dark themes. There was a time when only programmers and sysadmins preferred dark mode, but that’s not the case anymore. Dark mode is loved by normal people as well, and hence I compiled this list of dark themes for desktop Linux users like you.
If you are new to theme-ing your desktop environment, you can take a look at our guide to install themes in GNOME.
1. Yaru
Yaru is the default GTK (GNOME) theme that ships with Ubuntu. The theme’s orange accent with darkened gray and hints of black is something that, I feel, is attractive.
Now, you can make GNOME on Arch Linux look like Ubuntu. ( ͡° ͜ ʖ ͡°)
2. Nordic
Are you someone who loves simple and a somewhat flat design approach along with some gray, well, a lot of gray? Look no further than this theme that is based on the Nord color palette.
The Nordic GTK theme gives you exactly that. A GTK theme with simplistic design based on the Nord color palette.
3. Graphite
Graphite is a GTK theme that offers a completely unique appearance to your Desktop Environment (especially GNOME) while keeping the uniqueness of your DE just as same as before. It is something to take a look at.
4. Catppuccin Variants
Catppuccin is gaining popularity among developers and casual users alike these days.
There are 3 dark mode variants are available in Catppuccin. Frappe, Mocha, and Macchiato. Mocha and Macchiato are more dark variants, while Frappe offers a blue tinted dark mode.
5. Layan
You will be delighted to know that this list also includes Layan, a GTK theme with emphasis on smooth, rounded corners with a bubbly aesthetic to it. The Layan theme also inherits design philosophies from Google’s Material design guidelines.
6. Flat Remix
Dark theme means Flat Remix. It offers a variety of dark themes with varying color choices.
What makes it truly stand out is the pitch-black theme, named the darkest. If you have an OLED screen and want to get the darkest possible look, never look further!
7. Orchis-dark
Orchis-dark is the dark variant of the super cool Orchis theme. It gives the desktop an iOS/macOS sort of touch with rounded corners and fluid interface. You can guess that immediately by just glancing at it.
8. Magnetic
This is a pretty large theme, upon applied, apps look more bulky and spacious. At the same time, it offers some contrasts that differentiate sections of applications like file manager.
Using it with the Numix icon pack is a pleasing experience!
9. Gruvbox
GTK theme brings the popular Gruvbox color palette—known for its warm, retro-inspired tones and high readability.
If you are into long hours of system usage, this theme is highly pleasing.
10. Juno
Juno is another one of the best dark mode friendly GTK themes I found on my radar. Some may like its pitch-black nature, some might not. Anyway, you have several color choices to select from.
11. Dracula
Dracula is an official dark theme for the Dracula color palette. It offers a look similar to Juno or Nordic, but the visual look it offers earns it a place in the best dark themes.
You can also choose from a list of options, like Dracula Slim, pink accent, etc.
12. Qogir
Qogir is a GTK theme with flat design in mind. The Qogir theme goes above and beyond to provide you with customization options for title buttons, checkbox, radio buttons, switches and more.
13. McMojave and WhiteSur
Now, let's see some macOS feel themes.
McMojave is a GTK theme which takes inspiration from the macOS style user interface. This theme is offered in dark mode, obviously, but also in light mode, for… umm… whoever may want it.
The McMojave GTK theme obviously supports GTK based Desktop Environments like Pantheon, GNOME, XFCE, Mate etc.; but, this theme is also available for KDE users.
To compliment your Desktop Environment, which is now looking very similar to macOS, you can also install the McMojave circle icon theme for an even more complete experience.
WhiteSur is a more modern theme for Linux, designed to bring a macOS-like look and feel to Linux GTK desktops.
14. Fluent Dark
If you are coming from a Windows 11 background, Fluent is the closest you can get. This sleek dark theme has both round and square edge options.
Also, the dark theme looks cool for the eyes and won't be a headache for long-time uses.
If you use icons like Win10X, looks can be made more cohesive.
Conclusion
Themes listed in this article piece are nothing short of beautiful, and neither are your options limited to the ones listed here. There are thousands more out in the wild.
Comment down below if you liked a theme. If you are using a theme that I haven’t mentioned, please comment down below.
