This is not my area of expertise, but since you haven't had any responses yet, I suggest you look into add-on themes and also see what Windows themes can do for you.

Thanks for your reply. However, I have Firefox the way I want it. I just need something for the inbox. I'm beginning to suspect that it doesn't exist.

If you install Theme Font & Size Changer you can change "thread pane background color"

Themes work in Thunderbird - duggabe was not refering to Firefox.

Another useful addon is theme and font changer:

• https://addons.mozilla.org/fr/thunderbird/addon/theme-font-size-changer/

However, Thunderbird allows you to modify all sorts of things.

Make hidden files and folders visible:

• http://kb.mozillazine.org/Show_hidden_files_and_folders

Help > Troubleshooting Information Click on 'show Folder' button a window opens shwoing profile folder name

Close Thunderbird now - this is important

In the profile name folder, Create a new folder called chrome - note the spelling It should be in the same place as the 'Mail' folder. see first image below.

Open Notepad Can be located : Start > Programs > accessories

Copy everything shown between the lines below. Paste into Notepad. Save as userChrome.css - note the spelling (edit updated - this was a typo error) This should be saved in the chrome folder. see second image below.

Restart Thunderbird.

I have chosen a yellow for you

 #f6f58c  = a yellow....it is a hex code for a colour.

You can change it if required. Remember when updating anything in the profile folders, you must close Thunderbird first. More info on colours.

• http://www.yourhtmlsource.com/stylesheets/namedcolours.html

/*

* Do not remove the @namespace line -- it's required for correct functioning
 */

@namespace url("http://www.mozilla.org/keymaster/gatekeeper/there.is.only.xul"); 

/*Background colour for message list*/

#threadTree > treechildren::-moz-tree-row {
    background-color: #f6f58c !important;
}

Toad-Hall said : "Save as userChrone.css - note the spelling" but I think that was a typo! "Shoudn't it be Save as userChrome.css - note the spelling"? Your image supports that.

Thanks, folks! I'm going to try this.Yay!

Sorry - Definately my typo fault. Shows how easy it is to accidentally press the n and not the m. userChrome.css is the correct spelling.

Works for me. Thanks Toad-Hall A tip as I had no chrome - directory so I had to create it directly in my profile.