Since the advent of Windows XP, it has been possible to customize the appearance of the Windows UI. Microsoft has never made this stunningly obvious, but users who happen to stumble upon the vast array of available shell styles often find one that’s more to their liking than the default UI. If you think Windows is in need of a visual pick-me-up, we’re serving up a selection of our favorites.

Before taking a crack at the visual styles below, make sure you patch your installation of Windows Vista with CodeGazer’s Vista Glazz utility. This will unlock the ability to install third-party themes that don’t carry the Microsoft stamp of approval.

Lastly, make sure you carefully follow the installation instructions provided by each author. Some shell styles may require you to take extra steps to ensure your installation matches the picture.

Curved by dimage

This slick theme offers Windows 7-style window borders with a Windows XP-inspired task bar that’s been purged of Vista’s orb. The alternative desaturated theme resurrects the orb and delivers the Curved theme in a palette of greys.

Image courtesy of DeviantArt user dimage

Windows 7 Style by giannisgx89

Windows 7 is receiving acclaim for its fresh reinterpretation of the Aero Glass style that debuted with Vista. The Windows 7 Style faithfully adapts the new theme for use in the OS where Aero got its start.

Image courtesy of DeviantArt user giannisgx89

NEXTLevel by Vathanx

The futuristic NEXTLevel shows Vista’s darker side and introduces a sleek grayscale hue throughout the system. Dark transparencies and soft gradients make for a theme that’s easy on the eyes and high on attractiveness.

Image courtesy of DeviantArt user Vathanx

Q :: Dark by dimage

Dimage’s Q :: Dark theme goes even further into the black and paints Vista in shades of shale. A compact taskbar ousts Vista’s orb, and elements like the search box clearly take their cues from Apple’s Mac OS X.

Image courtesy of DeviantArt user dimage

Flarn XP – Vista Port by Satukoro

Beginning life as a shell style for Windows XP, Flarn XP has been ported by user Satukoro to function on Windows Vista. The theme is prized for its compact nature, complete with smaller text, miniaturized icons and a compact taskbar. PixelArt fans will take note of this theme’s obvious inspirations.

Image courtesy of DeviantArt user Satukoro

Satin2 by Michel8170

Perhaps the most simplistic style of the bunch, user Michel8170’s elegant Satin2 theme offers UI transparency throughout the system without sabotaging usability. While the start orb may offend uniformity purists, users who enjoy clean lines will undoubtedly enjoy Satin2’s squared edges.

Image courtesy of DeviantArt user Michel8170

Other choices

If none of these themes float your boat, DeviantArt’s vast repository of creative works is sure to offer something for Windows Vista or any other artistic interest.

Windows XP users will want to stay tuned for tomorrow’s salute to the Windows XP shell!

Did you enjoy any of these visual styles? Do you have favorites of your own? We always appreciate your comments and look forward to hearing from you.