## Steam in 2003 was an Aesthetic Perfection.
<!-- published: 2026_03_08 -->

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!![Steam 2003 Tactical](pic/steam2003.png)

Which Linux desktop theme can be more perfect and nostalgic than [Windows 95](https://developer.run/67)? Only Steam 2003! Nothing new, kinda trend on [Reddit](https://old.reddit.com/r/unixporn/comments/1fp8453/xfce_arch_vintage_steam_ui/). But when I switch from [work theme](https://developer.run/67) to my "home" theme, it makes me feel peaceful and earthy every time I look at my desktop :).

If we dig a little deeper, before Steam, there was the Microsoft Plus! 95 theme with similar calm colors. That's one I remember vividly:

!![Microsoft Plus! 95 Mystery Desktop theme](pic/plus95mystery.jpg)

Getting back to my modern Linux setup:

* GTK/XFCE theme [Nashville96-Steam](https://github.com/donfaustinocortizone/Nashville96/tree/main/Themes/Nashville96-Steam)
* QT compatibility: [qt5ct](https://realityripple.com/Software/Applications/SecondFactor/For-Linux/qt5ct.php) with `Windows` style and [steam2003.conf Color Scheme](https://developer.run/stuff/steam2003.conf) 
* QMMP theme [Winamp Fallout - Pip Boy 2000](https://skins.webamp.org/skin/80fb8e391fc925f297174a8fd9c5b6ad/)
* Font [tahoma.ttf](https://gitlab.winehq.org/wine/wine/-/blob/HEAD/fonts/tahoma.ttf)/[Share Tech Mono](https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Share+Tech+Mono)
* Wallpaper `#2A3730`/[The Next Day](https://wall.alphacoders.com/big.php?i=822963)
  * Know nothing 'bout the game, love wallpaper
  * ![](pic/next-day.png)
* [Vivaldi theme](https://developer.run/stuff/vivaldi-olive-drab-steam.zip)
* [IceWM HDPI theme](https://developer.run/stuff/IceWM_steam2003.zip)
  * Hey, anybody also using [IceWM](https://ice-wm.org)?
* Icon theme, can't decide between:
  * [Chicago95](https://github.com/grassmunk/Chicago95/tree/master/Icons) for authentic feel
  * Faenza, which is now retro itself (contrasts nicely on neutral Steam colors)  
* Fastmail/Telegram/any-app-that-supports-custom-colors:

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    <tr>
        <td style="padding: 5px; border: 1px solid #ccc; background: #31392D; text-align: center;">
            #31392D
        </td>
        <td style="padding: 5px; border: 1px solid #ccc; background: #4B5844; text-align: center;">
            #4B5844
        </td>
        <td style="padding: 5px; border: 1px solid #ccc; background: #978730; text-align: center;">
            #978730
        </td>
        <td style="padding: 5px; color: #333; border: 1px solid #ccc; background: #eff6ee; text-align: center;">
            #EFF6EE
        </td>
        <td style="padding: 5px; border: 1px solid #ccc; background: #2A3730; text-align: center;">
            #2A3730
        </td>
        <td style="padding: 5px; border: 1px solid #ccc; background: #171B15; text-align: center;">
            #171B15
        </td>
        <td style="padding: 5px; color: #333;  border: 1px solid #ccc; background: #c2c6c0; text-align: center;">
            #C2C6C0
        </td>
        <td style="padding: 5px; color: #333;  border: 1px solid #ccc; background: #a0aa95; text-align: center;">
            #A0AA95
        </td>

    </tr>
</table>

🏷️OldShool 🏷️Nostalgia 🏷️Windows95 🏷️Windows98 🏷️Vivaldi 🏷️MilitarishAesthetic