Work Life (though anyone can use this info!): Use Stylish Extension for Chrome for Cool Transparent Effect

Use Chrome? Use GAFE or Gmail? Use a cool theme but it's mostly unseen? Install Stylish Extension for Chrome, click your Gmail tab, Click the Stylish extension icon in upper right, then paste in this script to set transparency of mail list and the messages being read:

--- SNIP BELOW THIS LINE --

/* Unread message rows - background colour and opacity and text */
.zE {background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5) !important; color: rgb(0,80,0) !important;}

/* Read message rows - background colour and opacity and text */
.yO {background-color: rgba(207,207,207,0.5) !important; color: rgb(0,80,0) !important;}

/* Selected rows - background colour and opacity*/
.x7 {background-color: rgba(255,250,205,0.5) !important;}

/* Row dividing line colour and opacity */
.xY {border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5) !important;}

/* Background of Messages being viewed */
.Bu {background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5) !important;}

-- STOP SNIP ABOVE THIS LINE --

I used white and light grey for my colors of choice, but you could pick any colors to match your theme, etc.

I got the original Stylish Script from http://gmail-miscellany.blogspot.com/2012/06/beyond-gmails-themes.html, but modified it a little. I also did some poking around to find the code for the background while you are reading a message (the last two lines in the code above). The blog post has a LOT of information about themes, customizing, etc.

You can get the RGB numbers from RapidTables: http://www.rapidtables.com/web/color/RGB_Color.htm

You can get the Stylish Extensions clicking on the menu (upper right, three lines in Chrome browser), Point to TOOLS, then click on EXTENSIONS. From there, scroll down to "Get more extensions." Search for "Stylish Extensions" and look for the 4-square icon with the "S" on it:

Enjoy!!