Lately, it seems that my HTPC has been getting most of my attention. With the changes in front end software, I have finally settled, for now, on XBMC. One of the best features is the ability to skin XBMC to your liking.  After hours of searching for the perfect skin, I have rundown what I think are the best available.

Top to bottom, these are my favorite themes for XBMC.

Aeon MQ3

Website: Click Here
Skin Repository: Click Here
Mouse Functionality: Yes
Fanart Support: Yes

Aeon MQ3 has become the primary theme on all of my HTPCs. The theme is very customizable and features a wizard that helps you choose theme’s level of functionality.  There are 3 modes, lite, normal, pro, and super mode, each with varying degrees of customization.  AEON MQ3 can support up to 40 additional menus and up to 200 submenus, it supports PVR functionality, and a ROM Collection browser.

(Click images to enlarge)

Rapier

Website: Click Here
Skin Repository: XBMC Repository
Mouse Functionality: Yes
Fanart Support: Yes

Rapier is my runner up to Aeon MQ3.  The theme features a clean and elegant look while maintaining all the functionality you would expect.  Transitions are fast and the theme supports all of the features in the latest XBMC release.  Various menus can be created as well as custom backgrounds for every category.  Studio Logos, fanart, and media flagging make their way into the design without overwhelming the user or interface.

(Click images to enlarge)

ReFocus

Website: Click Here
Skin Repository: Click Here
Mouse Functionality: Yes
Fanart Support: Yes

reFocus is one of those themes that you will love instantly.  The interface is very clean and smooth but it still maintains high levels of functionality.  This theme is so popular that it also finds a home on the Plex Media Software, and were I to continue using Plex instead of XBMC, this would be my theme of choice.  If you are a fan of the Alaska and the reFocus theme as well, they married! Take a look at ReAlaska…

(Click images to enlarge)

Metropolis

Website: Click Here
Skin Repository: XBMC Repository
Mouse Functionality: Yes
Fanart Support: Yes

Metropolis is another one of those themes that you find yourself moving back to. The home menu leaves a bit to be desired, but the rest is simply fantastic.

(Click images to enlarge)

Confluence

Website: Click Here
Skin Repository: XBMC Repository
Mouse Functionality: Yes
Fanart Support: Yes

Confluence is set as the default XBMC skin. It is a combination of many popular skins, and attempts to embrace and integrate good ideas rather than reinvent the wheel.  Custom menus and a sleek design make the default theme one you can keep around.  Most of the time, default anything is something you look to replace, Confluence changes all of that.

(Click images to enlarge)

Let’s see what happens to this list when Alaska HD and some other good looking previews are released.  Tell us what you think… leave your comment below