diff --git a/src/textual/design.py b/src/textual/design.py
index 7ef17fe5ab..79e8a10abc 100644
--- a/src/textual/design.py
+++ b/src/textual/design.py
@@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ def luminosity_range(spread) -> Iterable[tuple[str, float]]:
         # Widgets such as OptionList, DataTable, etc. have a "hover cursor"
         # which gives a subtle highlight behind the option under the mouse
         # cursor is under.
-        colors["hover"] = boost.hex
+        colors["hover"] = boost.with_alpha(0.06).hex
 
         return colors
 
diff --git a/src/textual/widgets/_list_item.py b/src/textual/widgets/_list_item.py
index eae89e38e7..03da9e1de2 100644
--- a/src/textual/widgets/_list_item.py
+++ b/src/textual/widgets/_list_item.py
@@ -22,11 +22,11 @@ class ListItem(Widget, can_focus=False):
     ListItem {
         color: $text;
         height: auto;
-        background: $panel-lighten-1;
+        background: $background;
         overflow: hidden hidden;
     }
     ListItem > :disabled {
-        background: $panel-darken-1;
+        background: $background;
     }
     ListItem > Widget :hover {
         background: $hover;