diff --git a/src/main/codex-accounts/runtime-home-service.test.ts b/src/main/codex-accounts/runtime-home-service.test.ts
index 1096210f842..229eba570e1 100644
--- a/src/main/codex-accounts/runtime-home-service.test.ts
+++ b/src/main/codex-accounts/runtime-home-service.test.ts
@@ -136,6 +136,7 @@ function createSettings(overrides: Partial<GlobalSettings> = {}): GlobalSettings
     terminalWindowsPowerShellImplementation: 'powershell.exe',
     enableGitHubAttribution: true,
     ...overrides,
+    leftSidebarAppearanceMode: overrides.leftSidebarAppearanceMode ?? 'default',
     appFontFamily,
     agentStatusHooksEnabled,
     tabAutoGenerateTitle
diff --git a/src/main/codex-accounts/service.test.ts b/src/main/codex-accounts/service.test.ts
index 21f1335010f..79276efc33b 100644
--- a/src/main/codex-accounts/service.test.ts
+++ b/src/main/codex-accounts/service.test.ts
@@ -140,6 +140,7 @@ function createSettings(overrides: Partial<GlobalSettings> = {}): GlobalSettings
     terminalWindowsPowerShellImplementation: 'powershell.exe',
     enableGitHubAttribution: true,
     ...overrides,
+    leftSidebarAppearanceMode: overrides.leftSidebarAppearanceMode ?? 'default',
     appFontFamily,
     agentStatusHooksEnabled,
     tabAutoGenerateTitle
diff --git a/src/main/persistence.ts b/src/main/persistence.ts
index a1e7ea44acf..526f6b39f1e 100644
--- a/src/main/persistence.ts
+++ b/src/main/persistence.ts
@@ -97,6 +97,11 @@ import { normalizeOpenInApplications } from '../shared/open-in-applications'
 import { normalizeTerminalShortcutPolicy } from '../shared/keybindings'
 import { normalizeAppIconId } from '../shared/app-icon'
 import { normalizeTerminalCustomThemes } from '../shared/terminal-custom-themes'
+import {
+  normalizeLeftSidebarAppearanceMode,
+  normalizeLeftSidebarTintColor,
+  normalizeLeftSidebarTintOpacity
+} from '../shared/left-sidebar-appearance'
 import {
   compareFeatureInteractionUsageBuckets,
   getFeatureInteractionCategory,
@@ -2308,6 +2313,15 @@ export class Store {
             terminalCustomThemes: normalizeTerminalCustomThemes(
               parsed.settings?.terminalCustomThemes
             ),
+            leftSidebarAppearanceMode: normalizeLeftSidebarAppearanceMode(
+              parsed.settings?.leftSidebarAppearanceMode
+            ),
+            leftSidebarTintColor: normalizeLeftSidebarTintColor(
+              parsed.settings?.leftSidebarTintColor
+            ),
+            leftSidebarTintOpacity: normalizeLeftSidebarTintOpacity(
+              parsed.settings?.leftSidebarTintOpacity
+            ),
             appIcon: normalizeAppIconId(parsed.settings?.appIcon),
             uiLanguage: normalizeUiLanguage(parsed.settings?.uiLanguage),
             defaultTaskSource: taskProviderSettings.defaultTaskSource,
@@ -3635,6 +3649,21 @@ export class Store {
         updates.terminalCustomThemes
       )
     }
+    if ('leftSidebarAppearanceMode' in updates) {
+      sanitizedUpdates.leftSidebarAppearanceMode = normalizeLeftSidebarAppearanceMode(
+        updates.leftSidebarAppearanceMode
+      )
+    }
+    if ('leftSidebarTintColor' in updates) {
+      sanitizedUpdates.leftSidebarTintColor = normalizeLeftSidebarTintColor(
+        updates.leftSidebarTintColor
+      )
+    }
+    if ('leftSidebarTintOpacity' in updates) {
+      sanitizedUpdates.leftSidebarTintOpacity = normalizeLeftSidebarTintOpacity(
+        updates.leftSidebarTintOpacity
+      )
+    }
     if ('visibleTaskProviders' in updates || 'defaultTaskSource' in updates) {
       const taskProviderSettings = normalizeTaskProviderSettings({
         visibleTaskProviders:
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/AppearancePane.test.tsx b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/AppearancePane.test.tsx
index 6a54b0c63e9..39105053938 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/AppearancePane.test.tsx
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/AppearancePane.test.tsx
@@ -194,6 +194,27 @@ describe('AppearancePane', () => {
     expect(updateSettings).toHaveBeenCalledWith({ uiLanguage: 'zh' })
   })
 
+  it('updates the left sidebar appearance from sidebar settings', async () => {
+    mocks.state.settingsSearchQuery = 'left sidebar'
+    const updateSettings = vi.fn()
+    const settings = getDefaultSettings('/tmp')
+
+    const container = await renderAppearancePane(settings, updateSettings)
+    const matchTerminalButton = Array.from(
+      container.querySelectorAll<HTMLButtonElement>('button[role="radio"]')
+    ).find((button) => button.textContent === 'Match Terminal')
+
+    expect(matchTerminalButton).toBeDefined()
+
+    await act(async () => {
+      matchTerminalButton?.dispatchEvent(new MouseEvent('click', { bubbles: true }))
+    })
+
+    expect(updateSettings).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+      leftSidebarAppearanceMode: 'match-terminal'
+    })
+  })
+
   it('restores the Automations sidebar button from the sidebar settings switch', async () => {
     const updateSettings = vi.fn()
     const settings = {
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/AppearancePane.tsx b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/AppearancePane.tsx
index 18ea6b1762f..b1ff734d116 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/AppearancePane.tsx
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/AppearancePane.tsx
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ import {
   getAppearancePaneSearchEntries,
   getLanguageEntries,
   getLayoutEntries,
+  getLeftSidebarAppearanceEntry,
   getSidebarEntries,
   getStatusBarEntries,
   getStatusBarToggles,
@@ -48,6 +49,7 @@ import {
 } from '@/i18n/supported-languages'
 import { translate } from '@/i18n/i18n'
 import type { UiLanguage } from '../../../../shared/ui-language'
+import { LeftSidebarAppearanceSetting } from './LeftSidebarAppearanceSetting'
 export { getAppearancePaneSearchEntries }
 
 type AppearancePaneProps = {
@@ -104,6 +106,7 @@ export function AppearancePane({
   const terminalAppearanceSearchEntries = getTerminalAppearanceSearchEntries({
     showWarpImport: !isWebClientLocation()
   })
+  const leftSidebarAppearanceEntry = getLeftSidebarAppearanceEntry()
   const visibleSections = [
     matchesSettingsSearch(searchQuery, getThemeEntries()) ||
     (SHOW_UI_LANGUAGE_SETTING && matchesSettingsSearch(searchQuery, getLanguageEntries())) ||
@@ -412,6 +415,15 @@ export function AppearancePane({
         />
 
         <div className="divide-y divide-border/40">
+          <SearchableSetting
+            title={leftSidebarAppearanceEntry.title}
+            description={leftSidebarAppearanceEntry.description}
+            keywords={leftSidebarAppearanceEntry.keywords}
+            className="space-y-2"
+          >
+            <LeftSidebarAppearanceSetting settings={settings} updateSettings={updateSettings} />
+          </SearchableSetting>
+
           <SearchableSetting
             title={translate(
               'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.cf81907069',
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/LeftSidebarAppearanceSetting.tsx b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/LeftSidebarAppearanceSetting.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..08e5de14a14
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/LeftSidebarAppearanceSetting.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,115 @@
+import type React from 'react'
+import type { GlobalSettings, LeftSidebarAppearanceMode } from '../../../../shared/types'
+import {
+  DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_COLOR,
+  DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY,
+  MAX_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY
+} from '../../../../shared/left-sidebar-appearance'
+import { translate } from '@/i18n/i18n'
+import {
+  ColorField,
+  NumberField,
+  SettingsRow,
+  SettingsSegmentedControl
+} from './SettingsFormControls'
+
+type LeftSidebarAppearanceSettingProps = {
+  settings: GlobalSettings
+  updateSettings: (updates: Partial<GlobalSettings>) => void
+}
+
+export function LeftSidebarAppearanceSetting({
+  settings,
+  updateSettings
+}: LeftSidebarAppearanceSettingProps): React.JSX.Element {
+  return (
+    <div className="space-y-2">
+      <SettingsRow
+        alignTop
+        label={translate(
+          'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.leftSidebarAppearance.title',
+          'Left Sidebar Appearance'
+        )}
+        description={translate(
+          'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.leftSidebarAppearance.rowDescription',
+          'Make the left sidebar match your terminal, stay default, or use a tint.'
+        )}
+        control={
+          <SettingsSegmentedControl<LeftSidebarAppearanceMode>
+            size="sm"
+            value={settings.leftSidebarAppearanceMode ?? 'default'}
+            onChange={(leftSidebarAppearanceMode) => updateSettings({ leftSidebarAppearanceMode })}
+            ariaLabel={translate(
+              'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.leftSidebarAppearance.title',
+              'Left Sidebar Appearance'
+            )}
+            options={[
+              {
+                value: 'default',
+                label: translate(
+                  'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.leftSidebarAppearance.default',
+                  'Default'
+                )
+              },
+              {
+                value: 'match-terminal',
+                label: translate(
+                  'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.leftSidebarAppearance.matchTerminal',
+                  'Match Terminal'
+                )
+              },
+              {
+                value: 'soft-contrast',
+                label: translate(
+                  'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.leftSidebarAppearance.softContrast',
+                  'Soft Contrast'
+                )
+              },
+              {
+                value: 'tinted',
+                label: translate(
+                  'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.leftSidebarAppearance.tinted',
+                  'Tinted'
+                )
+              }
+            ]}
+          />
+        }
+      />
+      {(settings.leftSidebarAppearanceMode ?? 'default') === 'tinted' ? (
+        <div className="space-y-2">
+          <ColorField
+            label={translate(
+              'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.leftSidebarAppearance.tintColor',
+              'Sidebar Tint'
+            )}
+            description={translate(
+              'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.leftSidebarAppearance.tintColorDescription',
+              'The color mixed into the left sidebar surface.'
+            )}
+            value={settings.leftSidebarTintColor ?? DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_COLOR}
+            fallback={DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_COLOR}
+            onChange={(leftSidebarTintColor) => updateSettings({ leftSidebarTintColor })}
+          />
+          <NumberField
+            label={translate(
+              'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.leftSidebarAppearance.tintOpacity',
+              'Tint Strength'
+            )}
+            description={translate(
+              'auto.components.settings.AppearancePane.leftSidebarAppearance.tintOpacityDescription',
+              'Controls how strongly the tint is mixed into the sidebar.'
+            )}
+            value={settings.leftSidebarTintOpacity ?? DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY}
+            defaultValue={DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY}
+            min={0}
+            max={MAX_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY}
+            step={0.01}
+            suffix={`0 to ${MAX_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY}`}
+            onChange={(leftSidebarTintOpacity) => updateSettings({ leftSidebarTintOpacity })}
+          />
+        </div>
+      ) : null}
+    </div>
+  )
+}
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/Settings.tsx b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/Settings.tsx
index cc4d57cd6d0..cd7f1bea329 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/Settings.tsx
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/Settings.tsx
@@ -947,6 +947,7 @@ function Settings(): React.JSX.Element {
     >
       <SettingsSidebar
         activeSectionId={activeSectionId}
+        settings={settings}
         generalGroups={generalNavGroups}
         repoSections={repoNavSections}
         hasRepos={repos.length > 0}
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/SettingsSidebar.test.tsx b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/SettingsSidebar.test.tsx
index ddcec2cf6eb..11ef40454e7 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/SettingsSidebar.test.tsx
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/SettingsSidebar.test.tsx
@@ -1,9 +1,11 @@
 import { renderToStaticMarkup } from 'react-dom/server'
 import { Bot, Mic, Network } from 'lucide-react'
 import { beforeEach, describe, expect, it, vi } from 'vitest'
+import { getDefaultSettings } from '../../../../shared/constants'
 import { SettingsSidebar } from './SettingsSidebar'
 import { TooltipProvider } from '../ui/tooltip'
 import type { SettingsSetupGuideProgress } from './settings-setup-guide-progress'
+import type { GlobalSettings } from '../../../../shared/types'
 
 const mocks = vi.hoisted(() => ({
   useSettingsSetupGuideProgress: vi.fn()
@@ -29,11 +31,15 @@ function makeSetupGuideProgress(
   }
 }
 
-function renderSidebar(activeSectionId = 'orchestration'): string {
+function renderSidebar(
+  activeSectionId = 'orchestration',
+  settings: GlobalSettings = getDefaultSettings('/tmp')
+): string {
   return renderToStaticMarkup(
     <TooltipProvider>
       <SettingsSidebar
         activeSectionId={activeSectionId}
+        settings={settings}
         generalGroups={[
           {
             id: 'capabilities',
@@ -88,6 +94,20 @@ describe('SettingsSidebar', () => {
     mocks.useSettingsSetupGuideProgress.mockReturnValue(makeSetupGuideProgress())
   })
 
+  it('applies left sidebar appearance styles to the settings navigation', () => {
+    const markup = renderSidebar('orchestration', {
+      ...getDefaultSettings('/tmp'),
+      leftSidebarAppearanceMode: 'match-terminal',
+      terminalColorOverrides: {
+        background: '#101820',
+        foreground: '#f0f4f8'
+      }
+    })
+
+    expect(markup).toContain('--worktree-sidebar:#101820')
+    expect(markup).toContain('--worktree-sidebar-foreground:#f0f4f8')
+  })
+
   it('renders install state labels separately from static badges', () => {
     const markup = renderSidebar()
 
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/SettingsSidebar.tsx b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/SettingsSidebar.tsx
index 6fa13381a67..4a28cca7566 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/SettingsSidebar.tsx
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/SettingsSidebar.tsx
@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
-import type { RefObject } from 'react'
+import type { CSSProperties, RefObject } from 'react'
+import { useMemo } from 'react'
 import { ArrowLeft, Search, Server } from 'lucide-react'
 import type { RepoIcon } from '../../../../shared/repo-icon'
 import type { SettingsNavIcon, SettingsNavInstallStatus } from '@/lib/settings-navigation-types'
-import type { GitHubRepositoryIdentity } from '../../../../shared/types'
+import type { GitHubRepositoryIdentity, GlobalSettings } from '../../../../shared/types'
 import { useShortcutLabel } from '@/hooks/useShortcutLabel'
 import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import { RepoIconGlyph } from '../repo/repo-icon'
@@ -13,6 +14,8 @@ import { SetupGuideProgressRing } from '../setup-guide/SetupGuideProgressRing'
 import { useSettingsSetupGuideProgress } from './settings-setup-guide-progress'
 import type { SettingsSetupGuideProgress } from './settings-setup-guide-progress'
 import { translate } from '@/i18n/i18n'
+import { resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables } from '@/lib/left-sidebar-appearance'
+import { useSystemPrefersDark } from '../terminal-pane/use-system-prefers-dark'
 
 type NavSection = {
   id: string
@@ -37,6 +40,7 @@ type RepoNavSection = NavSection & {
 
 type SettingsSidebarProps = {
   activeSectionId: string
+  settings: GlobalSettings | null
   generalGroups: NavGroup[]
   repoSections: RepoNavSection[]
   hasRepos: boolean
@@ -112,6 +116,7 @@ function SettingsSetupGuideNavRow({
 
 export function SettingsSidebar({
   activeSectionId,
+  settings,
   generalGroups,
   repoSections,
   hasRepos,
@@ -122,6 +127,11 @@ export function SettingsSidebar({
   onSelectSection
 }: SettingsSidebarProps): React.JSX.Element {
   const setupGuideProgress = useSettingsSetupGuideProgress(true)
+  const systemPrefersDark = useSystemPrefersDark()
+  const leftSidebarStyle = useMemo(
+    () => resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables(settings, systemPrefersDark),
+    [settings, systemPrefersDark]
+  ) as CSSProperties | undefined
   const setupActive = activeSectionId === 'setup-guide'
   // Why: "Hide from sidebar" only hides the top-left app sidebar prompt;
   // Settings should remain a stable place to reopen the checklist.
@@ -159,7 +169,10 @@ export function SettingsSidebar({
     )
 
   return (
-    <aside className="flex w-[280px] shrink-0 flex-col border-r border-worktree-sidebar-border bg-worktree-sidebar">
+    <aside
+      className="flex w-[280px] shrink-0 flex-col border-r border-worktree-sidebar-border bg-worktree-sidebar"
+      style={leftSidebarStyle}
+    >
       <div className="border-b border-worktree-sidebar-border px-3 py-3">
         <Button
           variant="ghost"
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/appearance-search.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/appearance-search.ts
index 8dd4857f142..157090af087 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/appearance-search.ts
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/appearance-search.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import type { SettingsSearchEntry } from './settings-search'
 import { getTerminalAppearanceSearchEntries } from './terminal-search'
+import { getLeftSidebarAppearanceEntry, getSidebarEntries } from './appearance-sidebar-search'
 import { createLocalizedCatalog } from '@/i18n/localized-catalog'
 import { translate } from '@/i18n/i18n'
 import { translateSearchKeyword } from './settings-search-keywords'
@@ -153,71 +154,7 @@ export const getStatusBarEntries = createLocalizedCatalog((): SettingsSearchEntr
   }))
 )
 
-export const getSidebarEntries = createLocalizedCatalog((): SettingsSearchEntry[] => [
-  {
-    title: translate('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.155a1e7438', 'Show Tasks Button'),
-    description: translate(
-      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.9a248333c7',
-      'Show the Tasks button at the top of the left sidebar.'
-    ),
-    keywords: [
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.0d5a74b606', 'tasks'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.5bff6a2ef0', 'sidebar'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.6cf5f54ce1', 'button'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.648eeada79', 'hide'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.ac79fe4a04', 'show'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.2ee4810f38', 'github'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.6b846424cc', 'linear')
-    ]
-  },
-  {
-    title: translate(
-      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.caa27e1a8e',
-      'Show Automations Button'
-    ),
-    description: translate(
-      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.ae13a0d340',
-      'Show the Automations button at the top of the left sidebar.'
-    ),
-    keywords: [
-      ...translateSearchKeyword(
-        'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.b186f3cefb',
-        'automations'
-      ),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword(
-        'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.58f4e22fa2',
-        'automation'
-      ),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword(
-        'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.4c920ab2d1',
-        'schedule'
-      ),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.5bff6a2ef0', 'sidebar'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.6cf5f54ce1', 'button'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.648eeada79', 'hide'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.ac79fe4a04', 'show')
-    ]
-  },
-  {
-    title: translate(
-      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.1de96ec8a6',
-      'Show Orca Mobile Button'
-    ),
-    description: translate(
-      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.682293cadf',
-      'Show the Orca Mobile button at the top of the left sidebar.'
-    ),
-    keywords: [
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.74618577c7', 'mobile'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.5e5b8878bf', 'phone'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.5bff6a2ef0', 'sidebar'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.6cf5f54ce1', 'button'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.648eeada79', 'hide'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.ac79fe4a04', 'show'),
-      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.839fb1e3ed', 'toolbox')
-    ]
-  }
-])
+export { getLeftSidebarAppearanceEntry, getSidebarEntries }
 
 export const getAppIconEntries = createLocalizedCatalog((): SettingsSearchEntry[] => [
   {
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/settings/appearance-sidebar-search.ts b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/appearance-sidebar-search.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..c462a0fa7e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/settings/appearance-sidebar-search.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,107 @@
+import type { SettingsSearchEntry } from './settings-search'
+import { createLocalizedCatalog } from '@/i18n/localized-catalog'
+import { translate } from '@/i18n/i18n'
+import { translateSearchKeyword } from './settings-search-keywords'
+
+export const getLeftSidebarAppearanceEntry = createLocalizedCatalog(
+  (): SettingsSearchEntry => ({
+    title: translate(
+      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.leftSidebarAppearance.title',
+      'Left Sidebar Appearance'
+    ),
+    description: translate(
+      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.leftSidebarAppearance.description',
+      'Make the left sidebar match your terminal, stay default, or use a tint.'
+    ),
+    keywords: [
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.5bff6a2ef0', 'sidebar'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword(
+        'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.leftSidebarAppearance.project',
+        'project'
+      ),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword(
+        'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.leftSidebarAppearance.terminal',
+        'terminal'
+      ),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword(
+        'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.leftSidebarAppearance.background',
+        'background'
+      ),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword(
+        'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.leftSidebarAppearance.tint',
+        'tint'
+      ),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword(
+        'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.leftSidebarAppearance.contrast',
+        'contrast'
+      )
+    ]
+  })
+)
+
+export const getSidebarEntries = createLocalizedCatalog((): SettingsSearchEntry[] => [
+  {
+    title: translate('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.155a1e7438', 'Show Tasks Button'),
+    description: translate(
+      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.9a248333c7',
+      'Show the Tasks button at the top of the left sidebar.'
+    ),
+    keywords: [
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.0d5a74b606', 'tasks'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.5bff6a2ef0', 'sidebar'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.6cf5f54ce1', 'button'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.648eeada79', 'hide'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.ac79fe4a04', 'show'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.2ee4810f38', 'github'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.6b846424cc', 'linear')
+    ]
+  },
+  {
+    title: translate(
+      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.caa27e1a8e',
+      'Show Automations Button'
+    ),
+    description: translate(
+      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.ae13a0d340',
+      'Show the Automations button at the top of the left sidebar.'
+    ),
+    keywords: [
+      ...translateSearchKeyword(
+        'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.b186f3cefb',
+        'automations'
+      ),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword(
+        'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.58f4e22fa2',
+        'automation'
+      ),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword(
+        'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.4c920ab2d1',
+        'schedule'
+      ),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.5bff6a2ef0', 'sidebar'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.6cf5f54ce1', 'button'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.648eeada79', 'hide'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.ac79fe4a04', 'show')
+    ]
+  },
+  {
+    title: translate(
+      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.1de96ec8a6',
+      'Show Orca Mobile Button'
+    ),
+    description: translate(
+      'auto.components.settings.appearance.search.682293cadf',
+      'Show the Orca Mobile button at the top of the left sidebar.'
+    ),
+    keywords: [
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.74618577c7', 'mobile'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.5e5b8878bf', 'phone'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.5bff6a2ef0', 'sidebar'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.6cf5f54ce1', 'button'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.648eeada79', 'hide'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.ac79fe4a04', 'show'),
+      ...translateSearchKeyword('auto.components.settings.appearance.search.839fb1e3ed', 'toolbox')
+    ]
+  },
+  getLeftSidebarAppearanceEntry()
+])
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/sidebar/WorkspaceKanbanDrawer.tsx b/src/renderer/src/components/sidebar/WorkspaceKanbanDrawer.tsx
index ba0528fa729..ba906cb6e41 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/sidebar/WorkspaceKanbanDrawer.tsx
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/sidebar/WorkspaceKanbanDrawer.tsx
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ import { makeWorkspaceStatusId } from '../../../../shared/workspace-statuses'
 import { useContextualTour } from '@/components/contextual-tours/use-contextual-tour'
 
 type WorkspaceKanbanDrawerProps = {
+  leftSidebarStyle?: React.CSSProperties
   open: boolean
   preserveOpenForMenu: boolean
   onOpenChange: (open: boolean) => void
@@ -42,6 +43,7 @@ type WorkspaceKanbanDrawerProps = {
 }
 
 export default function WorkspaceKanbanDrawer({
+  leftSidebarStyle,
   open,
   preserveOpenForMenu,
   onOpenChange,
@@ -481,6 +483,7 @@ export default function WorkspaceKanbanDrawer({
         overlayStyle={{ top: 36, left: drawerLeftCss, pointerEvents: 'none' }}
         style={
           {
+            ...leftSidebarStyle,
             // Why: the board is a companion to the workspace sidebar, so it
             // expands from the sidebar edge instead of covering the sidebar.
             left: drawerLeftCss,
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/components/sidebar/index.tsx b/src/renderer/src/components/sidebar/index.tsx
index 1a3941ea440..40ee26fe44b 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/components/sidebar/index.tsx
+++ b/src/renderer/src/components/sidebar/index.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import React, { useEffect } from 'react'
+import React, { useEffect, useMemo } from 'react'
 import { useAppStore } from '@/store'
 import { TooltipProvider } from '@/components/ui/tooltip'
 import { useSidebarResize } from '@/hooks/useSidebarResize'
@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ import { cn } from '@/lib/utils'
 import { FolderPlus, Loader2 } from 'lucide-react'
 import { useSidebarProjectDrop } from './useSidebarProjectDrop'
 import { useWorkspaceBoardPanel } from './useWorkspaceBoardPanel'
+import { useSystemPrefersDark } from '../terminal-pane/use-system-prefers-dark'
+import { resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables } from '@/lib/left-sidebar-appearance'
 
 const WorktreeMetaDialog = React.lazy(() => import('./WorktreeMetaDialog'))
 const NonGitFolderDialog = React.lazy(() => import('./NonGitFolderDialog'))
@@ -43,9 +45,15 @@ function Sidebar({
   const sidebarWidth = useAppStore((s) => s.sidebarWidth)
   const setSidebarWidth = useAppStore((s) => s.setSidebarWidth)
   const repos = useAppStore((s) => s.repos)
+  const settings = useAppStore((s) => s.settings)
   const fetchAllWorktrees = useAppStore((s) => s.fetchAllWorktrees)
   const activeModal = useAppStore((s) => s.activeModal)
   const { nativeDropTarget, dropHandlers, affordance } = useSidebarProjectDrop()
+  const systemPrefersDark = useSystemPrefersDark()
+  const leftSidebarStyle = useMemo(
+    () => resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables(settings, systemPrefersDark),
+    [settings, systemPrefersDark]
+  ) as React.CSSProperties | undefined
   const [shouldMountAddRepoDialog, setShouldMountAddRepoDialog] = React.useState(false)
   const unmountAddRepoDialogTimerRef = React.useRef<ReturnType<typeof setTimeout> | null>(null)
   const {
@@ -116,6 +124,7 @@ function Sidebar({
         ref={containerRef}
         data-native-file-drop-target={sidebarOpen ? nativeDropTarget : undefined}
         className="relative min-h-0 flex-shrink-0 bg-worktree-sidebar flex flex-col overflow-hidden scrollbar-sleek-parent"
+        style={leftSidebarStyle}
         {...dropHandlers}
       >
         {sidebarOpen && (
@@ -183,6 +192,7 @@ function Sidebar({
       </React.Suspense>
       {sidebarOpen ? (
         <WorkspaceKanbanDrawer
+          leftSidebarStyle={leftSidebarStyle}
           open={workspaceBoardOpen}
           preserveOpenForMenu={workspaceBoardMenuOpen}
           onOpenChange={handleWorkspaceBoardOpenChange}
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/en.json b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/en.json
index 6b2e7498b04..fe500a2b2b4 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/en.json
+++ b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/en.json
@@ -4177,7 +4177,20 @@
           "7d26ccabe8": "Dark",
           "fb0e0b4453": "System",
           "932ff1fbff": "Theme",
-          "0f28e7b30c": "Choose how Orca looks in the app window."
+          "0f28e7b30c": "Choose how Orca looks in the app window.",
+          "leftSidebarAppearance": {
+            "title": "Left Sidebar Appearance",
+            "description": "Make the left sidebar match your terminal, stay default, or use a tint.",
+            "rowDescription": "Make the left sidebar match your terminal, stay default, or use a tint.",
+            "default": "Default",
+            "matchTerminal": "Match Terminal",
+            "softContrast": "Soft Contrast",
+            "tinted": "Tinted",
+            "tintColor": "Sidebar Tint",
+            "tintColorDescription": "The color mixed into the left sidebar surface.",
+            "tintOpacity": "Tint Strength",
+            "tintOpacityDescription": "Controls how strongly the tint is mixed into the sidebar."
+          }
         },
         "AutoRenameBranchFromWorkSetting": {
           "1626524572": "Nautilus",
@@ -6215,6 +6228,10 @@
               "locale": "locale",
               "i18n": "i18n",
               "translation": "translation"
+            },
+            "leftSidebarAppearance": {
+              "title": "Left Sidebar Appearance",
+              "description": "Make the left sidebar match your terminal, stay default, or use a tint."
             }
           }
         },
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/es.json b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/es.json
index e6f3a59db1e..d7be7dac2b3 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/es.json
+++ b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/es.json
@@ -4177,7 +4177,20 @@
           "7d26ccabe8": "Oscuro",
           "fb0e0b4453": "Sistema",
           "932ff1fbff": "Tema",
-          "0f28e7b30c": "Elige cómo se ve Orca en la ventana de la aplicación."
+          "0f28e7b30c": "Elige cómo se ve Orca en la ventana de la aplicación.",
+          "leftSidebarAppearance": {
+            "title": "Apariencia de la barra lateral izquierda",
+            "description": "Haz que la barra lateral izquierda coincida con tu terminal, conserve el valor predeterminado o use un tinte.",
+            "rowDescription": "Haz que la barra lateral izquierda coincida con tu terminal, conserve el valor predeterminado o use un tinte.",
+            "default": "Predeterminado",
+            "matchTerminal": "Coincidir con terminal",
+            "softContrast": "Contraste suave",
+            "tinted": "Con tinte",
+            "tintColor": "Tinte de la barra lateral",
+            "tintColorDescription": "El color que se mezcla en la superficie de la barra lateral izquierda.",
+            "tintOpacity": "Intensidad del tinte",
+            "tintOpacityDescription": "Controla con qué fuerza se mezcla el tinte en la barra lateral."
+          }
         },
         "AutoRenameBranchFromWorkSetting": {
           "1626524572": "Nautilus",
@@ -6179,6 +6192,10 @@
               "locale": "lugar",
               "i18n": "i18n",
               "translation": "traducción"
+            },
+            "leftSidebarAppearance": {
+              "title": "Apariencia de la barra lateral izquierda",
+              "description": "Haz que la barra lateral izquierda coincida con tu terminal, conserve el valor predeterminado o use un tinte."
             }
           }
         },
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ja.json b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ja.json
index 809a3162f51..d7e00864781 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ja.json
+++ b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ja.json
@@ -4162,7 +4162,20 @@
           "7d26ccabe8": "ダーク",
           "fb0e0b4453": "システム",
           "932ff1fbff": "テーマ",
-          "0f28e7b30c": "アプリ ウィンドウで Orca がどのように見えるかを選択します。"
+          "0f28e7b30c": "アプリ ウィンドウで Orca がどのように見えるかを選択します。",
+          "leftSidebarAppearance": {
+            "title": "左サイドバーの外観",
+            "description": "左サイドバーをターミナルに合わせるか、既定のままにするか、色合いを加えます。",
+            "rowDescription": "左サイドバーをターミナルに合わせるか、既定のままにするか、色合いを加えます。",
+            "default": "デフォルト",
+            "matchTerminal": "ターミナルに合わせる",
+            "softContrast": "ソフトコントラスト",
+            "tinted": "色合い",
+            "tintColor": "サイドバーの色合い",
+            "tintColorDescription": "左サイドバーの表面に混ぜる色です。",
+            "tintOpacity": "色合いの強さ",
+            "tintOpacityDescription": "サイドバーに色合いをどの程度強く混ぜるかを調整します。"
+          }
         },
         "AutoRenameBranchFromWorkSetting": {
           "1626524572": "Nautilus",
@@ -6200,6 +6213,10 @@
               "locale": "ロケール",
               "i18n": "i18n",
               "translation": "翻訳"
+            },
+            "leftSidebarAppearance": {
+              "title": "左サイドバーの外観",
+              "description": "左サイドバーをターミナルに合わせるか、既定のままにするか、色合いを加えます。"
             }
           }
         },
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ko.json b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ko.json
index 843af4c677a..794f238befc 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ko.json
+++ b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/ko.json
@@ -4162,7 +4162,20 @@
           "7d26ccabe8": "다크",
           "fb0e0b4453": "체계",
           "932ff1fbff": "주제",
-          "0f28e7b30c": "Orca가 앱 창에 표시되는 방식을 선택합니다."
+          "0f28e7b30c": "Orca가 앱 창에 표시되는 방식을 선택합니다.",
+          "leftSidebarAppearance": {
+            "title": "왼쪽 사이드바 모양",
+            "description": "왼쪽 사이드바를 터미널에 맞추거나 기본값을 유지하거나 은은한 색조를 적용합니다.",
+            "rowDescription": "왼쪽 사이드바를 터미널에 맞추거나 기본값을 유지하거나 은은한 색조를 적용합니다.",
+            "default": "기본값",
+            "matchTerminal": "터미널에 맞춤",
+            "softContrast": "부드러운 대비",
+            "tinted": "색조 적용",
+            "tintColor": "사이드바 색조",
+            "tintColorDescription": "왼쪽 사이드바 표면에 섞을 색상입니다.",
+            "tintOpacity": "색조 강도",
+            "tintOpacityDescription": "사이드바에 색조를 얼마나 강하게 섞을지 조절합니다."
+          }
         },
         "AutoRenameBranchFromWorkSetting": {
           "1626524572": "Nautilus",
@@ -6164,6 +6177,10 @@
               "locale": "로케일",
               "i18n": "i18n",
               "translation": "번역"
+            },
+            "leftSidebarAppearance": {
+              "title": "왼쪽 사이드바 모양",
+              "description": "왼쪽 사이드바를 터미널에 맞추거나 기본값을 유지하거나 은은한 색조를 적용합니다."
             }
           }
         },
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/zh.json b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/zh.json
index 43beb2959f2..0e0d2f13022 100644
--- a/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/zh.json
+++ b/src/renderer/src/i18n/locales/zh.json
@@ -4162,7 +4162,20 @@
           "7d26ccabe8": "深色",
           "fb0e0b4453": "系统",
           "932ff1fbff": "主题",
-          "0f28e7b30c": "选择 Orca 在应用程序窗口中的外观。"
+          "0f28e7b30c": "选择 Orca 在应用程序窗口中的外观。",
+          "leftSidebarAppearance": {
+            "title": "左侧边栏外观",
+            "description": "让左侧边栏匹配终端、保持默认，或使用色调。",
+            "rowDescription": "让左侧边栏匹配终端、保持默认，或使用色调。",
+            "default": "默认",
+            "matchTerminal": "匹配终端",
+            "softContrast": "柔和对比",
+            "tinted": "色调",
+            "tintColor": "边栏色调",
+            "tintColorDescription": "混入左侧边栏表面的颜色。",
+            "tintOpacity": "色调强度",
+            "tintOpacityDescription": "控制色调混入边栏的强度。"
+          }
         },
         "AutoRenameBranchFromWorkSetting": {
           "1626524572": "Nautilus",
@@ -6164,6 +6177,10 @@
               "locale": "区域设置",
               "i18n": "国际化",
               "translation": "翻译"
+            },
+            "leftSidebarAppearance": {
+              "title": "左侧边栏外观",
+              "description": "让左侧边栏匹配终端、保持默认，或使用色调。"
             }
           }
         },
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/lib/left-sidebar-appearance.test.ts b/src/renderer/src/lib/left-sidebar-appearance.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..4e47b55b3a6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/renderer/src/lib/left-sidebar-appearance.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+import { tmpdir } from 'node:os'
+import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest'
+import { getDefaultSettings } from '../../../shared/constants'
+import { resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables } from './left-sidebar-appearance'
+
+function settings(overrides = {}) {
+  return {
+    ...getDefaultSettings(tmpdir()),
+    ...overrides
+  }
+}
+
+describe('resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables', () => {
+  it('leaves the default sidebar token surface untouched', () => {
+    expect(resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables(settings(), true)).toBeUndefined()
+  })
+
+  it('matches terminal background, foreground, and scoped text tokens', () => {
+    const vars = resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables(
+      settings({
+        leftSidebarAppearanceMode: 'match-terminal',
+        terminalColorOverrides: {
+          background: '#101820',
+          foreground: '#f0f4f8'
+        }
+      }),
+      true
+    )
+
+    expect(vars).toMatchObject({
+      '--worktree-sidebar': '#101820',
+      '--worktree-sidebar-foreground': '#f0f4f8',
+      '--sidebar': '#101820',
+      '--sidebar-foreground': '#f0f4f8',
+      '--background': '#101820',
+      '--foreground': '#f0f4f8'
+    })
+    expect(vars?.['--worktree-sidebar-accent']).toContain('#f0f4f8 9%')
+    expect(vars?.['--sidebar-accent']).toBe(vars?.['--worktree-sidebar-accent'])
+  })
+
+  it('honors terminal background opacity for matched terminal surfaces', () => {
+    const vars = resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables(
+      settings({
+        leftSidebarAppearanceMode: 'match-terminal',
+        terminalColorOverrides: { background: '#123456' },
+        terminalBackgroundOpacity: 0.5
+      }),
+      true
+    )
+
+    expect(vars?.['--worktree-sidebar']).toBe('rgba(18, 52, 86, 0.5)')
+  })
+
+  it('builds a tinted surface from normalized tint settings', () => {
+    const vars = resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables(
+      settings({
+        leftSidebarAppearanceMode: 'tinted',
+        leftSidebarTintColor: '336699',
+        leftSidebarTintOpacity: 0.125
+      }),
+      true
+    )
+
+    expect(vars?.['--worktree-sidebar']).toBe(
+      'color-mix(in srgb, #336699 12.5%, var(--background))'
+    )
+    expect(vars?.['--sidebar']).toBe(vars?.['--worktree-sidebar'])
+    expect(vars?.['--worktree-sidebar-foreground']).toBe('var(--foreground)')
+  })
+
+  it('caps tinted opacity so arbitrary tint colors stay subtle', () => {
+    const vars = resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables(
+      settings({
+        leftSidebarAppearanceMode: 'tinted',
+        leftSidebarTintColor: '#000000',
+        leftSidebarTintOpacity: 1
+      }),
+      true
+    )
+
+    expect(vars?.['--worktree-sidebar']).toBe('color-mix(in srgb, #000000 35%, var(--background))')
+  })
+
+  it('uses the soft contrast token recipe without overriding app text tokens', () => {
+    const vars = resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables(
+      settings({ leftSidebarAppearanceMode: 'soft-contrast' }),
+      true
+    )
+
+    expect(vars?.['--worktree-sidebar']).toBe(
+      'color-mix(in srgb, var(--background) 96%, var(--foreground) 4%)'
+    )
+    expect(vars?.['--sidebar']).toBe(vars?.['--worktree-sidebar'])
+    expect(vars?.['--foreground']).toBeUndefined()
+  })
+})
diff --git a/src/renderer/src/lib/left-sidebar-appearance.ts b/src/renderer/src/lib/left-sidebar-appearance.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..4fee2febe3d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/renderer/src/lib/left-sidebar-appearance.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,135 @@
+import type { GlobalSettings } from '../../../shared/types'
+import { HEX_COLOR_RE } from '../../../shared/color-validation'
+import {
+  normalizeLeftSidebarTintColor,
+  normalizeLeftSidebarTintOpacity
+} from '../../../shared/left-sidebar-appearance'
+import { resolveEffectiveTerminalAppearance } from './terminal-theme'
+
+type LeftSidebarAppearanceSettings = Pick<
+  GlobalSettings,
+  | 'leftSidebarAppearanceMode'
+  | 'leftSidebarTintColor'
+  | 'leftSidebarTintOpacity'
+  | 'theme'
+  | 'terminalThemeDark'
+  | 'terminalDividerColorDark'
+  | 'terminalUseSeparateLightTheme'
+  | 'terminalThemeLight'
+  | 'terminalCustomThemes'
+  | 'terminalDividerColorLight'
+  | 'terminalColorOverrides'
+  | 'terminalBackgroundOpacity'
+>
+
+export type LeftSidebarStyleVariables = Record<string, string>
+
+function hexToRgba(hex: string, alpha: number): string {
+  const normalized = normalizeLeftSidebarTintColor(hex)
+  let clean = normalized.replace('#', '')
+  if (clean.length === 3) {
+    clean = clean
+      .split('')
+      .map((part) => part + part)
+      .join('')
+  }
+  const r = parseInt(clean.slice(0, 2), 16)
+  const g = parseInt(clean.slice(2, 4), 16)
+  const b = parseInt(clean.slice(4, 6), 16)
+  return `rgba(${r}, ${g}, ${b}, ${alpha})`
+}
+
+function applyAlpha(color: string, alpha: number | undefined): string {
+  if (alpha === undefined || alpha >= 1 || !HEX_COLOR_RE.test(color.trim())) {
+    return color
+  }
+  return hexToRgba(color, Math.min(1, Math.max(0, alpha)))
+}
+
+function buildSurfaceVariables(args: {
+  background: string
+  foreground: string
+  overrideTextTokens?: boolean
+}): LeftSidebarStyleVariables {
+  const { background, foreground, overrideTextTokens = false } = args
+  const accent = `color-mix(in srgb, ${foreground} 9%, ${background})`
+  const border = `color-mix(in srgb, ${foreground} 14%, ${background})`
+  const ring = `color-mix(in srgb, ${foreground} 44%, ${background})`
+  const vars: LeftSidebarStyleVariables = {
+    '--worktree-sidebar': background,
+    '--worktree-sidebar-foreground': foreground,
+    '--worktree-sidebar-accent': accent,
+    '--worktree-sidebar-accent-foreground': foreground,
+    '--worktree-sidebar-border': border,
+    '--worktree-sidebar-ring': ring,
+    // Why: older worktree-sidebar descendants still consume the shadcn sidebar
+    // token family; mirror it inside this scoped root so every left-sidebar
+    // surface follows the selected appearance.
+    '--sidebar': background,
+    '--sidebar-foreground': foreground,
+    '--sidebar-accent': accent,
+    '--sidebar-accent-foreground': foreground,
+    '--sidebar-border': border,
+    '--sidebar-ring': ring
+  }
+  if (overrideTextTokens) {
+    vars['--background'] = background
+    vars['--foreground'] = foreground
+    vars['--card'] = `color-mix(in srgb, ${foreground} 4%, ${background})`
+    vars['--card-foreground'] = foreground
+    vars['--accent'] = `color-mix(in srgb, ${foreground} 9%, ${background})`
+    vars['--accent-foreground'] = foreground
+    vars['--muted'] = `color-mix(in srgb, ${foreground} 7%, ${background})`
+    vars['--muted-foreground'] = `color-mix(in srgb, ${foreground} 62%, ${background})`
+    vars['--border'] = `color-mix(in srgb, ${foreground} 14%, ${background})`
+  }
+  return vars
+}
+
+function resolveTerminalSurfaceVariables(
+  settings: LeftSidebarAppearanceSettings,
+  systemPrefersDark: boolean
+): LeftSidebarStyleVariables {
+  const appearance = resolveEffectiveTerminalAppearance(settings, systemPrefersDark)
+  const background = applyAlpha(
+    settings.terminalColorOverrides?.background ?? appearance.theme?.background ?? '#000000',
+    settings.terminalBackgroundOpacity
+  )
+  const foreground =
+    settings.terminalColorOverrides?.foreground ?? appearance.theme?.foreground ?? '#fafafa'
+  return buildSurfaceVariables({ background, foreground, overrideTextTokens: true })
+}
+
+function resolveTintedSurfaceVariables(
+  settings: LeftSidebarAppearanceSettings
+): LeftSidebarStyleVariables {
+  const tintColor = normalizeLeftSidebarTintColor(settings.leftSidebarTintColor)
+  const tintOpacity = normalizeLeftSidebarTintOpacity(settings.leftSidebarTintOpacity)
+  const tintPercent = Number((tintOpacity * 100).toFixed(2))
+  const background = `color-mix(in srgb, ${tintColor} ${tintPercent}%, var(--background))`
+  return buildSurfaceVariables({ background, foreground: 'var(--foreground)' })
+}
+
+function resolveSoftContrastSurfaceVariables(): LeftSidebarStyleVariables {
+  const background = 'color-mix(in srgb, var(--background) 96%, var(--foreground) 4%)'
+  return buildSurfaceVariables({ background, foreground: 'var(--foreground)' })
+}
+
+export function resolveLeftSidebarStyleVariables(
+  settings: LeftSidebarAppearanceSettings | null | undefined,
+  systemPrefersDark: boolean
+): LeftSidebarStyleVariables | undefined {
+  if (!settings) {
+    return undefined
+  }
+  switch (settings.leftSidebarAppearanceMode) {
+    case 'default':
+      return undefined
+    case 'match-terminal':
+      return resolveTerminalSurfaceVariables(settings, systemPrefersDark)
+    case 'tinted':
+      return resolveTintedSurfaceVariables(settings)
+    case 'soft-contrast':
+      return resolveSoftContrastSurfaceVariables()
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/shared/constants.ts b/src/shared/constants.ts
index 300dc3a9295..257418ab8d8 100644
--- a/src/shared/constants.ts
+++ b/src/shared/constants.ts
@@ -24,6 +24,10 @@ import { DEFAULT_BROWSER_PAGE_ZOOM_LEVEL } from './browser-page-zoom'
 import { DEFAULT_DISABLED_TUI_AGENTS } from './tui-agent-selection'
 import { DEFAULT_TUI_AGENT_ARGS, DEFAULT_TUI_AGENT_ENV } from './tui-agent-launch-defaults'
 import { UI_LANGUAGE_SYSTEM } from './ui-language'
+import {
+  DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_COLOR,
+  DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY
+} from './left-sidebar-appearance'
 
 export { DEFAULT_STATUS_BAR_ITEMS } from './status-bar-defaults'
 export {
@@ -181,6 +185,9 @@ export function getDefaultSettings(homedir: string): GlobalSettings {
     branchPrefixCustom: '',
     enableGitHubAttribution: false,
     theme: 'system',
+    leftSidebarAppearanceMode: 'default',
+    leftSidebarTintColor: DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_COLOR,
+    leftSidebarTintOpacity: DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY,
     uiLanguage: UI_LANGUAGE_SYSTEM,
     appIcon: DEFAULT_APP_ICON_ID,
     appFontFamily: DEFAULT_APP_FONT_FAMILY,
diff --git a/src/shared/left-sidebar-appearance.ts b/src/shared/left-sidebar-appearance.ts
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..9123d2310aa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/shared/left-sidebar-appearance.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,37 @@
+import { HEX_COLOR_RE } from './color-validation'
+import type { LeftSidebarAppearanceMode } from './types'
+
+export const LEFT_SIDEBAR_APPEARANCE_MODES = [
+  'default',
+  'match-terminal',
+  'tinted',
+  'soft-contrast'
+] as const
+
+export const DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_COLOR = '#18181b'
+export const DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY = 0.08
+export const MAX_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY = 0.35
+
+export function normalizeLeftSidebarAppearanceMode(value: unknown): LeftSidebarAppearanceMode {
+  return LEFT_SIDEBAR_APPEARANCE_MODES.includes(value as LeftSidebarAppearanceMode)
+    ? (value as LeftSidebarAppearanceMode)
+    : 'default'
+}
+
+export function normalizeLeftSidebarTintColor(value: unknown): string {
+  if (typeof value !== 'string') {
+    return DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_COLOR
+  }
+  const trimmed = value.trim()
+  if (!trimmed || !HEX_COLOR_RE.test(trimmed)) {
+    return DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_COLOR
+  }
+  return trimmed.startsWith('#') ? trimmed : `#${trimmed}`
+}
+
+export function normalizeLeftSidebarTintOpacity(value: unknown): number {
+  if (typeof value !== 'number' || !Number.isFinite(value)) {
+    return DEFAULT_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY
+  }
+  return Math.min(MAX_LEFT_SIDEBAR_TINT_OPACITY, Math.max(0, value))
+}
diff --git a/src/shared/native-file-drop.test.ts b/src/shared/native-file-drop.test.ts
index 53ee4bf0486..74c41c7b396 100644
--- a/src/shared/native-file-drop.test.ts
+++ b/src/shared/native-file-drop.test.ts
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ describe('hasNativeFileDragTypes', () => {
 })
 
 describe('resolveNativeFileDropPath', () => {
-  it('routes drops on the project sidebar to the add-project surface', () => {
+  it('routes drops on the left sidebar to the add-project surface', () => {
     expect(
       resolveNativeFileDropPath([{ nativeFileDropTarget: NATIVE_FILE_DROP_TARGET.projectSidebar }])
     ).toEqual({ target: NATIVE_FILE_DROP_TARGET.projectSidebar })
diff --git a/src/shared/types.ts b/src/shared/types.ts
index edc2e995db9..0355276a283 100644
--- a/src/shared/types.ts
+++ b/src/shared/types.ts
@@ -2042,6 +2042,8 @@ export type OpenInApplication = {
 
 export type SourceControlViewMode = 'list' | 'tree'
 
+export type LeftSidebarAppearanceMode = 'default' | 'match-terminal' | 'tinted' | 'soft-contrast'
+
 export type FloatingTerminalCwdRequest = {
   path?: string
   requireTrusted?: boolean
@@ -2066,6 +2068,10 @@ export type GlobalSettings = {
   branchPrefixCustom: string
   enableGitHubAttribution: boolean
   theme: 'system' | 'dark' | 'light'
+  /** Controls the left sidebar surface without changing terminal brightness. */
+  leftSidebarAppearanceMode: LeftSidebarAppearanceMode
+  leftSidebarTintColor?: string
+  leftSidebarTintOpacity?: number
   uiLanguage: UiLanguage
   appIcon: AppIconId
   appFontFamily: string