diff --git a/resources/default_tweaks.py b/resources/default_tweaks.py
index 9851d76af4..368470cced 100644
--- a/resources/default_tweaks.py
+++ b/resources/default_tweaks.py
@@ -531,3 +531,8 @@ numeric_collation = False
 # number here. The default is ten libraries.
 many_libraries = 10
 
+#: Highlight the count of books when using a Virtual Library
+# The count of books next to the Virtual Library button is highlighted in
+# yellow when using a Virtual Library. By setting this to False, you can turn
+# that off.
+highlight_virtual_library_book_count = True
diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/search_restriction_mixin.py b/src/calibre/gui2/search_restriction_mixin.py
index c6965aaa6c..7b9fb21340 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/search_restriction_mixin.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/search_restriction_mixin.py
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ from PyQt4.Qt import (
 
 from calibre.gui2 import error_dialog, question_dialog
 from calibre.gui2.widgets import ComboBoxWithHelp
+from calibre.utils.config_base import tweaks
 from calibre.utils.icu import sort_key
 from calibre.utils.search_query_parser import ParseException
 from calibre.utils.search_query_parser import saved_searches
@@ -576,8 +577,9 @@ class SearchRestrictionMixin(object):
             rows = self.current_view().row_count()
             rbc = max(rows, db.data.get_search_restriction_book_count())
             t = _("({0} of {1})").format(rows, rbc)
-            self.search_count.setStyleSheet(
-                'QLabel { border-radius: 8px; background-color: yellow; }')
+            if tweaks['highlight_virtual_library_book_count']:
+                self.search_count.setStyleSheet(
+                    'QLabel { border-radius: 8px; background-color: yellow; }')
         else:  # No restriction or not library view
             if not self.search.in_a_search():
                 t = _("(all books)")