diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/font_family_chooser.py b/src/calibre/gui2/font_family_chooser.py
index 6b6fdc12a5..7c172597d5 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/font_family_chooser.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/font_family_chooser.py
@@ -151,6 +151,7 @@ class FontFamilyDialog(QDialog):
                     break
         self.view.doubleClicked.connect(self.accept, type=Qt.QueuedConnection)
         self.view.setSelectionMode(self.view.SingleSelection)
+        self.view.setAlternatingRowColors(True)
 
         self.bb = QDialogButtonBox(QDialogButtonBox.Ok|QDialogButtonBox.Cancel)
         self.bb.accepted.connect(self.accept)