| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Set component properties. |
Good for one-off. |
Gets monotonous. |
| Write factory methods. |
Easily changed details. |
Keep track of callers. |
| Extend Swing components. |
Easily changed behavior. |
Study before overriding. |
| Install custom borders and renderers. |
Good architectural support. |
Requires some expertise. |
| Install a custom MetalTheme. |
Global fonts and colors. |
Options somewhat limited. |
| Add custom entries to defaults table. |
Global changes to UI. |
Global changes to UI. |
| Create custom UI, borrowing code. |
Code known to work. |
Requires study to modify. |
| Create custom UI whole cloth. |
You could sell it on e-Bay! |
Got two years to spare? |
Summary of L&F Options