diff --git a/vim-colors-solarized/README.mkd b/vim-colors-solarized/README.mkd
index 1f4d0e6..c180c99 100644
--- a/vim-colors-solarized/README.mkd
+++ b/vim-colors-solarized/README.mkd
@@ -143,6 +143,7 @@ Set these in your vimrc file prior to calling the colorscheme.
     g:solarized_italic    =   1       |   0
     g:solarized_contrast  =   "normal"|   "high" or "low"
     g:solarized_visibility=   "normal"|   "high" or "low"
+    g:solarized_specialbg =   "normal"|   "off"
     ------------------------------------------------
 ```
 
@@ -190,6 +191,13 @@ Set these in your vimrc file prior to calling the colorscheme.
     displayed using `:set list` can be set to one of three levels depending on
     your needs. Default value is `normal` with `high` and `low` options.
 
+*   g:solarized_specialbg
+
+    When solarized_visibility is set to `normal`, tabs are displayed
+    with a brighter background.  If you choose to use `set
+    listchars=...` then you may wish to turn this off.  Example: `let
+    g:solarized_specialbg="off"`
+
 Toggle Background Function
 --------------------------
 
diff --git a/vim-colors-solarized/colors/solarized.vim b/vim-colors-solarized/colors/solarized.vim
index 70f5223..3f7c528 100644
--- a/vim-colors-solarized/colors/solarized.vim
+++ b/vim-colors-solarized/colors/solarized.vim
@@ -221,6 +221,7 @@ call s:SetOption("visibility","normal")
 call s:SetOption("diffmode","normal")
 call s:SetOption("hitrail",0)
 call s:SetOption("menu",1)
+call s:SetOption("specialbg","normal")
 
 "}}}
 " Colorscheme initialization "{{{
@@ -606,7 +607,11 @@ elseif  (g:solarized_visibility=="low")
     exe "hi! SpecialKey" .s:fmt_bold   .s:fg_base02 .s:bg_none
     exe "hi! NonText"    .s:fmt_bold   .s:fg_base02 .s:bg_none
 else
-    exe "hi! SpecialKey" .s:fmt_bold   .s:fg_base00 .s:bg_base02
+    if (g:solarized_specialbg=="normal")
+        exe "hi! SpecialKey" .s:fmt_bold   .s:fg_base00 .s:bg_base02
+    else
+        exe "hi! SpecialKey" .s:fmt_bold   .s:fg_base00 .s:bg_none
+    endif
     exe "hi! NonText"    .s:fmt_bold   .s:fg_base00 .s:bg_none
 endif
 exe "hi! StatusLine"     .s:fmt_none   .s:fg_base1  .s:bg_base02 .s:fmt_revbb