The ability to customize your Windows desktop has been around for quite some time now, and there's never been a better time to jump in and start making Windows look and work how you want it to.  We've previously talked about how Stardock has several $5 apps to make Windows 8 more usable, and today we're going to take it a step further with some other customization and enhancement apps that are just $10.

Lets take a look at some of the best and most popular desktop customization apps that you can use to completely change the look and feel of Windows 8 and Windows 7.

WindowBlinds

WindowBlinds is the flagship application in the Object Desktop suite, and has been downloaded more than 18 million times on Download.com alone.  WindowBlinds lets Windows users change the entire look of Windows by applying skins to the user interface.  There are thousands available for download on sites like WinCustomize.com which offers a huge variety of skins in just about every color and design you could possibly imagine.

Users can even customize skins further by applying colors, textures, and by adjusting the transparency of different parts of the user interface.  If you are using Windows 8 and the popular Start8 application to bring back the start menu, then WindowBlinds will also skin the start menu to match the rest of the skin.

TIP: Object Desktop includes all the apps we talked about today.

Get WindowBlinds for just $9.99.

Skin: GlassMaxX14 by basj

DeskScapes

DeskScapes is another popular app, and it also goes along perfectly with other apps such as WindowBlinds.  DeskScapes brings animation to your desktop by using videos and animated pictures as your desktop background.  You can also customize your own background wallpaper with effects, and also includes support for multiple monitors.

TIP: Create your own animated wallpapers with the DreamMaker app included with DeskScapes.

Video demo

Get DeskScapes for $9.99

WindowFX

WindowFX is a another cool product that really enhances your desktop experience by adding over 30 animated effects to your desktop windows and over 20 that can be added to your start menu.  Animations can be applied to such things like open and closing windows, moving windows, and more.

Other features including the ability to automatically resize windows, hide labels on desktop icons, and use a focus feature to highlight open windows.

TIP: Many of the animations can be configured with different animation styles

Video demo

Get WindowFX for $9.99