[ Thanks to Sybarite for this link.
]
“Step 1. Tools → Options
Note than “Customize” won’t work, for you don’t “customize” your
application background, you “option” it!“Step 2. You are confronted with the GOD, the (in)famous Great
Option Dialog of OpenOffice.org! Be careful and select
“Appearance”. If you select “View” or “Colors”, you’re lost
forever. I know, you want to change the color, but just don’t
select “Colors”.”