I can set the QPalette correct for the entire QTableWidget, but the problem comes when setting the QPalette for specific part of the widget, in this case for a one column. The table contains QTableWidgetItem:s, and I can change the colors for these individual cells using setForeground() and setBackground() for text and background respectively. But I don't know how to set the other color roles for this QTableWidgetItem or set the QPalette for it, and as the result it uses it's parents QPalette settings when the cell is highlighted. Do I have to make my own my_TableWidgetItem that reimplements the painting? Seems to be a bit excessive for a feature of this size.