Indeed, it is appropriate to use the "Dark Reader" extension. Extension "Dark Reader" https://github.com/darkreader/darkreader Get the installation file "darkreader-thunderbird.xpi,". You can add Dark Reader from the "Add-ons Manager" menu of Thunderbird by opening the gear icon (Add-on Tools) menu and selecting "Install add-on from File". Note: In order for the extension Dark Reader to function, Thunderbird Themes must have "Dark" set to Enabled.
One issue with Dark Reader and other addons for TB and Firefox is that sometimes the page flashes bright white before the addon does the job. I suspect it is to do with the way TB and Firefox render the page first and there isn't much the addon can do. If TB can fix that, it will be great. That flash is painful to the eyes in the evening if you are used to working with dark themes.