diff --git a/modules/hm/zellij.nix b/modules/hm/zellij.nix
index 72919ae..d1c8f1d 100644
--- a/modules/hm/zellij.nix
+++ b/modules/hm/zellij.nix
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ in
   xdg.configFile."zellij/config.kdl".text = ''
     theme "nix-rice"
     pane_frames false
+    default_layout "compact"
   '';
 
   xdg.configFile."zellij/themes/nix-rice.kdl".text = ''