diff --git a/home-manager/modules/zellij/default.nix b/home-manager/modules/zellij/default.nix
index 03cacc2..72c54cc 100644
--- a/home-manager/modules/zellij/default.nix
+++ b/home-manager/modules/zellij/default.nix
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ in
         copy_command = cfg.copyCommand;
         scrollback_editor = "${config.eboskma.programs.emacs.package}/bin/emacsclient";
         pane_frames = false;
+        default_layout = "compact";
 
         themes = {
           dracula = {