diff --git a/i3.nix b/i3.nix
index 0cc1f60..5bf03a9 100644
--- a/i3.nix
+++ b/i3.nix
@@ -15,7 +15,11 @@ in {
     config = {
       defaultWorkspace = "workspace number 1"; # defaults to 10 for some reason
       modifier = mod;
-      gaps.inner = 12;
+      # i3-gaps-specific configuration
+      gaps = {
+        inner = 12;
+        smartGaps = true;
+      };
       startup = [
         {
           command = "systemctl --user restart polybar";