diff --git a/modules/desktop/bspwm/default.nix b/modules/desktop/bspwm/default.nix
index 19c345db..1c70ea24 100644
--- a/modules/desktop/bspwm/default.nix
+++ b/modules/desktop/bspwm/default.nix
@@ -18,6 +18,10 @@ in {
   };
 
   config = mkIf cfg.enable {
+
+    # this is needed for gtk configuration to work
+    programs.dconf.enable = true;
+
     services.xserver = {
       enable = true;
       windowManager = {