diff --git a/src/theme.rs b/src/theme.rs
index ff706a0..7097f5c 100644
--- a/src/theme.rs
+++ b/src/theme.rs
@@ -412,16 +412,17 @@ impl Theme {
         }
         let path = herdr_config_path();
         let Ok(s) = fs::read_to_string(path) else {
-            return Self::one_light();
+            return Self::catppuccin();
         };
         let Ok(v) = s.parse::<toml::Value>() else {
-            return Self::one_light();
+            return Self::catppuccin();
         };
         Self::from_herdr_config(&v)
     }
 
     fn from_herdr_config(v: &toml::Value) -> Self {
-        let mut theme = Self::one_light();
+        // Match Herdr's own fallback when [theme].name is absent or unknown.
+        let mut theme = Self::catppuccin();
         if let Some(name) = v
             .get("theme")
             .and_then(|x| x.as_table())
@@ -562,6 +563,27 @@ mod tests {
         toml_src.parse::<toml::Value>().expect("valid toml")
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn inherits_herdr_default_when_theme_is_not_configured() {
+        let theme = Theme::from_herdr_config(&theme_value(""));
+
+        assert_eq!(theme.panel_bg, rgb(24, 24, 37));
+        assert_eq!(theme.accent, rgb(137, 180, 250));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn unknown_theme_falls_back_to_herdr_default() {
+        let theme = Theme::from_herdr_config(&theme_value(
+            r#"
+            [theme]
+            name = "future-theme"
+            "#,
+        ));
+
+        assert_eq!(theme.panel_bg, rgb(24, 24, 37));
+        assert_eq!(theme.accent, rgb(137, 180, 250));
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn inherits_rose_pine_dawn_and_custom_overrides() {
         let theme = Theme::from_herdr_config(&theme_value(