diff --git a/server/api/controller/settings.js b/server/api/controller/settings.js
index 9e2882b7..786ca162 100644
--- a/server/api/controller/settings.js
+++ b/server/api/controller/settings.js
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ const defaultSettings = {
   hide_boosts: true,
   enable_trusted_instances: true,
   trusted_instances: [],
-  'theme.is_dark': false,
+  'theme.is_dark': true,
   'theme.primary': '#FF4500',
   footerLinks: [
     { href: '/', label: 'home' },