diff --git a/data/theme/gnome-shell-sass/widgets/_panel.scss b/data/theme/gnome-shell-sass/widgets/_panel.scss
index 1f4650773..bf7e37db6 100644
--- a/data/theme/gnome-shell-sass/widgets/_panel.scss
+++ b/data/theme/gnome-shell-sass/widgets/_panel.scss
@@ -25,6 +25,11 @@ $panel_transition_duration: 250ms; // same as the overview transition duration
     }
   }
 
+  // spacing between activities, app menu and such
+  #panelLeft, #panelCenter {
+    spacing: $base_spacing;
+  }
+
   // the rounded outset corners
   .panel-corner {
     -panel-corner-radius: $panel_corner_radius;