diff --git a/modules/home/hyprland.nix b/modules/home/hyprland.nix
index 7a1cde4..6f45813 100644
--- a/modules/home/hyprland.nix
+++ b/modules/home/hyprland.nix
@@ -1060,7 +1060,12 @@ in
         };
         shadow = {
           enabled = t.ui.shadow;
-          range = lib.mkDefault 20;
+          # The mantle-tinted shadow reads as a dark halo on dark themes
+          # but as a warm *glow* on light ones (mantle is light there) —
+          # kept as an identity feature, just tight (a few px) so it never
+          # bleeds into neighbouring windows or the bar (hardware report
+          # 2026-07-18); dark themes keep the soft 20px ambient shadow.
+          range = lib.mkDefault (if t.mode == "light" then 5 else 20);
           render_power = lib.mkDefault 3;
           color = rgba c.mantle "aa";
         };