diff --git a/kitty/tabs.py b/kitty/tabs.py
index b66bd813d..df72d6f27 100644
--- a/kitty/tabs.py
+++ b/kitty/tabs.py
@@ -18,7 +18,7 @@
 import glfw_constants
 from .child import Child
 from .constants import viewport_size, shell_path, appname, set_tab_manager, tab_manager, wakeup, cell_size
-from .fast_data_types import glViewport, glBlendFunc, GL_SRC_ALPHA, GL_ONE_MINUS_SRC_ALPHA
+from .fast_data_types import glViewport, glBlendFunc, GL_SRC_ALPHA, GL_ONE_MINUS_SRC_ALPHA, glClearColor, glClear, GL_COLOR_BUFFER_BIT
 from .fonts import set_font_family
 from .char_grid import cursor_shader, cell_shader
 from .keys import interpret_text_event, interpret_key_event, get_shortcut
@@ -130,6 +130,9 @@ def __init__(self, glfw_window, opts, args):
         self.cursor_program = ShaderProgram(*cursor_shader)
         glBlendFunc(GL_SRC_ALPHA, GL_ONE_MINUS_SRC_ALPHA)
         self.sprites.do_layout(cell_size.width, cell_size.height)
+        bg = opts.background
+        glClearColor(bg.red / 255, bg.green / 255, bg.blue / 255, 1)
+        glClear(GL_COLOR_BUFFER_BIT)
         self.queue_action(self.active_tab.new_window, False)
 
     def signal_received(self):