diff --git a/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c b/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
index eab271b..5574d37 100644
--- a/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
+++ b/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
@@ -1832,13 +1832,12 @@ handle_backend_new_output(struct wl_listener *listener, void *data)
 
         /* Phase 20: root background rectangle.
          * Inserted first in the scene tree so it is always below client
-         * surfaces.  WindowMaker grey (0.35, 0.35, 0.35) matches the
-         * classic WindowMaker desktop colour. */
+         * surfaces.  Default WindowMaker desktop colour: rgb:50/50/75. */
         {
-            float bg[4] = { 0.35f, 0.35f, 0.35f, 1.0f };
+            float bg[4] = { 0x50/255.0f, 0x50/255.0f, 0x75/255.0f, 1.0f };
             wlr_scene_rect_create(&wl_state.scene->tree,
                                   (int)output->width, (int)output->height, bg);
-            wwarning("wl_backend: root background created (%dx%d, grey)",
+            wwarning("wl_backend: root background created (%dx%d)",
                      (int)output->width, (int)output->height);
         }
     }