diff --git a/sway/tree/workspace.c b/sway/tree/workspace.c
index b357d83d4..d76505607 100644
--- a/sway/tree/workspace.c
+++ b/sway/tree/workspace.c
@@ -624,7 +624,10 @@ void workspace_add_gaps(struct sway_workspace *ws) {
 	if (config->smart_gaps) {
 		struct sway_seat *seat = input_manager_get_default_seat(input_manager);
 		struct sway_container *focus =
-			seat_get_focus_inactive_view(seat, &ws->node);
+			seat_get_focus_inactive_tiling(seat, ws);
+		if (focus && !focus->view) {
+			focus = seat_get_focus_inactive_view(seat, &focus->node);
+		}
 		if (focus && focus->view && view_is_only_visible(focus->view)) {
 			return;
 		}