diff --git a/kitty/tabs.py b/kitty/tabs.py
index 55d20e948..25a6e7ba3 100644
--- a/kitty/tabs.py
+++ b/kitty/tabs.py
@@ -286,9 +286,9 @@ class TabBar:  # {{{
         self.window_geometry = g = WindowGeometry(
             margin, tab_bar.top, viewport_width - margin, tab_bar.bottom, s.columns, s.lines)
         if margin > 0:
-            self.tab_bar_blank_rects = (Rect(0, g.top, g.left, g.bottom), Rect(g.right - 1, g.top, viewport_width, g.bottom))
+            self.blank_rects = (Rect(0, g.top, g.left, g.bottom), Rect(g.right - 1, g.top, viewport_width, g.bottom))
         else:
-            self.tab_bar_blank_rects = ()
+            self.blank_rects = ()
         self.screen_geometry = sg = calculate_gl_geometry(g, vw, vh, cell_width, cell_height)
         set_tab_bar_render_data(self.os_window_id, sg.xstart, sg.ystart, sg.dx, sg.dy, self.screen)