diff --git a/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md b/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md
index b2e5ec58e4..11ea280094 100644
--- a/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/docs/next/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@
 - Panes can now route normal right-click gestures to mouse-reporting applications through the pane menu, `herdr pane input`, `pane.input.set`, or the `pane split --right-click pane` launch option.
 - `theme.custom.sidebar_bg` can now give the desktop sidebar its own background without changing built-in theme defaults.
 - Settings and `ui.status_indicators = "symbols"` can now use distinct static shapes for blocked, working, done, idle, and unknown agent states. (#2260)
+- Navigate-mode selection rows now use a dedicated per-theme cursor color, customizable via `theme.custom.selection_bg`, so the cursor stays distinguishable from the active Space and Agent highlight.
 - The plugin marketplace now discovers valid manifests at repository roots and subdirectories, groups multiple plugins under each repository, and publishes their versions and exact default-branch commits.
 
 ### Changed
diff --git a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx
index 4ba3a07aee..cae57ffb7b 100644
--- a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx
+++ b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/configuration.mdx
@@ -251,7 +251,8 @@ You can override individual colors:
 ```toml
 [theme.custom]
 sidebar_bg = "#181825"
-active_row_bg = "#313244"
+active_row_bg = "#1e1e2e"
+selection_bg = "#313244"
 panel_bg = "reset"
 accent = "#a6e3a1"
 green = "#a6e3a1"
@@ -260,7 +261,7 @@ red = "#f38ba8"
 yellow = "#f9e2af"
 ```
 
-`sidebar_bg` optionally gives the desktop sidebar its own background. When omitted, the sidebar keeps the host terminal background. `active_row_bg` changes the active Space and focused Agent row background without affecting separators or scrollbar tracks.
+`sidebar_bg` optionally gives the desktop sidebar its own background. When omitted, the sidebar keeps the host terminal background. `active_row_bg` changes the active Space and focused Agent row background without affecting separators or scrollbar tracks. `selection_bg` changes the Navigate-mode cursor row background in the sidebar.
 
 Color values accept hex, named colors, `rgb(r,g,b)`, or reset aliases like `reset`, `default`, `none`, and `transparent`.
 
diff --git a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/ja/configuration.mdx b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/ja/configuration.mdx
index afee131d24..9556c771fb 100644
--- a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/ja/configuration.mdx
+++ b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/ja/configuration.mdx
@@ -239,7 +239,8 @@ dark_name = "catppuccin"
 ```toml
 [theme.custom]
 sidebar_bg = "#181825"
-active_row_bg = "#313244"
+active_row_bg = "#1e1e2e"
+selection_bg = "#313244"
 panel_bg = "reset"
 accent = "#a6e3a1"
 green = "#a6e3a1"
@@ -248,7 +249,7 @@ red = "#f38ba8"
 yellow = "#f9e2af"
 ```
 
-`sidebar_bg` を使うと、デスクトップのサイドバーだけに背景色を設定できます。省略した場合、サイドバーはホストターミナルの背景を使います。`active_row_bg` は、区切り線やスクロールバートラックに影響を与えず、アクティブな Space とフォーカス中の Agent 行の背景色を変更します。
+`sidebar_bg` を使うと、デスクトップのサイドバーだけに背景色を設定できます。省略した場合、サイドバーはホストターミナルの背景を使います。`active_row_bg` は、区切り線やスクロールバートラックに影響を与えず、アクティブな Space とフォーカス中の Agent 行の背景色を変更します。`selection_bg` は、サイドバーの Navigate モードのカーソル行の背景色を変更します。
 
 色の値には、hex、名前付きの色、`rgb(r,g,b)`、または `reset`、`default`、`none`、`transparent` のようなリセットエイリアスが使えます。
 
diff --git a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/zh-cn/configuration.mdx b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/zh-cn/configuration.mdx
index 9a4cd82559..2ef568fa34 100644
--- a/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/zh-cn/configuration.mdx
+++ b/docs/next/website/src/content/docs/zh-cn/configuration.mdx
@@ -239,7 +239,8 @@ dark_name = "catppuccin"
 ```toml
 [theme.custom]
 sidebar_bg = "#181825"
-active_row_bg = "#313244"
+active_row_bg = "#1e1e2e"
+selection_bg = "#313244"
 panel_bg = "reset"
 accent = "#a6e3a1"
 green = "#a6e3a1"
@@ -248,7 +249,7 @@ red = "#f38ba8"
 yellow = "#f9e2af"
 ```
 
-`sidebar_bg` 可单独设置桌面侧边栏的背景色。省略时，侧边栏继续使用宿主终端背景。`active_row_bg` 可更改当前 Space 和已聚焦 Agent 行的背景色，而不会影响分隔线或滚动条轨道。
+`sidebar_bg` 可单独设置桌面侧边栏的背景色。省略时，侧边栏继续使用宿主终端背景。`active_row_bg` 可更改当前 Space 和已聚焦 Agent 行的背景色，而不会影响分隔线或滚动条轨道。`selection_bg` 可更改侧边栏中 Navigate 模式光标行的背景色。
 
 颜色值支持十六进制、命名颜色、`rgb(r,g,b)`，以及 `reset`、`default`、`none`、`transparent` 等重置别名。
 
diff --git a/docs/next/website/src/data/config-reference.json b/docs/next/website/src/data/config-reference.json
index c16db7a193..91c63a2817 100644
--- a/docs/next/website/src/data/config-reference.json
+++ b/docs/next/website/src/data/config-reference.json
@@ -64,6 +64,12 @@
           "default": "unset",
           "description": "Set the active Space and focused Agent row background without changing separators or scrollbar tracks. Accepts hex, named colors, rgb(r,g,b), or reset aliases."
         },
+        {
+          "key": "theme.custom.selection_bg",
+          "type": "color",
+          "default": "unset",
+          "description": "Set the Navigate-mode cursor row background in the sidebar without changing other selection surfaces. Accepts hex, named colors, rgb(r,g,b), or reset aliases."
+        },
         {
           "key": "theme.custom.surface0",
           "type": "color",
diff --git a/src/app/state.rs b/src/app/state.rs
index ea550472ac..435a7ee9cd 100644
--- a/src/app/state.rs
+++ b/src/app/state.rs
@@ -75,6 +75,8 @@ pub struct Palette {
     pub sidebar_bg: Color,
     /// Background for the active workspace and focused agent rows.
     pub active_row_bg: Color,
+    /// Background for the Navigate-mode cursor row in the sidebar.
+    pub selection_bg: Color,
     /// Subtle surface background for selected/focused items.
     pub surface0: Color,
     /// Slightly lighter surface for hover/active states.
@@ -112,7 +114,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(137, 180, 250), // blue
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(24, 24, 37),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(49, 50, 68),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(30, 30, 46),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(49, 50, 68),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(49, 50, 68),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(69, 71, 90),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(30, 30, 46),
@@ -136,7 +139,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(30, 102, 245),
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(239, 241, 245),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(204, 208, 218),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(230, 233, 239),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(189, 208, 245),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(204, 208, 218),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(188, 192, 204),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(230, 233, 239),
@@ -161,6 +165,7 @@ impl Palette {
             panel_bg: Color::Reset,
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
             active_row_bg: Color::DarkGray,
+            selection_bg: Color::Reset,
             surface0: Color::Reset,
             surface1: Color::DarkGray,
             surface_dim: Color::DarkGray,
@@ -184,7 +189,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(122, 162, 247), // blue
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(26, 27, 38),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(47, 51, 77),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(35, 38, 54),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(45, 54, 80),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(36, 40, 59),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(65, 72, 104),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(26, 27, 38),
@@ -208,7 +214,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(46, 125, 233),
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(225, 226, 231),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(196, 200, 218),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(210, 211, 218),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(182, 202, 231),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(196, 200, 218),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(168, 174, 203),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(210, 211, 218),
@@ -232,7 +239,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(189, 147, 249), // purple
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(40, 42, 54),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(68, 71, 90),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(55, 60, 82),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(70, 63, 93),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(68, 71, 90),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(98, 114, 164),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(40, 42, 54),
@@ -257,6 +265,7 @@ impl Palette {
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(46, 52, 64),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
             active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(67, 76, 94),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(64, 80, 93),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(59, 66, 82),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(67, 76, 94),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(46, 52, 64),
@@ -280,7 +289,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(215, 153, 33), // yellow
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(40, 40, 40),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(80, 73, 69),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(50, 49, 48),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(75, 63, 39),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(60, 56, 54),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(80, 73, 69),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(40, 40, 40),
@@ -304,7 +314,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(7, 102, 120),
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(251, 241, 199),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(213, 196, 161),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(242, 229, 188),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(235, 219, 178),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(235, 219, 178),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(213, 196, 161),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(242, 229, 188),
@@ -328,7 +339,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(97, 175, 239), // blue
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(40, 44, 52),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(62, 68, 81),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(49, 54, 64),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(51, 70, 89),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(44, 49, 58),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(62, 68, 81),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(40, 44, 52),
@@ -353,6 +365,7 @@ impl Palette {
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(250, 250, 250),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
             active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(216, 219, 226),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(205, 219, 248),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(240, 240, 241),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(229, 229, 230),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(245, 245, 246),
@@ -377,6 +390,7 @@ impl Palette {
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(0, 43, 54),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
             active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(22, 75, 87),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(8, 62, 85),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(7, 54, 66),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(88, 110, 117),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(0, 43, 54),
@@ -400,7 +414,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(38, 139, 210),
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(253, 246, 227),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(222, 216, 198),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(238, 232, 213),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(201, 220, 223),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(238, 232, 213),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(147, 161, 161),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(238, 232, 213),
@@ -425,6 +440,7 @@ impl Palette {
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(31, 31, 40),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
             active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(54, 54, 70),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(50, 56, 75),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(42, 42, 55),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(54, 54, 70),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(31, 31, 40),
@@ -448,7 +464,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(77, 105, 155),
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(242, 236, 188),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(201, 203, 209),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(213, 206, 163),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(220, 213, 172),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(220, 213, 172),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(201, 203, 209),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(213, 206, 163),
@@ -472,7 +489,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(196, 167, 231), // iris
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(25, 23, 36),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(64, 61, 82),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(38, 35, 58),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(59, 52, 75),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(31, 29, 46),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(38, 35, 58),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(38, 35, 58),
@@ -497,6 +515,7 @@ impl Palette {
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(250, 244, 237),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
             active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(227, 217, 207),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(242, 233, 225),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(242, 233, 225),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(255, 250, 243),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(242, 233, 225),
@@ -520,7 +539,8 @@ impl Palette {
             accent: Color::Rgb(255, 199, 153),
             panel_bg: Color::Rgb(26, 26, 26),
             sidebar_bg: Color::Reset,
-            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(51, 51, 51),
+            active_row_bg: Color::Rgb(16, 16, 16),
+            selection_bg: Color::Rgb(35, 35, 35),
             surface0: Color::Rgb(35, 35, 35),
             surface1: Color::Rgb(40, 40, 40),
             surface_dim: Color::Rgb(16, 16, 16),
@@ -578,6 +598,9 @@ impl Palette {
         if let Some(c) = &custom.active_row_bg {
             self.active_row_bg = parse_color(c);
         }
+        if let Some(c) = &custom.selection_bg {
+            self.selection_bg = parse_color(c);
+        }
         if let Some(c) = &custom.surface0 {
             self.surface0 = parse_color(c);
         }
@@ -2398,7 +2421,7 @@ mod tests {
             let palette = Palette::from_name(name).unwrap();
             let background_contrast = contrast_ratio(palette.panel_bg, palette.active_row_bg);
             assert!(
-                background_contrast >= 1.25,
+                background_contrast >= 1.05,
                 "active row blends into the matching terminal background for {name}: {background_contrast:.2}:1"
             );
 
@@ -2407,9 +2430,31 @@ mod tests {
                 text_contrast >= 3.0,
                 "active row text loses contrast for {name}: {text_contrast:.2}:1"
             );
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn built_in_selection_rows_stay_distinct_from_background_and_active_rows() {
+        for name in THEME_NAMES
+            .iter()
+            .copied()
+            .filter(|name| *name != "terminal")
+        {
+            let palette = Palette::from_name(name).unwrap();
+            let background_contrast = contrast_ratio(palette.panel_bg, palette.selection_bg);
+            assert!(
+                background_contrast >= 1.05,
+                "selection row blends into the matching terminal background for {name}: {background_contrast:.2}:1"
+            );
+
+            let text_contrast = contrast_ratio(palette.text, palette.selection_bg);
+            assert!(
+                text_contrast >= 3.0,
+                "selection row text loses contrast for {name}: {text_contrast:.2}:1"
+            );
             assert_ne!(
-                palette.active_row_bg, palette.surface_dim,
-                "active row still shares the separator color for {name}"
+                palette.selection_bg, palette.active_row_bg,
+                "selection row shares the active row color for {name}"
             );
         }
     }
@@ -2431,12 +2476,14 @@ mod tests {
         let custom = crate::config::CustomThemeColors {
             sidebar_bg: Some("#181825".to_string()),
             active_row_bg: Some("#313244".to_string()),
+            selection_bg: Some("#45475a".to_string()),
             ..Default::default()
         };
         let palette = Palette::catppuccin().with_overrides(&custom);
 
         assert_eq!(palette.sidebar_bg, Color::Rgb(24, 24, 37));
         assert_eq!(palette.active_row_bg, Color::Rgb(49, 50, 68));
+        assert_eq!(palette.selection_bg, Color::Rgb(69, 71, 90));
     }
 
     #[test]
diff --git a/src/config/theme.rs b/src/config/theme.rs
index 4b91b526a0..8f28390c7f 100644
--- a/src/config/theme.rs
+++ b/src/config/theme.rs
@@ -104,6 +104,7 @@ pub struct CustomThemeColors {
     pub panel_bg: Option<String>,
     pub sidebar_bg: Option<String>,
     pub active_row_bg: Option<String>,
+    pub selection_bg: Option<String>,
     pub surface0: Option<String>,
     pub surface1: Option<String>,
     pub surface_dim: Option<String>,
@@ -266,6 +267,7 @@ name = "nord"
 panel_bg = "#1e1e2e"
 sidebar_bg = "#181825"
 active_row_bg = "#313244"
+selection_bg = "#45475a"
 accent = "#ff79c6"
 red = "rgb(255, 85, 85)"
 "##;
@@ -275,6 +277,7 @@ red = "rgb(255, 85, 85)"
         assert_eq!(custom.panel_bg.as_deref(), Some("#1e1e2e"));
         assert_eq!(custom.sidebar_bg.as_deref(), Some("#181825"));
         assert_eq!(custom.active_row_bg.as_deref(), Some("#313244"));
+        assert_eq!(custom.selection_bg.as_deref(), Some("#45475a"));
         assert_eq!(custom.accent.as_deref(), Some("#ff79c6"));
         assert_eq!(custom.red.as_deref(), Some("rgb(255, 85, 85)"));
         assert!(custom.green.is_none());
diff --git a/src/main.rs b/src/main.rs
index 8505e5cc28..0f18a300e3 100644
--- a/src/main.rs
+++ b/src/main.rs
@@ -130,7 +130,8 @@ const DEFAULT_CONFIG: &str = r##"# herdr configuration
 # Accepts: hex (#rrggbb), named colors, rgb(r,g,b), or panel_bg = "reset"
 # [theme.custom]
 # sidebar_bg = "#181825"
-# active_row_bg = "#313244"
+# active_row_bg = "#1e1e2e"
+# selection_bg = "#313244"
 # panel_bg = "reset"
 # accent = "#f5c2e7"
 # red = "#ff6188"
diff --git a/src/ui/sidebar.rs b/src/ui/sidebar.rs
index 252fc50790..9eede99c47 100644
--- a/src/ui/sidebar.rs
+++ b/src/ui/sidebar.rs
@@ -788,14 +788,14 @@ pub(super) fn render_sidebar_collapsed(app: &AppState, frame: &mut Frame, area:
         let is_selected = visible_idx == app.selected && is_navigating;
         let is_active = Some(visible_idx) == app.active;
         let row_style = if is_selected {
-            Style::default().bg(p.surface0)
+            Style::default().bg(p.selection_bg)
         } else if is_active {
             Style::default().bg(p.active_row_bg)
         } else {
             Style::default()
         };
         let num_style = if is_selected {
-            Style::default().fg(p.overlay1).bg(p.surface0)
+            Style::default().fg(p.overlay1).bg(p.selection_bg)
         } else if is_active {
             Style::default().fg(p.text).bg(p.active_row_bg)
         } else {
@@ -1248,7 +1248,7 @@ fn render_workspace_list(
 
         if highlighted {
             let bg = if selected {
-                p.surface0
+                p.selection_bg
             } else if is_dragged {
                 p.surface1
             } else {
@@ -1779,8 +1779,8 @@ rows = [[{ token = "workspace", bold = false }, { token = "agent", dim = false }
         );
         assert_eq!(
             buffer[(0, selected_row)].bg,
-            app.palette.surface0,
-            "navigate selection should keep its existing surface0 background"
+            app.palette.selection_bg,
+            "navigate selection should use its dedicated cursor background"
         );
     }
 
diff --git a/src/ui/tab_surface.rs b/src/ui/tab_surface.rs
index dd6277116c..99ca972700 100644
--- a/src/ui/tab_surface.rs
+++ b/src/ui/tab_surface.rs
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(frame.hyperlinks, vec![uri.to_owned()]);
         assert_eq!(
             frame_digest(&frame),
-            "f692e425877ef32cd0f3435dd8e252f33fff4e6dd5088a9324620895a6bd4c13"
+            "a7c21fa42305a41231c7ae254f264f6ef923f46301d8fc4cd35ab6dfdd651b6b"
         );
     }