diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index d97f9a4..ceb9d14 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -27,6 +27,8 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
 - Footer status line includes provider connectivity/credential summaries (e.g., cloud auth failures, missing API keys).
 - Secure credential vault integration for Ollama Cloud API keys when `privacy.encrypt_local_data = true`.
 - Input panel respects a new `ui.input_max_rows` setting so long prompts expand predictably before scrolling kicks in.
+- Adaptive TUI layout with responsive 80/120-column breakpoints, refreshed glass/neon theming, and animated focus rings for pane transitions.
+- Configurable `ui.layers` and `ui.animations` settings to tune glass elevation, neon intensity, and opt-in micro-animations.
 - Command palette offers fuzzy `:model` filtering and `:provider` completions for fast switching.
 - Cloud usage tracker persists hourly/weekly token totals, adds a `:limits` command, shows live header badges, and raises toast warnings at 80 %/95 % of the configured quotas.
 - Message rendering caches wrapped lines and throttles streaming redraws to keep the TUI responsive on long sessions.
diff --git a/crates/owlen-core/src/config.rs b/crates/owlen-core/src/config.rs
index 552b6c6..c0f9970 100644
--- a/crates/owlen-core/src/config.rs
+++ b/crates/owlen-core/src/config.rs
@@ -1818,6 +1818,10 @@ pub struct UiSettings {
     pub keymap_path: Option<String>,
     #[serde(default)]
     pub accessibility: AccessibilitySettings,
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub layers: LayerSettings,
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub animations: AnimationSettings,
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
@@ -1847,6 +1851,101 @@ impl Default for AccessibilitySettings {
     }
 }
 
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+pub struct LayerSettings {
+    #[serde(default = "LayerSettings::default_shadow_elevation")]
+    pub shadow_elevation: u8,
+    #[serde(default = "LayerSettings::default_glass_tint")]
+    pub glass_tint: f32,
+    #[serde(default = "LayerSettings::default_neon_intensity")]
+    pub neon_intensity: u8,
+    #[serde(default = "LayerSettings::default_focus_ring")]
+    pub focus_ring: bool,
+}
+
+impl LayerSettings {
+    const fn default_shadow_elevation() -> u8 {
+        2
+    }
+
+    const fn default_neon_intensity() -> u8 {
+        60
+    }
+
+    const fn default_focus_ring() -> bool {
+        true
+    }
+
+    const fn default_glass_tint() -> f32 {
+        0.82
+    }
+
+    pub fn shadow_depth(&self) -> u8 {
+        self.shadow_elevation.min(3)
+    }
+
+    pub fn neon_factor(&self) -> f64 {
+        (self.neon_intensity as f64).clamp(0.0, 100.0) / 100.0
+    }
+
+    pub fn glass_tint_factor(&self) -> f64 {
+        self.glass_tint.clamp(0.0, 1.0) as f64
+    }
+}
+
+impl Default for LayerSettings {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            shadow_elevation: Self::default_shadow_elevation(),
+            glass_tint: Self::default_glass_tint(),
+            neon_intensity: Self::default_neon_intensity(),
+            focus_ring: Self::default_focus_ring(),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+pub struct AnimationSettings {
+    #[serde(default = "AnimationSettings::default_micro")]
+    pub micro: bool,
+    #[serde(default = "AnimationSettings::default_gauge_smoothing")]
+    pub gauge_smoothing: f32,
+    #[serde(default = "AnimationSettings::default_pane_decay")]
+    pub pane_decay: f32,
+}
+
+impl AnimationSettings {
+    const fn default_micro() -> bool {
+        true
+    }
+
+    const fn default_gauge_smoothing() -> f32 {
+        0.24
+    }
+
+    const fn default_pane_decay() -> f32 {
+        0.68
+    }
+
+    pub fn gauge_smoothing_factor(&self) -> f64 {
+        self.gauge_smoothing.clamp(0.05, 1.0) as f64
+    }
+
+    pub fn pane_decay_factor(&self) -> f64 {
+        self.pane_decay.clamp(0.2, 0.95) as f64
+    }
+}
+
+impl Default for AnimationSettings {
+    fn default() -> Self {
+        Self {
+            micro: Self::default_micro(),
+            gauge_smoothing: Self::default_gauge_smoothing(),
+            pane_decay: Self::default_pane_decay(),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 /// Preference for which symbol set to render in the terminal UI.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize, Default)]
 #[serde(rename_all = "lowercase")]
@@ -1994,6 +2093,8 @@ impl Default for UiSettings {
             keymap_leader: Self::default_keymap_leader(),
             keymap_path: None,
             accessibility: AccessibilitySettings::default(),
+            layers: LayerSettings::default(),
+            animations: AnimationSettings::default(),
         }
     }
 }
diff --git a/crates/owlen-tui/src/chat_app.rs b/crates/owlen-tui/src/chat_app.rs
index d7d303f..128f8a2 100644
--- a/crates/owlen-tui/src/chat_app.rs
+++ b/crates/owlen-tui/src/chat_app.rs
@@ -66,8 +66,9 @@ use crate::ui::{format_token_short, format_tool_output};
 use crate::widgets::model_picker::FilterMode;
 use crate::{commands, highlight};
 use owlen_core::config::{
-    LEGACY_OLLAMA_CLOUD_API_KEY_ENV, LEGACY_OWLEN_OLLAMA_CLOUD_API_KEY_ENV, OLLAMA_API_KEY_ENV,
-    OLLAMA_CLOUD_BASE_URL, OLLAMA_CLOUD_ENDPOINT_KEY, OLLAMA_MODE_KEY,
+    AnimationSettings, LEGACY_OLLAMA_CLOUD_API_KEY_ENV, LEGACY_OWLEN_OLLAMA_CLOUD_API_KEY_ENV,
+    LayerSettings, OLLAMA_API_KEY_ENV, OLLAMA_CLOUD_BASE_URL, OLLAMA_CLOUD_ENDPOINT_KEY,
+    OLLAMA_MODE_KEY,
 };
 use owlen_core::credentials::{ApiCredentials, OLLAMA_CLOUD_CREDENTIAL_ID};
 // Agent executor moved to separate binary `owlen-agent`. The TUI no longer directly
@@ -115,6 +116,161 @@ pub struct ContextUsage {
     pub context_window: u32,
 }
 
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, PartialEq, Eq, Default)]
+pub enum AdaptiveLayout {
+    Compact,
+    Cozy,
+    #[default]
+    Spacious,
+}
+
+impl AdaptiveLayout {
+    pub fn from_width(width: u16) -> Self {
+        if width <= 80 {
+            AdaptiveLayout::Compact
+        } else if width >= 120 {
+            AdaptiveLayout::Spacious
+        } else {
+            AdaptiveLayout::Cozy
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, PartialEq, Eq, Hash)]
+pub enum GaugeKey {
+    Context,
+    UsageHour,
+    UsageWeek,
+}
+
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug, PartialEq, Eq, Hash)]
+pub enum PanePulse {
+    Stage,
+    FilePanel,
+    CodePanel,
+    ModelPanel,
+    DebugPanel,
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Default, Clone, Copy)]
+struct AnimatedGauge {
+    current: f64,
+}
+
+impl AnimatedGauge {
+    fn snap(&mut self, value: f64) {
+        self.current = value.clamp(0.0, 1.0);
+    }
+
+    fn sample(&mut self, target: f64, smoothing: f64) -> f64 {
+        let clamped_target = target.clamp(0.0, 1.0);
+        if (self.current - clamped_target).abs() < 0.0005 {
+            self.current = clamped_target;
+            return self.current;
+        }
+        let factor = smoothing.clamp(0.01, 1.0);
+        self.current += (clamped_target - self.current) * factor;
+        if (self.current - clamped_target).abs() < 0.0005 {
+            self.current = clamped_target;
+        }
+        self.current
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Default)]
+struct GaugeAnimations {
+    context: AnimatedGauge,
+    usage_hour: AnimatedGauge,
+    usage_week: AnimatedGauge,
+}
+
+impl GaugeAnimations {
+    fn snap(&mut self, key: GaugeKey, value: f64) {
+        match key {
+            GaugeKey::Context => self.context.snap(value),
+            GaugeKey::UsageHour => self.usage_hour.snap(value),
+            GaugeKey::UsageWeek => self.usage_week.snap(value),
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn sample(&mut self, key: GaugeKey, target: f64, smoothing: f64) -> f64 {
+        match key {
+            GaugeKey::Context => self.context.sample(target, smoothing),
+            GaugeKey::UsageHour => self.usage_hour.sample(target, smoothing),
+            GaugeKey::UsageWeek => self.usage_week.sample(target, smoothing),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Default, Clone, Copy)]
+struct AnimatedPulse {
+    value: f64,
+}
+
+impl AnimatedPulse {
+    fn trigger(&mut self) {
+        self.value = 1.0;
+    }
+
+    fn clear(&mut self) {
+        self.value = 0.0;
+    }
+
+    fn sample(&mut self, decay: f64) -> f64 {
+        let current = self.value.clamp(0.0, 1.0);
+        if current == 0.0 {
+            return 0.0;
+        }
+        let decay = decay.clamp(0.1, 0.99);
+        self.value *= decay;
+        if self.value < 0.01 {
+            self.value = 0.0;
+        }
+        current
+    }
+}
+
+#[derive(Debug, Default)]
+struct PaneAnimations {
+    stage: AnimatedPulse,
+    file: AnimatedPulse,
+    code: AnimatedPulse,
+    model: AnimatedPulse,
+    debug: AnimatedPulse,
+}
+
+impl PaneAnimations {
+    fn trigger(&mut self, pulse: PanePulse) {
+        match pulse {
+            PanePulse::Stage => self.stage.trigger(),
+            PanePulse::FilePanel => self.file.trigger(),
+            PanePulse::CodePanel => self.code.trigger(),
+            PanePulse::ModelPanel => self.model.trigger(),
+            PanePulse::DebugPanel => self.debug.trigger(),
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn sample(&mut self, pulse: PanePulse, decay: f64) -> f64 {
+        match pulse {
+            PanePulse::Stage => self.stage.sample(decay),
+            PanePulse::FilePanel => self.file.sample(decay),
+            PanePulse::CodePanel => self.code.sample(decay),
+            PanePulse::ModelPanel => self.model.sample(decay),
+            PanePulse::DebugPanel => self.debug.sample(decay),
+        }
+    }
+
+    fn clear(&mut self, pulse: PanePulse) {
+        match pulse {
+            PanePulse::Stage => self.stage.clear(),
+            PanePulse::FilePanel => self.file.clear(),
+            PanePulse::CodePanel => self.code.clear(),
+            PanePulse::ModelPanel => self.model.clear(),
+            PanePulse::DebugPanel => self.debug.clear(),
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 #[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug)]
 pub(crate) struct LayoutSnapshot {
     pub(crate) frame: Rect,
@@ -129,6 +285,7 @@ pub(crate) struct LayoutSnapshot {
     pub(crate) status_panel: Option<Rect>,
     pub(crate) code_panel: Option<Rect>,
     pub(crate) model_info_panel: Option<Rect>,
+    pub(crate) layout_mode: AdaptiveLayout,
 }
 
 impl LayoutSnapshot {
@@ -146,6 +303,7 @@ impl LayoutSnapshot {
             status_panel: None,
             code_panel: None,
             model_info_panel: None,
+            layout_mode: AdaptiveLayout::default(),
         }
     }
 
@@ -634,6 +792,11 @@ pub struct ChatApp {
     usage_thresholds: HashMap<(String, UsageWindow), UsageBand>,
     context_usage: Option<ContextUsage>,
     last_layout: LayoutSnapshot,
+    layer_settings: LayerSettings,
+    animation_settings: AnimationSettings,
+    active_layout: AdaptiveLayout,
+    gauge_animations: GaugeAnimations,
+    pane_animations: PaneAnimations,
     /// Simple execution budget: maximum number of tool calls allowed per session.
     _execution_budget: usize,
     /// Agent mode enabled
@@ -797,6 +960,8 @@ impl ChatApp {
         let keymap_profile = config_guard.ui.keymap_profile.clone();
         let keymap_leader_raw = config_guard.ui.keymap_leader.clone();
         let accessibility = config_guard.ui.accessibility.clone();
+        let layer_settings = config_guard.ui.layers.clone();
+        let animation_settings = config_guard.ui.animations.clone();
         drop(config_guard);
         let keymap_overrides = KeymapOverrides::new(keymap_leader_raw);
         let keymap = {
@@ -944,6 +1109,11 @@ impl ChatApp {
             base_theme_name,
             accessibility_high_contrast,
             accessibility_reduced_chrome,
+            layer_settings,
+            animation_settings,
+            active_layout: AdaptiveLayout::default(),
+            gauge_animations: GaugeAnimations::default(),
+            pane_animations: PaneAnimations::default(),
         };
 
         app.mvu_model.composer.mode = InputMode::Normal;
@@ -1608,6 +1778,9 @@ impl ChatApp {
     }
 
     pub fn set_file_panel_collapsed(&mut self, collapsed: bool) {
+        if self.file_panel_collapsed != collapsed {
+            self.trigger_pane_pulse(PanePulse::FilePanel);
+        }
         self.file_panel_collapsed = collapsed;
     }
 
@@ -1630,7 +1803,7 @@ impl ChatApp {
             return;
         }
         if self.file_panel_collapsed {
-            self.file_panel_collapsed = false;
+            self.set_file_panel_collapsed(false);
             self.focused_panel = FocusedPanel::Files;
             self.ensure_focus_valid();
         }
@@ -1638,7 +1811,7 @@ impl ChatApp {
 
     pub fn collapse_file_panel(&mut self) {
         if !self.file_panel_collapsed {
-            self.file_panel_collapsed = true;
+            self.set_file_panel_collapsed(true);
             if matches!(self.focused_panel, FocusedPanel::Files) {
                 self.focused_panel = FocusedPanel::Chat;
             }
@@ -1823,6 +1996,9 @@ impl ChatApp {
     }
 
     pub fn set_model_info_visible(&mut self, visible: bool) {
+        if self.show_model_info != visible {
+            self.trigger_pane_pulse(PanePulse::ModelPanel);
+        }
         self.show_model_info = visible;
         if !visible {
             self.model_info_panel.reset_scroll();
@@ -2117,6 +2293,64 @@ impl ChatApp {
         self.accessibility_high_contrast || self.accessibility_reduced_chrome
     }
 
+    pub fn layer_settings(&self) -> &LayerSettings {
+        &self.layer_settings
+    }
+
+    pub fn animation_settings(&self) -> &AnimationSettings {
+        &self.animation_settings
+    }
+
+    pub fn micro_animations_enabled(&self) -> bool {
+        self.animation_settings.micro
+            && !self.accessibility_reduced_chrome
+            && !self.accessibility_high_contrast
+    }
+
+    pub fn layout_mode(&self) -> AdaptiveLayout {
+        self.active_layout
+    }
+
+    pub fn update_layout_mode(&mut self, layout: AdaptiveLayout) {
+        if self.active_layout != layout {
+            if self.micro_animations_enabled() {
+                self.pane_animations.trigger(PanePulse::Stage);
+            }
+            self.active_layout = layout;
+        }
+    }
+
+    pub fn pane_glow(&mut self, pulse: PanePulse) -> f64 {
+        if !self.micro_animations_enabled() {
+            self.pane_animations.clear(pulse);
+            return 0.0;
+        }
+        self.pane_animations
+            .sample(pulse, self.animation_settings.pane_decay_factor())
+    }
+
+    pub fn animated_gauge_ratio(&mut self, key: GaugeKey, target: f64) -> f64 {
+        if !self.micro_animations_enabled() {
+            self.gauge_animations.snap(key, target);
+            return target.clamp(0.0, 1.0);
+        }
+        self.gauge_animations.sample(
+            key,
+            target,
+            self.animation_settings.gauge_smoothing_factor(),
+        )
+    }
+
+    pub fn reset_gauge(&mut self, key: GaugeKey) {
+        self.gauge_animations.snap(key, 0.0);
+    }
+
+    fn trigger_pane_pulse(&mut self, pulse: PanePulse) {
+        if self.micro_animations_enabled() {
+            self.pane_animations.trigger(pulse);
+        }
+    }
+
     pub fn accessibility_status(&self) -> String {
         Self::accessibility_summary(
             self.accessibility_high_contrast,
@@ -2144,6 +2378,18 @@ impl ChatApp {
     }
 
     pub(crate) fn set_layout_snapshot(&mut self, snapshot: LayoutSnapshot) {
+        if self.micro_animations_enabled() {
+            let previous = self.last_layout;
+            if previous.file_panel.is_some() != snapshot.file_panel.is_some() {
+                self.trigger_pane_pulse(PanePulse::FilePanel);
+            }
+            if previous.code_panel.is_some() != snapshot.code_panel.is_some() {
+                self.trigger_pane_pulse(PanePulse::CodePanel);
+            }
+            if previous.model_info_panel.is_some() != snapshot.model_info_panel.is_some() {
+                self.trigger_pane_pulse(PanePulse::ModelPanel);
+            }
+        }
         self.last_layout = snapshot;
     }
 
@@ -2205,6 +2451,7 @@ impl ChatApp {
 
     pub fn toggle_debug_log_panel(&mut self) {
         let now_visible = self.debug_log.toggle_visible();
+        self.trigger_pane_pulse(PanePulse::DebugPanel);
         if now_visible {
             self.status = "Debug log open — F12 to hide".to_string();
             self.error = None;
diff --git a/crates/owlen-tui/src/glass.rs b/crates/owlen-tui/src/glass.rs
index d758be1..ecd64d8 100644
--- a/crates/owlen-tui/src/glass.rs
+++ b/crates/owlen-tui/src/glass.rs
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-use owlen_core::theme::Theme;
+use owlen_core::{config::LayerSettings, theme::Theme};
 use ratatui::style::{Color, palette::tailwind};
 
 #[derive(Clone, Copy)]
@@ -11,14 +11,23 @@ pub struct GlassPalette {
     pub shadow: Color,
     pub context_stops: [Color; 3],
     pub usage_stops: [Color; 3],
+    pub frosted: Color,
+    pub frost_edge: Color,
+    pub neon_accent: Color,
+    pub neon_glow: Color,
+    pub focus_ring: Color,
 }
 
 impl GlassPalette {
-    pub fn for_theme(theme: &Theme) -> Self {
-        Self::for_theme_with_mode(theme, false)
+    pub fn for_theme(theme: &Theme, layers: &LayerSettings) -> Self {
+        Self::for_theme_with_mode(theme, false, layers)
     }
 
-    pub fn for_theme_with_mode(theme: &Theme, reduced_chrome: bool) -> Self {
+    pub fn for_theme_with_mode(
+        theme: &Theme,
+        reduced_chrome: bool,
+        layers: &LayerSettings,
+    ) -> Self {
         if reduced_chrome {
             let base = theme.background;
             let label = theme.text;
@@ -34,20 +43,48 @@ impl GlassPalette {
                 shadow: base,
                 context_stops: [context_color, context_color, context_color],
                 usage_stops: [usage_color, usage_color, usage_color],
+                frosted: base,
+                frost_edge: base,
+                neon_accent: theme.info,
+                neon_glow: theme.info,
+                focus_ring: theme.focused_panel_border,
             };
         }
 
         let luminance = color_luminance(theme.background);
+        let neon_factor = layers.neon_factor();
+        let glass_tint = layers.glass_tint_factor();
+        let focus_enabled = layers.focus_ring;
         if luminance < 0.5 {
+            let frosted = blend_color(tailwind::SLATE.c900, theme.background, glass_tint * 0.65);
+            let frost_edge = blend_color(frosted, tailwind::SLATE.c700, 0.25);
+            let inactive = blend_color(frosted, tailwind::SLATE.c800, 0.55);
+            let highlight = blend_color(frosted, tailwind::SLATE.c700, 0.35);
+            let track = blend_color(frosted, tailwind::SLATE.c600, 0.25);
+            let neon_seed = tailwind::SKY.c400;
+            let neon_accent = blend_color(neon_seed, theme.info, neon_factor);
+            let neon_glow = blend_color(neon_accent, Color::White, 0.18);
+            let focus_ring = if focus_enabled {
+                blend_color(neon_accent, theme.focused_panel_border, 0.45)
+            } else {
+                blend_color(frosted, theme.unfocused_panel_border, 0.15)
+            };
+            let shadow = match layers.shadow_depth() {
+                0 => blend_color(theme.background, tailwind::SLATE.c800, 0.15),
+                1 => tailwind::SLATE.c900,
+                2 => tailwind::SLATE.c950,
+                _ => Color::Rgb(2, 4, 12),
+            };
+
             Self {
-                active: tailwind::SLATE.c900,
-                inactive: tailwind::SLATE.c800,
-                highlight: tailwind::SLATE.c800,
-                track: tailwind::SLATE.c700,
+                active: frosted,
+                inactive,
+                highlight,
+                track,
                 label: tailwind::SLATE.c100,
-                shadow: tailwind::SLATE.c950,
+                shadow,
                 context_stops: [
-                    tailwind::SKY.c400,
+                    blend_color(neon_seed, tailwind::AMBER.c300, 0.3),
                     tailwind::AMBER.c300,
                     tailwind::ROSE.c400,
                 ],
@@ -56,15 +93,40 @@ impl GlassPalette {
                     tailwind::AMBER.c300,
                     tailwind::ROSE.c400,
                 ],
+                frosted,
+                frost_edge,
+                neon_accent,
+                neon_glow,
+                focus_ring,
             }
         } else {
+            let frosted = blend_color(tailwind::ZINC.c100, theme.background, glass_tint * 0.75);
+            let frost_edge = blend_color(frosted, tailwind::ZINC.c200, 0.4);
+            let inactive = blend_color(frosted, tailwind::ZINC.c200, 0.65);
+            let highlight = blend_color(frosted, tailwind::ZINC.c200, 0.35);
+            let track = blend_color(frosted, tailwind::ZINC.c300, 0.45);
+            let neon_seed = tailwind::BLUE.c500;
+            let neon_accent = blend_color(neon_seed, theme.info, neon_factor);
+            let neon_glow = blend_color(neon_accent, Color::White, 0.22);
+            let focus_ring = if focus_enabled {
+                blend_color(neon_accent, theme.focused_panel_border, 0.35)
+            } else {
+                blend_color(frosted, theme.unfocused_panel_border, 0.1)
+            };
+            let shadow = match layers.shadow_depth() {
+                0 => blend_color(theme.background, tailwind::ZINC.c200, 0.12),
+                1 => tailwind::ZINC.c300,
+                2 => tailwind::ZINC.c400,
+                _ => Color::Rgb(210, 210, 210),
+            };
+
             Self {
-                active: tailwind::ZINC.c100,
-                inactive: tailwind::ZINC.c200,
-                highlight: tailwind::ZINC.c200,
-                track: tailwind::ZINC.c300,
+                active: frosted,
+                inactive,
+                highlight,
+                track,
                 label: tailwind::SLATE.c700,
-                shadow: tailwind::ZINC.c300,
+                shadow,
                 context_stops: [
                     tailwind::BLUE.c500,
                     tailwind::AMBER.c400,
@@ -75,6 +137,11 @@ impl GlassPalette {
                     tailwind::AMBER.c400,
                     tailwind::ROSE.c500,
                 ],
+                frosted,
+                frost_edge,
+                neon_accent,
+                neon_glow,
+                focus_ring,
             }
         }
     }
@@ -94,6 +161,16 @@ pub fn gradient_color(stops: &[Color; 3], t: f64) -> Color {
     Color::Rgb(mix(sr, er), mix(sg, eg), mix(sb, eb))
 }
 
+pub fn blend_color(a: Color, b: Color, t: f64) -> Color {
+    let clamped = t.clamp(0.0, 1.0);
+    let (ar, ag, ab) = color_to_rgb(a);
+    let (br, bg, bb) = color_to_rgb(b);
+    let mix = |start: u8, end: u8| -> u8 {
+        (start as f64 + (end as f64 - start as f64) * clamped).round() as u8
+    };
+    Color::Rgb(mix(ar, br), mix(ag, bg), mix(ab, bb))
+}
+
 fn color_luminance(color: Color) -> f64 {
     let (r, g, b) = color_to_rgb(color);
     let r = r as f64 / 255.0;
diff --git a/crates/owlen-tui/src/ui.rs b/crates/owlen-tui/src/ui.rs
index 04f28b5..0ce728e 100644
--- a/crates/owlen-tui/src/ui.rs
+++ b/crates/owlen-tui/src/ui.rs
@@ -14,10 +14,10 @@ use unicode_segmentation::UnicodeSegmentation;
 use unicode_width::UnicodeWidthStr;
 
 use crate::chat_app::{
-    ChatApp, ContextUsage, HELP_TAB_COUNT, LayoutSnapshot, MIN_MESSAGE_CARD_WIDTH,
-    MessageRenderContext,
+    AdaptiveLayout, ChatApp, ContextUsage, GaugeKey, HELP_TAB_COUNT, LayoutSnapshot,
+    MIN_MESSAGE_CARD_WIDTH, MessageRenderContext, PanePulse,
 };
-use crate::glass::{GlassPalette, gradient_color};
+use crate::glass::{GlassPalette, blend_color, gradient_color};
 use crate::highlight;
 use crate::state::{
     CodePane, EditorTab, FileFilterMode, FileNode, KeymapProfile, LayoutNode, PaletteGroup, PaneId,
@@ -25,10 +25,10 @@ use crate::state::{
 };
 use crate::toast::{Toast, ToastLevel};
 use crate::widgets::model_picker::render_model_picker;
-use owlen_core::theme::Theme;
 use owlen_core::types::Role;
 use owlen_core::ui::{FocusedPanel, InputMode, RoleLabelDisplay};
 use owlen_core::usage::{UsageBand, UsageSnapshot, UsageWindow};
+use owlen_core::{config::LayerSettings, theme::Theme};
 use textwrap::wrap;
 
 const PRIVACY_TAB_INDEX: usize = HELP_TAB_COUNT - 1;
@@ -364,22 +364,36 @@ fn render_body_container(
     frame: &mut Frame<'_>,
     area: Rect,
     palette: &GlassPalette,
+    layers: &LayerSettings,
     reduced_chrome: bool,
+    layout_mode: AdaptiveLayout,
 ) -> Rect {
     if area.width == 0 || area.height == 0 {
         return area;
     }
 
-    if !reduced_chrome && area.width > 2 && area.height > 2 {
-        let shadow_area = Rect::new(
-            area.x.saturating_add(1),
-            area.y.saturating_add(1),
-            area.width.saturating_sub(1),
-            area.height.saturating_sub(1),
-        );
-        if shadow_area.width > 0 && shadow_area.height > 0 {
+    let shadow_depth = if reduced_chrome {
+        0
+    } else {
+        layers.shadow_depth()
+    };
+
+    if shadow_depth > 0 && area.width > 2 && area.height > 2 {
+        for step in 1..=shadow_depth {
+            let offset = step as u16;
+            let shadow_area = Rect::new(
+                area.x.saturating_add(offset),
+                area.y.saturating_add(offset),
+                area.width.saturating_sub(offset),
+                area.height.saturating_sub(offset),
+            );
+            if shadow_area.width == 0 || shadow_area.height == 0 {
+                continue;
+            }
+            let blend = (step as f64) / (shadow_depth as f64 + 1.5);
+            let shadow_color = blend_color(palette.shadow, palette.frosted, blend);
             frame.render_widget(
-                Block::default().style(Style::default().bg(palette.shadow)),
+                Block::default().style(Style::default().bg(shadow_color)),
                 shadow_area,
             );
         }
@@ -390,23 +404,148 @@ fn render_body_container(
     let padding = if reduced_chrome {
         Padding::new(1, 1, 0, 0)
     } else {
-        Padding::new(2, 2, 1, 1)
+        let (pad_lr, pad_top, pad_bottom): (u16, u16, u16) = match layout_mode {
+            AdaptiveLayout::Compact => (1, 0, 0),
+            AdaptiveLayout::Cozy => (2, 1, 1),
+            AdaptiveLayout::Spacious => (3, 1, 2),
+        };
+        Padding::new(pad_lr, pad_lr, pad_top, pad_bottom)
+    };
+
+    let block_background = if reduced_chrome {
+        palette.active
+    } else {
+        match layout_mode {
+            AdaptiveLayout::Compact => blend_color(palette.frosted, palette.highlight, 0.25),
+            AdaptiveLayout::Cozy => palette.frosted,
+            AdaptiveLayout::Spacious => blend_color(palette.frosted, palette.frost_edge, 0.35),
+        }
     };
 
     let block = Block::default()
         .borders(Borders::NONE)
         .padding(padding)
-        .style(Style::default().bg(palette.active));
+        .style(Style::default().bg(block_background));
 
     let inner = block.inner(area);
     frame.render_widget(block, area);
+
+    if layers.focus_ring && !reduced_chrome && area.width > 1 && area.height > 1 {
+        let ring_mix = match layout_mode {
+            AdaptiveLayout::Compact => 0.25,
+            AdaptiveLayout::Cozy => 0.45,
+            AdaptiveLayout::Spacious => 0.6,
+        };
+        let ring_color = blend_color(palette.focus_ring, palette.neon_glow, ring_mix);
+        draw_focus_ring(frame, area, ring_color);
+    }
     inner
 }
 
+fn draw_focus_ring(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, color: Color) {
+    if area.width == 0 || area.height == 0 {
+        return;
+    }
+    let buffer = frame.buffer_mut();
+    let x0 = area.x;
+    let y0 = area.y;
+    let x1 = area.x + area.width.saturating_sub(1);
+    let y1 = area.y + area.height.saturating_sub(1);
+
+    for x in x0..=x1 {
+        let cell_top = &mut buffer[(x, y0)];
+        cell_top.set_bg(color);
+        if cell_top.symbol() == " " {
+            cell_top.set_fg(color);
+        }
+        if y1 != y0 {
+            let cell_bottom = &mut buffer[(x, y1)];
+            cell_bottom.set_bg(color);
+            if cell_bottom.symbol() == " " {
+                cell_bottom.set_fg(color);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    for y in y0..=y1 {
+        let cell_left = &mut buffer[(x0, y)];
+        cell_left.set_bg(color);
+        if cell_left.symbol() == " " {
+            cell_left.set_fg(color);
+        }
+        if x1 != x0 {
+            let cell_right = &mut buffer[(x1, y)];
+            cell_right.set_bg(color);
+            if cell_right.symbol() == " " {
+                cell_right.set_fg(color);
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+fn render_surface_glow(
+    frame: &mut Frame<'_>,
+    area: Rect,
+    palette: &GlassPalette,
+    intensity: f64,
+    layout_mode: AdaptiveLayout,
+) {
+    if intensity <= 0.0 || area.width < 2 || area.height < 2 {
+        return;
+    }
+    let clamped = intensity.clamp(0.0, 1.0);
+    let mix = match layout_mode {
+        AdaptiveLayout::Compact => 0.35,
+        AdaptiveLayout::Cozy => 0.55,
+        AdaptiveLayout::Spacious => 0.7,
+    };
+    let glow_color = blend_color(palette.frosted, palette.neon_glow, clamped * mix);
+    let buffer = frame.buffer_mut();
+    let x0 = area.x;
+    let x1 = area.x + area.width.saturating_sub(1);
+    let y_top = area.y;
+    let y_second = if area.height > 2 { y_top + 1 } else { y_top };
+
+    for x in x0..=x1 {
+        buffer[(x, y_top)].set_bg(glow_color);
+        if y_second != y_top {
+            let secondary = blend_color(glow_color, palette.frosted, 0.5);
+            buffer[(x, y_second)].set_bg(secondary);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+fn apply_panel_glow(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, palette: &GlassPalette, intensity: f64) {
+    if intensity <= 0.0 || area.width == 0 || area.height == 0 {
+        return;
+    }
+    let clamped = intensity.clamp(0.0, 1.0);
+    let accent = blend_color(palette.frost_edge, palette.neon_accent, clamped);
+    let edge = blend_color(accent, palette.frosted, 0.5);
+    let buffer = frame.buffer_mut();
+    let x0 = area.x;
+    let y0 = area.y;
+    let x1 = area.x + area.width.saturating_sub(1);
+    let y1 = area.y + area.height.saturating_sub(1);
+
+    for x in x0..=x1 {
+        buffer[(x, y0)].set_bg(accent);
+        if y1 != y0 {
+            buffer[(x, y1)].set_bg(edge);
+        }
+    }
+    for y in y0..=y1 {
+        buffer[(x0, y)].set_bg(accent);
+        if x1 != x0 {
+            buffer[(x1, y)].set_bg(edge);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 fn render_chat_header(
     frame: &mut Frame<'_>,
     area: Rect,
-    app: &ChatApp,
+    app: &mut ChatApp,
     palette: &GlassPalette,
     theme: &Theme,
 ) {
@@ -570,7 +709,7 @@ fn render_header_top(
 fn render_header_bars(
     frame: &mut Frame<'_>,
     area: Rect,
-    app: &ChatApp,
+    app: &mut ChatApp,
     palette: &GlassPalette,
     theme: &Theme,
 ) {
@@ -596,8 +735,14 @@ fn render_header_bars(
         .flex(Flex::SpaceBetween)
         .split(legend_split.0);
 
-    render_context_column(frame, columns[0], app, palette, theme);
-    render_usage_column(frame, columns[1], app, palette, theme);
+    {
+        let column = columns[0];
+        render_context_column(frame, column, app, palette, theme);
+    }
+    {
+        let column = columns[1];
+        render_usage_column(frame, column, app, palette, theme);
+    }
 
     if let Some(legend_area) = legend_split.1 {
         render_accessibility_legend(frame, legend_area, app, palette);
@@ -607,7 +752,7 @@ fn render_header_bars(
 fn render_context_column(
     frame: &mut Frame<'_>,
     area: Rect,
-    app: &ChatApp,
+    app: &mut ChatApp,
     palette: &GlassPalette,
     theme: &Theme,
 ) {
@@ -621,6 +766,7 @@ fn render_context_column(
 
     match descriptor {
         Some(descriptor) => {
+            let display_ratio = app.animated_gauge_ratio(GaugeKey::Context, descriptor.ratio);
             if area.height < 2 {
                 render_gauge_compact(frame, area, &descriptor, palette);
             } else {
@@ -628,6 +774,7 @@ fn render_context_column(
                     frame,
                     area,
                     &descriptor,
+                    display_ratio,
                     &palette.context_stops,
                     palette,
                     theme,
@@ -635,6 +782,7 @@ fn render_context_column(
             }
         }
         None => {
+            app.reset_gauge(GaugeKey::Context);
             frame.render_widget(
                 Paragraph::new("Context metrics not available")
                     .style(Style::default().bg(palette.highlight).fg(palette.label))
@@ -648,7 +796,7 @@ fn render_context_column(
 fn render_usage_column(
     frame: &mut Frame<'_>,
     area: Rect,
-    app: &ChatApp,
+    app: &mut ChatApp,
     palette: &GlassPalette,
     theme: &Theme,
 ) {
@@ -656,17 +804,27 @@ fn render_usage_column(
         return;
     }
 
-    let descriptors: Vec<GaugeDescriptor> = app
-        .usage_snapshot()
-        .into_iter()
-        .flat_map(|snapshot| {
-            [
-                usage_gauge_descriptor(snapshot, UsageWindow::Hour),
-                usage_gauge_descriptor(snapshot, UsageWindow::Week),
-            ]
-        })
-        .flatten()
-        .collect();
+    let mut descriptors: Vec<(GaugeKey, GaugeDescriptor)> = Vec::new();
+    let mut hour_present = false;
+    let mut week_present = false;
+
+    if let Some(snapshot) = app.usage_snapshot() {
+        if let Some(descriptor) = usage_gauge_descriptor(snapshot, UsageWindow::Hour) {
+            hour_present = true;
+            descriptors.push((GaugeKey::UsageHour, descriptor));
+        }
+        if let Some(descriptor) = usage_gauge_descriptor(snapshot, UsageWindow::Week) {
+            week_present = true;
+            descriptors.push((GaugeKey::UsageWeek, descriptor));
+        }
+    }
+
+    if !hour_present {
+        app.reset_gauge(GaugeKey::UsageHour);
+    }
+    if !week_present {
+        app.reset_gauge(GaugeKey::UsageWeek);
+    }
 
     if descriptors.is_empty() {
         frame.render_widget(
@@ -681,7 +839,7 @@ fn render_usage_column(
     let bottom = area.y.saturating_add(area.height);
     let mut cursor_y = area.y;
 
-    for descriptor in descriptors {
+    for (key, descriptor) in descriptors {
         if cursor_y >= bottom {
             break;
         }
@@ -697,10 +855,12 @@ fn render_usage_column(
         }
 
         let gauge_area = Rect::new(area.x, cursor_y, area.width, 2);
+        let display_ratio = app.animated_gauge_ratio(key, descriptor.ratio);
         render_gauge(
             frame,
             gauge_area,
             &descriptor,
+            display_ratio,
             &palette.usage_stops,
             palette,
             theme,
@@ -735,6 +895,7 @@ fn render_gauge(
     frame: &mut Frame<'_>,
     area: Rect,
     descriptor: &GaugeDescriptor,
+    display_ratio: f64,
     stops: &[Color; 3],
     palette: &GlassPalette,
     theme: &Theme,
@@ -779,7 +940,7 @@ fn render_gauge(
     draw_gradient_bar(
         frame,
         bar_area,
-        descriptor.ratio,
+        display_ratio,
         stops,
         palette,
         &descriptor.percent_label,
@@ -868,14 +1029,33 @@ pub fn render_chat(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &mut ChatApp) {
 
     // Set terminal background color
     let theme = app.theme().clone();
-    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(&theme, app.is_reduced_chrome());
+    let palette =
+        GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(&theme, app.is_reduced_chrome(), app.layer_settings());
     let frame_area = frame.area();
     frame.render_widget(
         Block::default().style(Style::default().bg(theme.background)),
         frame_area,
     );
 
-    let mut header_height = if frame_area.height >= 14 { 6 } else { 4 };
+    let layout_hint = AdaptiveLayout::from_width(frame_area.width);
+
+    let mut header_height = match layout_hint {
+        AdaptiveLayout::Compact => 4,
+        AdaptiveLayout::Cozy => {
+            if frame_area.height >= 14 {
+                5
+            } else {
+                4
+            }
+        }
+        AdaptiveLayout::Spacious => {
+            if frame_area.height >= 14 {
+                6
+            } else {
+                4
+            }
+        }
+    };
     if frame_area.height <= header_height {
         header_height = frame_area.height.saturating_sub(1);
     }
@@ -906,8 +1086,21 @@ pub fn render_chat(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &mut ChatApp) {
         render_chat_header(frame, header_area, app, &palette, &theme);
     }
 
-    let content_area = render_body_container(frame, body_area, &palette, app.is_reduced_chrome());
+    let content_area = render_body_container(
+        frame,
+        body_area,
+        &palette,
+        app.layer_settings(),
+        app.is_reduced_chrome(),
+        layout_hint,
+    );
+    let final_layout_mode = AdaptiveLayout::from_width(content_area.width);
+    app.update_layout_mode(final_layout_mode);
+    let stage_glow = app.pane_glow(PanePulse::Stage);
+    render_surface_glow(frame, content_area, &palette, stage_glow, final_layout_mode);
+
     let mut snapshot = LayoutSnapshot::new(frame_area, content_area);
+    snapshot.layout_mode = final_layout_mode;
     snapshot.header_panel = if header_area.width > 0 && header_area.height > 0 {
         Some(header_area)
     } else {
@@ -919,12 +1112,19 @@ pub fn render_chat(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &mut ChatApp) {
         return;
     }
 
+    let file_panel_glow = app.pane_glow(PanePulse::FilePanel);
+    let code_panel_glow = app.pane_glow(PanePulse::CodePanel);
+    let model_panel_glow = app.pane_glow(PanePulse::ModelPanel);
+    let debug_panel_glow = app.pane_glow(PanePulse::DebugPanel);
+
     if !app.is_code_mode() && !app.is_file_panel_collapsed() {
         app.set_file_panel_collapsed(true);
     }
 
-    let show_file_panel =
-        app.is_code_mode() && !app.is_file_panel_collapsed() && content_area.width >= 40;
+    let show_file_panel = app.is_code_mode()
+        && !app.is_file_panel_collapsed()
+        && !matches!(final_layout_mode, AdaptiveLayout::Compact)
+        && content_area.width >= 40;
 
     let (file_area, main_area) = if !show_file_panel {
         (None, content_area)
@@ -938,10 +1138,29 @@ pub fn render_chat(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &mut ChatApp) {
     };
 
     let (chat_area, code_area) = if app.should_show_code_view() {
-        let segments = Layout::horizontal([Constraint::Percentage(65), Constraint::Percentage(35)])
-            .flex(Flex::Start)
-            .split(main_area);
-        (segments[0], Some(segments[1]))
+        match final_layout_mode {
+            AdaptiveLayout::Spacious => {
+                let segments =
+                    Layout::horizontal([Constraint::Percentage(65), Constraint::Percentage(35)])
+                        .flex(Flex::Start)
+                        .split(main_area);
+                (segments[0], Some(segments[1]))
+            }
+            _ => {
+                let (chat_pct, code_pct) = if matches!(final_layout_mode, AdaptiveLayout::Compact) {
+                    (55, 45)
+                } else {
+                    (62, 38)
+                };
+                let segments = Layout::vertical([
+                    Constraint::Percentage(chat_pct),
+                    Constraint::Percentage(code_pct),
+                ])
+                .flex(Flex::Start)
+                .split(main_area);
+                (segments[0], Some(segments[1]))
+            }
+        }
     } else {
         (main_area, None)
     };
@@ -949,6 +1168,9 @@ pub fn render_chat(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &mut ChatApp) {
     if let Some(file_area) = file_area {
         snapshot.file_panel = Some(file_area);
         render_file_tree(frame, file_area, app);
+        if file_panel_glow > 0.0 {
+            apply_panel_glow(frame, file_area, &palette, file_panel_glow);
+        }
     }
 
     // Calculate dynamic input height based on textarea content
@@ -1080,6 +1302,9 @@ pub fn render_chat(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &mut ChatApp) {
         let viewport_height = area.height.saturating_sub(2) as usize;
         app.set_model_info_viewport_height(viewport_height);
         app.model_info_panel_mut().render(frame, area, &theme);
+        if model_panel_glow > 0.0 {
+            apply_panel_glow(frame, area, &palette, model_panel_glow);
+        }
     } else {
         snapshot.model_info_panel = None;
     }
@@ -1087,6 +1312,9 @@ pub fn render_chat(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &mut ChatApp) {
     if let Some(area) = code_area {
         snapshot.code_panel = Some(area);
         render_code_workspace(frame, area, app);
+        if code_panel_glow > 0.0 {
+            apply_panel_glow(frame, area, &palette, code_panel_glow);
+        }
     } else {
         snapshot.code_panel = None;
     }
@@ -1102,6 +1330,9 @@ pub fn render_chat(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &mut ChatApp) {
                 .saturating_add(content_area.height.saturating_sub(panel_height));
             let log_area = Rect::new(content_area.x, y, content_area.width, panel_height);
             render_debug_log_panel(frame, log_area, app);
+            if debug_panel_glow > 0.0 {
+                apply_panel_glow(frame, log_area, &palette, debug_panel_glow);
+            }
         }
     }
 
@@ -2222,7 +2453,7 @@ fn render_messages(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, app: &mut ChatApp) {
     ));
 
     let reduced = app.is_reduced_chrome();
-    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(&theme, reduced);
+    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(&theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
     let chat_block = Block::default()
         .borders(Borders::NONE)
         .padding(if reduced {
@@ -2362,7 +2593,7 @@ fn render_thinking(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, app: &mut ChatApp) {
             panel_hint_style(has_focus, &theme),
         ));
 
-        let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(&theme, reduced);
+        let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(&theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
         let paragraph = Paragraph::new(lines)
             .style(
                 Style::default()
@@ -2593,7 +2824,7 @@ fn render_agent_actions(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, app: &mut ChatApp) {
             panel_hint_style(has_focus, &theme),
         ));
 
-        let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(&theme, reduced);
+        let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(&theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
         let paragraph = Paragraph::new(lines)
             .style(
                 Style::default()
@@ -2674,7 +2905,7 @@ fn render_input(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, app: &mut ChatApp) {
     }
 
     let reduced = app.is_reduced_chrome();
-    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(&theme, reduced);
+    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(&theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
     let base_style = Style::default()
         .bg(if has_focus {
             palette.active
@@ -2770,7 +3001,7 @@ fn system_status_message(app: &ChatApp) -> String {
 fn render_system_output(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, app: &ChatApp, message: &str) {
     let theme = app.theme();
     let reduced = app.is_reduced_chrome();
-    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced);
+    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
 
     let color = if message.starts_with("Error:") {
         theme.error
@@ -2815,7 +3046,7 @@ fn render_system_output(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, app: &ChatApp, messag
 fn render_debug_log_panel(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, app: &ChatApp) {
     let theme = app.theme();
     let reduced = app.is_reduced_chrome();
-    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced);
+    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
     frame.render_widget(Clear, area);
 
     let title = Line::from(vec![
@@ -2971,7 +3202,7 @@ fn render_status(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, app: &ChatApp) {
     let theme = app.theme();
 
     let reduced = app.is_reduced_chrome();
-    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced);
+    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
 
     frame.render_widget(Clear, area);
 
@@ -3912,7 +4143,7 @@ fn render_consent_dialog(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &ChatApp) {
 fn render_privacy_settings(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, app: &ChatApp) {
     let theme = app.theme();
     let reduced = app.is_reduced_chrome();
-    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced);
+    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
     let config = app.config();
     if area.width == 0 || area.height == 0 {
         return;
@@ -3979,7 +4210,7 @@ fn render_privacy_settings(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, app: &ChatApp) {
 fn render_help(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &ChatApp) {
     let theme = app.theme();
     let reduced = app.is_reduced_chrome();
-    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced);
+    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
     let profile = app.current_keymap_profile();
     let leader = app.keymap_leader();
     let area = centered_rect(75, 70, frame.area());
@@ -4847,7 +5078,7 @@ fn render_session_browser(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &ChatApp) {
 fn render_theme_browser(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &ChatApp) {
     let theme = app.theme();
     let reduced = app.is_reduced_chrome();
-    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced);
+    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
     let area = frame.area();
     if area.width == 0 || area.height == 0 {
         return;
@@ -5122,6 +5353,7 @@ fn render_theme_browser(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &ChatApp) {
                     preview_area,
                     &preview_theme,
                     preview_theme.name == theme.name,
+                    app.layer_settings(),
                 );
             }
         }
@@ -5137,13 +5369,19 @@ fn render_theme_browser(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &ChatApp) {
     frame.render_widget(footer, layout[1]);
 }
 
-fn render_theme_preview(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, preview_theme: &Theme, is_active: bool) {
+fn render_theme_preview(
+    frame: &mut Frame<'_>,
+    area: Rect,
+    preview_theme: &Theme,
+    is_active: bool,
+    layers: &LayerSettings,
+) {
     if area.width < 10 || area.height < 5 {
         return;
     }
 
     frame.render_widget(Clear, area);
-    let preview_palette = GlassPalette::for_theme(preview_theme);
+    let preview_palette = GlassPalette::for_theme(preview_theme, layers);
     let mut title = format!("Preview · {}", preview_theme.name);
     if is_active {
         title.push_str(" (active)");
@@ -5280,7 +5518,7 @@ fn render_theme_preview(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, area: Rect, preview_theme: &Theme
 fn render_command_suggestions(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &ChatApp) {
     let theme = app.theme();
     let reduced = app.is_reduced_chrome();
-    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced);
+    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
     let suggestions = app.command_suggestions();
     let buffer = app.command_buffer();
     let area = frame.area();
diff --git a/crates/owlen-tui/src/widgets/model_picker.rs b/crates/owlen-tui/src/widgets/model_picker.rs
index 69355b3..89a3a3d 100644
--- a/crates/owlen-tui/src/widgets/model_picker.rs
+++ b/crates/owlen-tui/src/widgets/model_picker.rs
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ pub enum FilterMode {
 pub fn render_model_picker(frame: &mut Frame<'_>, app: &ChatApp) {
     let theme = app.theme();
     let reduced = app.is_reduced_chrome();
-    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced);
+    let palette = GlassPalette::for_theme_with_mode(theme, reduced, app.layer_settings());
     let area = frame.area();
     if area.width == 0 || area.height == 0 {
         return;
diff --git a/crates/owlen-tui/tests/chat_snapshots.rs b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/chat_snapshots.rs
index cfd95bc..95ef880 100644
--- a/crates/owlen-tui/tests/chat_snapshots.rs
+++ b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/chat_snapshots.rs
@@ -80,8 +80,9 @@ fn buffer_to_string(buffer: &ratatui::buffer::Buffer) -> String {
     output
 }
 
-async fn build_chat_app<F>(configure: F) -> ChatApp
+async fn build_chat_app<C, F>(configure_config: C, configure_session: F) -> ChatApp
 where
+    C: FnOnce(&mut Config),
     F: FnOnce(&mut SessionController),
 {
     let temp_dir = tempdir().expect("temp dir");
@@ -92,6 +93,7 @@ where
     let storage = Arc::new(storage);
 
     let mut config = Config::default();
+    configure_config(&mut config);
     config.general.default_model = Some("stub-model".into());
     config.general.enable_streaming = true;
     config.privacy.encrypt_local_data = false;
@@ -118,7 +120,7 @@ where
         .await
         .expect("chat mode");
 
-    configure(&mut session);
+    configure_session(&mut session);
 
     let (app, mut session_rx) = ChatApp::new(session, controller_event_rx)
         .await
@@ -142,48 +144,63 @@ fn render_snapshot(app: &mut ChatApp, width: u16, height: u16) -> String {
 
 #[tokio::test(flavor = "multi_thread")]
 async fn render_chat_idle_snapshot() {
-    let mut app = build_chat_app(|_| {}).await;
+    let mut app_80 = build_chat_app(|_| {}, |_| {}).await;
+    with_settings!({ snapshot_suffix => "80x35" }, {
+        let snapshot = render_snapshot(&mut app_80, 80, 35);
+        assert_snapshot!("chat_idle_snapshot", snapshot);
+    });
 
+    let mut app_100 = build_chat_app(|_| {}, |_| {}).await;
     with_settings!({ snapshot_suffix => "100x35" }, {
-        let snapshot = render_snapshot(&mut app, 100, 35);
+        let snapshot = render_snapshot(&mut app_100, 100, 35);
+        assert_snapshot!("chat_idle_snapshot", snapshot);
+    });
+
+    let mut app_140 = build_chat_app(|_| {}, |_| {}).await;
+    with_settings!({ snapshot_suffix => "140x35" }, {
+        let snapshot = render_snapshot(&mut app_140, 140, 35);
         assert_snapshot!("chat_idle_snapshot", snapshot);
     });
 }
 
 #[tokio::test(flavor = "multi_thread")]
 async fn render_chat_tool_call_snapshot() {
-    let mut app = build_chat_app(|session| {
-        let conversation = session.conversation_mut();
-        conversation.push_user_message("What happened in the Rust ecosystem today?");
+    let mut app = build_chat_app(
+        |_| {},
+        |session| {
+            let conversation = session.conversation_mut();
+            conversation.push_user_message("What happened in the Rust ecosystem today?");
 
-        let stream_id = conversation.start_streaming_response();
-        conversation
-            .set_stream_placeholder(stream_id, "Consulting the knowledge base…")
-            .expect("placeholder");
+            let stream_id = conversation.start_streaming_response();
+            conversation
+                .set_stream_placeholder(stream_id, "Consulting the knowledge base…")
+                .expect("placeholder");
 
-        let tool_call = ToolCall {
-            id: "call-search-1".into(),
-            name: "web_search".into(),
-            arguments: serde_json::json!({ "query": "Rust language news" }),
-        };
-        conversation
-            .set_tool_calls_on_message(stream_id, vec![tool_call.clone()])
-            .expect("tool call metadata");
-        conversation
-            .append_stream_chunk(stream_id, "Found multiple articles…", false)
-            .expect("stream chunk");
+            let tool_call = ToolCall {
+                id: "call-search-1".into(),
+                name: "web_search".into(),
+                arguments: serde_json::json!({ "query": "Rust language news" }),
+            };
+            conversation
+                .set_tool_calls_on_message(stream_id, vec![tool_call.clone()])
+                .expect("tool call metadata");
+            conversation
+                .append_stream_chunk(stream_id, "Found multiple articles…", false)
+                .expect("stream chunk");
 
-        let tool_message = Message::tool(
-            tool_call.id.clone(),
-            "Rust 1.85 released with generics cleanups and faster async compilation.".to_string(),
-        );
-        conversation.push_message(tool_message);
+            let tool_message = Message::tool(
+                tool_call.id.clone(),
+                "Rust 1.85 released with generics cleanups and faster async compilation."
+                    .to_string(),
+            );
+            conversation.push_message(tool_message);
 
-        let assistant_summary = Message::assistant(
-            "Summarising the latest Rust release and the async runtime updates.".into(),
-        );
-        conversation.push_message(assistant_summary);
-    })
+            let assistant_summary = Message::assistant(
+                "Summarising the latest Rust release and the async runtime updates.".into(),
+            );
+            conversation.push_message(assistant_summary);
+        },
+    )
     .await;
 
     // Surface quota toast to exercise header/status rendering.
@@ -200,9 +217,25 @@ async fn render_chat_tool_call_snapshot() {
     });
 }
 
+#[tokio::test(flavor = "multi_thread")]
+async fn render_chat_idle_no_animation_snapshot() {
+    let mut app = build_chat_app(
+        |cfg| {
+            cfg.ui.animations.micro = false;
+        },
+        |_| {},
+    )
+    .await;
+
+    with_settings!({ snapshot_suffix => "no-anim-100x35" }, {
+        let snapshot = render_snapshot(&mut app, 100, 35);
+        assert_snapshot!("chat_idle_snapshot_no_anim", snapshot);
+    });
+}
+
 #[tokio::test(flavor = "multi_thread")]
 async fn render_command_palette_focus_snapshot() {
-    let mut app = build_chat_app(|_| {}).await;
+    let mut app = build_chat_app(|_| {}, |_| {}).await;
 
     app.handle_event(Event::Key(KeyEvent::new(
         KeyCode::Char(':'),
diff --git a/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot@100x35.snap b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot@100x35.snap
index c94fabf..0b26e75 100644
--- a/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot@100x35.snap
+++ b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot@100x35.snap
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 ---
 source: crates/owlen-tui/tests/chat_snapshots.rs
+assertion_line: 156
 expression: snapshot
 ---
 "                                                                                                    "
@@ -8,7 +9,6 @@ expression: snapshot
 "  Context metrics not available              Cloud usage pending                                    "
 "                                                                                                    "
 "                                                                                                    "
-"                                                                                                    "
 "  ▌ Chat · stub-model  PgUp/PgDn scroll · g/G jump · s save · Ctrl+2 focus                          "
 "                                                                                                    "
 "    No messages yet. Press 'i' to start typing.                                                     "
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ expression: snapshot
 "                                                                                                    "
 "                                                                                                    "
 "                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
 "    Input  Press i to start typing · Ctrl+5 focus                                                   "
 "                                                                                                    "
 "                                                                                                    "
diff --git a/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot@140x35.snap b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot@140x35.snap
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e01db8f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot@140x35.snap
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+---
+source: crates/owlen-tui/tests/chat_snapshots.rs
+assertion_line: 162
+expression: snapshot
+---
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"   🦉  OWLEN v0.2.0 · Mode Chat · Focus Input                                                                     ollama_local · stub-model  "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"  Context metrics not available                                Cloud usage pending                                                          "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"   ▌ Chat · stub-model  PgUp/PgDn scroll · g/G jump · s save · Ctrl+2 focus                                                                 "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"     No messages yet. Press 'i' to start typing.                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"     Input  Press i to start typing · Ctrl+5 focus                                                                                          "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"    System/Status                                                                                                                           "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"      NORMAL  │  CHAT  │ INPUT · Ctrl      owlen-tui · 1:1 · UTF-8 LF · Plain Text                    ollama_local ▸ stub-model · LSP:✓     "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
+"                                                                                                                                            "
diff --git a/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot@80x35.snap b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot@80x35.snap
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4f99c8a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot@80x35.snap
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+---
+source: crates/owlen-tui/tests/chat_snapshots.rs
+assertion_line: 150
+expression: snapshot
+---
+"                                                                                "
+"   🦉  OWLEN v0.2.0 · Mode Chat · Focus Input         ollama_local · stub-model  "
+"  Context metrics not available     Cloud usage pending                         "
+"                                                                                "
+" ▌ Chat · stub-model  PgUp/PgDn scroll · g/G jump · s save · Ctrl+2 focus       "
+"                                                                                "
+"   No messages yet. Press 'i' to start typing.                                  "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"   Input  Press i to start typing · Ctrl+5 focus                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"  System/Status                                                                 "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
+"    NORMAL  │  CHAT  │ INPUowlen-tui · 1:1 · UTF-8 ollama_local ▸ stub-model    "
+"                                                                                "
+"                                                                                "
diff --git a/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot_no_anim@no-anim-100x35.snap b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot_no_anim@no-anim-100x35.snap
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..736e006
--- /dev/null
+++ b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_idle_snapshot_no_anim@no-anim-100x35.snap
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+---
+source: crates/owlen-tui/tests/chat_snapshots.rs
+assertion_line: 232
+expression: snapshot
+---
+"                                                                                                    "
+"   🦉  OWLEN v0.2.0 · Mode Chat · Focus Input                             ollama_local · stub-model  "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"  Context metrics not available              Cloud usage pending                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"  ▌ Chat · stub-model  PgUp/PgDn scroll · g/G jump · s save · Ctrl+2 focus                          "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"    No messages yet. Press 'i' to start typing.                                                     "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"    Input  Press i to start typing · Ctrl+5 focus                                                   "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"   System/Status                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"     NORMAL  │  CHAT  │ INPUowlen-tui · 1:1 · UTF-8            ollama_local ▸ stub-model · LSP:✓    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
+"                                                                                                    "
diff --git a/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_tool_call_snapshot@80x24.snap b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_tool_call_snapshot@80x24.snap
index be7f3c2..52c105b 100644
--- a/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_tool_call_snapshot@80x24.snap
+++ b/crates/owlen-tui/tests/snapshots/chat_snapshots__chat_tool_call_snapshot@80x24.snap
@@ -1,28 +1,29 @@
 ---
 source: crates/owlen-tui/tests/chat_snapshots.rs
+assertion_line: 216
 expression: snapshot
 ---
 "                                                                                "
 "   🦉  OWLEN v0.2.0 · Mode Chat · Focus Input         ollama_local · stub-model  "
-"                                                                                "
 "  Context metrics not available     Cloud usage pending                         "
 "                                                                                "
+" ▌ Chat · stub-model  PgUp/PgDn scroll · g/G jump · s save · Ctrl+2 focus       "
+"                              ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐  "
+"   │   Found multiple articles│ WARN  Cloud usage is at 82% of the hourly    │  "
+"   └──────────────────────────└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘  "
+"   ┌ 🔧  Tool  [Result: call-search-1] ──────────────────────────────────────┐   "
+"   │   Rust 1.85 released with generics cleanups and faster async compila   │   "
+"   │   tion.                                                                │   "
+"   └────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘   "
+"   ┌ 🤖  Assistant ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐   "
+"   │   Summarising the latest Rust release and the async runtime updates.   │   "
+"                                                                                "
+"   Input  Press i to start typing · Ctrl+5 focus                                "
 "                                                                                "
 "                                                                                "
-"  ▌ Chat · stub-model  PgUp/PgDn scroll · g/G jump · s save · Ctrl+2 focus      "
-"                             ┌──────────────────────────────────────────────┐   "
-"    │   lation.              │ WARN  Cloud usage is at 82% of the hourly    │   "
-"    └────────────────────────└──────────────────────────────────────────────┘   "
-"    ┌ 🤖  Assistant ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐    "
-"    │   Summarising the latest Rust release and the async runtime update   │    "
-"    │   s.                                                                 │    "
-"                                                                                "
-"    Input  Press i to start typing · Ctrl+5 focus                               "
+"  System/Status                                                                 "
 "                                                                                "
 "                                                                                "
-"   System/Status                                                                "
-"                                                                                "
-"     NORMAL  │  CHAT  │ INPUowlen-tui · 1:1 · UTF-8 ollama_local ▸ stub-mode    "
-"                                                                                "
+"    NORMAL  │  CHAT  │ INPUowlen-tui · 1:1 · UTF-8 ollama_local ▸ stub-model    "
 "                                                                                "
 "                                                                                "