diff --git a/xicam/gui/settings/appearance.py b/xicam/gui/settings/appearance.py
index dc526dd3..85cc92af 100644
--- a/xicam/gui/settings/appearance.py
+++ b/xicam/gui/settings/appearance.py
@@ -71,5 +71,5 @@ def __init__(self):
         )
 
     def apply(self):
-        self["Theme"]()
-        self["Plot Theme (requires restart)"]()
+        (self["Theme"] or setDefault)()
+        (self["Plot Theme (requires restart)"] or setPlotDefault)()