diff --git a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelPane.tsx b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelPane.tsx
index 3a43091de..51eb05da5 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelPane.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelPane.tsx
@@ -107,8 +107,8 @@ export const ChannelPane = React.memo(function ChannelPane({
     isSending;
 
   return (
-    <div className="flex min-h-0 flex-1 overflow-hidden">
-      <div className="flex min-w-0 flex-1 flex-col overflow-hidden">
+    <div className="flex min-h-0 min-w-0 flex-1 flex-row overflow-hidden">
+      <div className="relative flex min-h-0 min-w-0 flex-1 flex-col overflow-hidden">
         <MessageTimeline
           channelId={activeChannel?.id}
           activeReplyTargetId={openThreadHeadId}
@@ -139,33 +139,36 @@ export const ChannelPane = React.memo(function ChannelPane({
           onToggleReaction={onToggleReaction}
           targetMessageId={targetMessageId}
         />
-        <TypingIndicatorRow
-          channel={activeChannel}
-          currentPubkey={currentPubkey}
-          profiles={profiles}
-          typingPubkeys={typingPubkeys}
-        />
-        <MessageComposer
-          channelId={activeChannel?.id ?? null}
-          channelName={activeChannel?.name ?? "channel"}
-          disabled={isComposerDisabled}
-          editTarget={editTarget}
-          isSending={isSending}
-          onCancelEdit={onCancelEdit}
-          onEditSave={onEditSave}
-          onSend={onSendMessage}
-          placeholder={
-            activeChannel?.archivedAt
-              ? "Archived channels are read-only."
-              : activeChannel && !activeChannel.isMember
-                ? "Join this channel to message."
-                : activeChannel?.channelType === "forum"
-                  ? "Forum posting is not wired in this pass."
-                  : activeChannel
-                    ? `Message #${activeChannel.name}`
-                    : "Select a channel"
-          }
-        />
+        <div className="relative z-10 -mt-10 shrink-0">
+          <TypingIndicatorRow
+            channel={activeChannel}
+            currentPubkey={currentPubkey}
+            profiles={profiles}
+            typingPubkeys={typingPubkeys}
+          />
+          <MessageComposer
+            channelId={activeChannel?.id ?? null}
+            channelName={activeChannel?.name ?? "channel"}
+            disabled={isComposerDisabled}
+            editTarget={editTarget}
+            isSending={isSending}
+            onCancelEdit={onCancelEdit}
+            onEditSave={onEditSave}
+            onSend={onSendMessage}
+            placeholder={
+              activeChannel?.archivedAt
+                ? "Archived channels are read-only."
+                : activeChannel && !activeChannel.isMember
+                  ? "Join this channel to message."
+                  : activeChannel?.channelType === "forum"
+                    ? "Forum posting is not wired in this pass."
+                    : activeChannel
+                      ? `Message #${activeChannel.name}`
+                      : "Select a channel"
+            }
+            showTopBorder={false}
+          />
+        </div>
       </div>
 
       {threadHeadMessage ? (
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelScreen.tsx b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelScreen.tsx
index 52366919e..bef9cea66 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelScreen.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/channels/ui/ChannelScreen.tsx
@@ -364,91 +364,97 @@ export function ChannelScreen({
 
   return (
     <>
-      <ChatHeader
-        actions={
-          activeChannel ? (
-            <ChannelMembersBar
-              channel={activeChannel}
-              currentPubkey={currentPubkey}
-              onManageChannel={openChannelManagement}
-              onToggleMembers={() => setIsMembersSidebarOpen((prev) => !prev)}
-            />
-          ) : null
-        }
-        channelType={activeChannel?.channelType}
-        visibility={activeChannel?.visibility}
-        description={channelDescription}
-        statusBadge={headerStatusBadge}
-        title={activeChannelTitle}
-      />
+      <div className="relative flex min-h-0 min-w-0 flex-1 flex-col overflow-hidden">
+        <div className="absolute inset-x-0 top-0 z-20">
+          <ChatHeader
+            actions={
+              activeChannel ? (
+                <ChannelMembersBar
+                  channel={activeChannel}
+                  currentPubkey={currentPubkey}
+                  onManageChannel={openChannelManagement}
+                  onToggleMembers={() =>
+                    setIsMembersSidebarOpen((prev) => !prev)
+                  }
+                />
+              ) : null
+            }
+            channelType={activeChannel?.channelType}
+            visibility={activeChannel?.visibility}
+            description={channelDescription}
+            statusBadge={headerStatusBadge}
+            title={activeChannelTitle}
+          />
+        </div>
 
-      <div className="flex min-h-0 min-w-0 flex-1 flex-col overflow-hidden">
-        {activeChannel ? (
-          activeChannel.channelType === "forum" ? (
-            <React.Suspense fallback={<ViewLoadingFallback kind="forum" />}>
-              <ForumView
-                channel={activeChannel}
-                currentPubkey={currentPubkey}
-                onClosePost={onCloseForumPost}
-                onSelectPost={onSelectForumPost}
-                selectedPostId={selectedForumPostId}
-                targetReplyId={targetForumReplyId}
-              />
-            </React.Suspense>
+        <div className="flex min-h-0 min-w-0 flex-1 flex-col overflow-hidden">
+          {activeChannel ? (
+            activeChannel.channelType === "forum" ? (
+              <React.Suspense fallback={<ViewLoadingFallback kind="forum" />}>
+                <ForumView
+                  channel={activeChannel}
+                  currentPubkey={currentPubkey}
+                  onClosePost={onCloseForumPost}
+                  onSelectPost={onSelectForumPost}
+                  selectedPostId={selectedForumPostId}
+                  targetReplyId={targetForumReplyId}
+                />
+              </React.Suspense>
+            ) : (
+              <React.Suspense fallback={<ViewLoadingFallback kind="channel" />}>
+                <ChannelPane
+                  activeChannel={activeChannel}
+                  currentPubkey={currentPubkey}
+                  fetchOlder={fetchOlder}
+                  hasOlderMessages={hasOlderMessages}
+                  isFetchingOlder={isFetchingOlder}
+                  editTarget={
+                    editTargetMessage
+                      ? {
+                          author: editTargetMessage.author,
+                          body: editTargetMessage.body,
+                          id: editTargetMessage.id,
+                        }
+                      : null
+                  }
+                  isSending={sendMessageMutation.isPending}
+                  isTimelineLoading={isTimelineLoading}
+                  messages={timelineMessages}
+                  onCancelEdit={handleCancelEdit}
+                  onCancelThreadReply={handleCancelThreadReply}
+                  onBackThread={handleBackThread}
+                  onCloseThread={handleCloseThread}
+                  onDelete={handleDelete}
+                  onEdit={handleEdit}
+                  onEditSave={handleEditSave}
+                  onOpenNestedThread={handleOpenNestedThread}
+                  onOpenThread={handleOpenThread}
+                  onSendMessage={handleSendMessage}
+                  onSendThreadReply={handleSendThreadReply}
+                  onToggleReaction={effectiveToggleReaction}
+                  canGoBackThread={threadHeadPath.length > 1}
+                  openThreadHeadId={openThreadHeadId}
+                  personaLookup={personaLookup}
+                  profiles={messageProfiles}
+                  targetMessageId={targetMessageId}
+                  threadHeadMessage={openThreadHeadMessage}
+                  threadMessages={threadMessages}
+                  threadTypingPubkeys={threadTypingPubkeys}
+                  threadTotalReplyCount={threadTotalReplyCount}
+                  threadReplyTargetId={threadReplyTargetId}
+                  threadReplyTargetMessage={threadReplyTargetMessage}
+                  typingPubkeys={mainTypingPubkeys}
+                />
+              </React.Suspense>
+            )
           ) : (
-            <React.Suspense fallback={<ViewLoadingFallback kind="channel" />}>
-              <ChannelPane
-                activeChannel={activeChannel}
-                currentPubkey={currentPubkey}
-                fetchOlder={fetchOlder}
-                hasOlderMessages={hasOlderMessages}
-                isFetchingOlder={isFetchingOlder}
-                editTarget={
-                  editTargetMessage
-                    ? {
-                        author: editTargetMessage.author,
-                        body: editTargetMessage.body,
-                        id: editTargetMessage.id,
-                      }
-                    : null
-                }
-                isSending={sendMessageMutation.isPending}
-                isTimelineLoading={isTimelineLoading}
-                messages={timelineMessages}
-                onCancelEdit={handleCancelEdit}
-                onCancelThreadReply={handleCancelThreadReply}
-                onBackThread={handleBackThread}
-                onCloseThread={handleCloseThread}
-                onDelete={handleDelete}
-                onEdit={handleEdit}
-                onEditSave={handleEditSave}
-                onOpenNestedThread={handleOpenNestedThread}
-                onOpenThread={handleOpenThread}
-                onSendMessage={handleSendMessage}
-                onSendThreadReply={handleSendThreadReply}
-                onToggleReaction={effectiveToggleReaction}
-                canGoBackThread={threadHeadPath.length > 1}
-                openThreadHeadId={openThreadHeadId}
-                personaLookup={personaLookup}
-                profiles={messageProfiles}
-                targetMessageId={targetMessageId}
-                threadHeadMessage={openThreadHeadMessage}
-                threadMessages={threadMessages}
-                threadTypingPubkeys={threadTypingPubkeys}
-                threadTotalReplyCount={threadTotalReplyCount}
-                threadReplyTargetId={threadReplyTargetId}
-                threadReplyTargetMessage={threadReplyTargetMessage}
-                typingPubkeys={mainTypingPubkeys}
-              />
-            </React.Suspense>
-          )
-        ) : (
-          <div className="flex min-h-0 flex-1 items-center justify-center px-6 py-8">
-            <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">
-              Select a channel to view messages.
-            </p>
-          </div>
-        )}
+            <div className="flex min-h-0 flex-1 items-center justify-center px-6 py-8">
+              <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">
+                Select a channel to view messages.
+              </p>
+            </div>
+          )}
+        </div>
       </div>
 
       <MembersSidebar
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/chat/ui/ChatHeader.tsx b/desktop/src/features/chat/ui/ChatHeader.tsx
index 1e1eb20a3..102569732 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/chat/ui/ChatHeader.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/chat/ui/ChatHeader.tsx
@@ -71,9 +71,11 @@ export function ChatHeader({
   mode = "channel",
   statusBadge,
 }: ChatHeaderProps) {
+  const trimmedDescription = description.trim();
+
   return (
     <header
-      className="flex min-w-0 items-center gap-3 border-b border-border/80 bg-background px-4 pb-3 pt-8 sm:px-6"
+      className="relative z-20 flex min-w-0 shrink-0 items-center gap-3 bg-background/25 px-4 pb-2 pt-6 shadow-[0_4px_24px_rgba(0,0,0,0.06)] backdrop-blur-xl supports-[backdrop-filter]:bg-background/20 dark:shadow-[0_4px_24px_rgba(0,0,0,0.25)] sm:px-6"
       data-testid="chat-header"
       data-tauri-drag-region
     >
@@ -87,6 +89,7 @@ export function ChatHeader({
           <h1
             className="min-w-0 truncate text-lg font-semibold tracking-tight"
             data-testid="chat-title"
+            title={trimmedDescription || undefined}
           >
             {title}
           </h1>
@@ -96,12 +99,6 @@ export function ChatHeader({
             </div>
           ) : null}
         </div>
-        <p
-          className="truncate text-sm text-muted-foreground"
-          data-testid="chat-description"
-        >
-          {description}
-        </p>
       </div>
 
       {actions ? <div className="shrink-0">{actions}</div> : null}
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageComposer.tsx b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageComposer.tsx
index 7747b3cec..c0cb9daa2 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageComposer.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageComposer.tsx
@@ -508,13 +508,13 @@ export function MessageComposer({
   return (
     <footer
       className={cn(
-        "bg-background p-4",
-        showTopBorder ? "border-t border-border/80" : "",
+        "shrink-0 bg-transparent px-4 pb-4 pt-0",
+        showTopBorder ? "border-t border-border/40 pt-3" : "",
       )}
     >
-      <div className="flex w-full flex-col gap-3">
+      <div className="mx-auto flex w-full max-w-4xl flex-col gap-3">
         <form
-          className="relative rounded-2xl border border-input bg-card px-3 py-4 shadow-sm sm:px-4"
+          className="relative isolate rounded-2xl border border-border/50 bg-background/25 px-3 py-4 shadow-[0_4px_24px_rgba(0,0,0,0.08)] backdrop-blur-xl supports-[backdrop-filter]:bg-background/20 dark:shadow-[0_4px_24px_rgba(0,0,0,0.35)] sm:px-4"
           data-testid="message-composer"
           onDragOver={media.handleDragOver}
           onDrop={(e) => {
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageComposerToolbar.tsx b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageComposerToolbar.tsx
index ef7758dc9..5de173617 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageComposerToolbar.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageComposerToolbar.tsx
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 import * as React from "react";
-import { AtSign, Paperclip, SendHorizontal } from "lucide-react";
+import { ArrowUp, AtSign, Paperclip } from "lucide-react";
 
 import { Button } from "@/shared/ui/button";
 import { ComposerEmojiPicker } from "./ComposerEmojiPicker";
@@ -67,14 +67,22 @@ export const MessageComposerToolbar = React.memo(
         </div>
 
         <Button
-          className="gap-2"
+          aria-label={isSending ? "Sending" : "Send message"}
+          className="rounded-full"
           data-testid="send-message"
           disabled={sendDisabled || isSending}
-          title="Send (Enter)"
+          size="icon"
+          title={isSending ? "Sending..." : "Send (Enter)"}
           type="submit"
         >
-          <SendHorizontal className="h-4 w-4" />
-          {isSending ? "Sending" : "Send"}
+          {isSending ? (
+            <span
+              aria-hidden
+              className="h-4 w-4 animate-spin rounded-full border-2 border-primary-foreground border-t-transparent"
+            />
+          ) : (
+            <ArrowUp aria-hidden className="h-4 w-4" />
+          )}
         </Button>
       </div>
     );
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageRow.tsx b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageRow.tsx
index 880dcb3e4..edd218776 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageRow.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageRow.tsx
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ export const MessageRow = React.memo(
 
         <article
           className={cn(
-            "group/message flex items-start gap-2.5 rounded-2xl px-2 py-1.5 transition-colors",
+            "group/message flex items-start gap-2.5 rounded-2xl px-2 py-1 transition-colors",
             highlighted ? "bg-primary/10 ring-1 ring-primary/30" : "",
           )}
           data-message-id={message.id}
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ export const MessageRow = React.memo(
                   <UserAvatar
                     accent={message.accent}
                     avatarUrl={message.avatarUrl ?? null}
-                    className="!h-[42px] !w-[42px]"
+                    className="!h-8 !w-8"
                     displayName={message.author}
                     testId="message-avatar"
                   />
@@ -191,81 +191,79 @@ export const MessageRow = React.memo(
               <UserAvatar
                 accent={message.accent}
                 avatarUrl={message.avatarUrl ?? null}
-                className="shrink-0 !h-[42px] !w-[42px]"
+                className="shrink-0 !h-8 !w-8"
                 displayName={message.author}
                 testId="message-avatar"
               />
             )}
           </div>
 
-          <div className="min-w-0 flex-1 space-y-1">
-            <div className="flex min-w-0 flex-wrap items-center gap-x-2 gap-y-1">
-              {message.pubkey ? (
-                <UserProfilePopover
-                  pubkey={message.pubkey}
-                  role={message.role}
-                  botIdenticonValue={message.author}
-                >
-                  <button
-                    className="truncate rounded text-sm font-semibold tracking-tight hover:underline focus-visible:outline-none focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-ring"
-                    type="button"
+          <div className="relative min-w-0 flex-1 space-y-0">
+            <div className="flex min-w-0 flex-nowrap items-start gap-x-2 pr-[9.5rem] sm:pr-40">
+              <div className="flex min-w-0 flex-1 items-center gap-x-2">
+                {message.pubkey ? (
+                  <UserProfilePopover
+                    pubkey={message.pubkey}
+                    role={message.role}
+                    botIdenticonValue={message.author}
                   >
+                    <button
+                      className="min-w-0 truncate rounded pt-px text-left text-sm font-semibold leading-tight tracking-tight hover:underline focus-visible:outline-none focus-visible:ring-2 focus-visible:ring-ring"
+                      type="button"
+                    >
+                      {message.author}
+                    </button>
+                  </UserProfilePopover>
+                ) : (
+                  <h3 className="min-w-0 truncate pt-px text-sm font-semibold leading-tight tracking-tight">
                     {message.author}
-                  </button>
-                </UserProfilePopover>
-              ) : (
-                <h3 className="truncate text-sm font-semibold tracking-tight">
-                  {message.author}
-                </h3>
-              )}
-              {message.personaDisplayName &&
-              message.personaDisplayName !== message.author ? (
-                <span className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-                  {message.personaDisplayName}
-                </span>
-              ) : message.role ? (
-                <p className="rounded-full bg-muted px-2 py-0.5 text-[10px] font-medium uppercase tracking-[0.14em] text-muted-foreground">
-                  {message.role}
-                </p>
-              ) : null}
-              <div className="ml-auto flex items-center gap-2 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-                <div className="relative">
-                  <div className="absolute right-0 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2">
-                    <MessageActionBar
-                      activeReplyTargetId={activeReplyTargetId}
-                      message={message}
-                      onDelete={onDelete}
-                      onEdit={onEdit}
-                      onReactionSelect={
-                        canToggleReactions ? handleReactionSelect : undefined
-                      }
-                      onReply={onReply}
-                      reactionErrorMessage={reactionErrorMessage}
-                      reactionPending={reactionPending}
-                      reactions={reactions}
-                    />
-                  </div>
-                </div>
-                {message.pending ? (
-                  <p className="font-medium uppercase tracking-[0.14em] text-primary/80">
-                    Sending
+                  </h3>
+                )}
+                {message.personaDisplayName &&
+                message.personaDisplayName !== message.author ? (
+                  <span className="truncate text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+                    {message.personaDisplayName}
+                  </span>
+                ) : message.role ? (
+                  <p className="shrink-0 rounded-full bg-muted px-2 py-0.5 text-[10px] font-medium uppercase tracking-[0.14em] text-muted-foreground">
+                    {message.role}
                   </p>
                 ) : null}
-                {message.edited ? (
-                  <p
-                    className="text-muted-foreground/70"
-                    title="This message has been edited"
-                  >
-                    (edited)
-                  </p>
-                ) : null}
-                <MessageTimestamp
-                  createdAt={message.createdAt}
-                  time={message.time}
-                />
               </div>
             </div>
-            {renderBody()}
+            <div className="absolute right-0 top-0 z-10 flex items-start justify-end gap-2 pt-px text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+              <MessageActionBar
+                activeReplyTargetId={activeReplyTargetId}
+                message={message}
+                onDelete={onDelete}
+                onEdit={onEdit}
+                onReactionSelect={
+                  canToggleReactions ? handleReactionSelect : undefined
+                }
+                onReply={onReply}
+                reactionErrorMessage={reactionErrorMessage}
+                reactionPending={reactionPending}
+                reactions={reactions}
+              />
+              {message.pending ? (
+                <p className="shrink-0 font-medium uppercase tracking-[0.14em] text-primary/80">
+                  Sending
+                </p>
+              ) : null}
+              {message.edited ? (
+                <p
+                  className="shrink-0 text-muted-foreground/70"
+                  title="This message has been edited"
+                >
+                  (edited)
+                </p>
+              ) : null}
+              <MessageTimestamp
+                createdAt={message.createdAt}
+                time={message.time}
+              />
+            </div>
+            <div className="pt-1">{renderBody()}</div>
             <MessageReactions
               messageId={message.id}
               reactions={reactions}
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageThreadPanel.tsx b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageThreadPanel.tsx
index 78badbe47..19b2dbbc2 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageThreadPanel.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageThreadPanel.tsx
@@ -90,24 +90,26 @@ export function MessageThreadPanel({
 
   return (
     <aside
-      className="hidden h-full w-[380px] shrink-0 flex-col border-l border-border/80 bg-background lg:flex"
+      className="relative z-10 hidden h-full min-h-0 w-[min(100%,420px)] shrink-0 flex-col border-l border-border/60 bg-muted/20 pt-0 lg:flex"
       data-testid="message-thread-panel"
     >
-      <div className="flex items-center gap-3 px-4 py-3">
-        {canGoBack ? (
-          <Button
-            aria-label="Back"
-            data-testid="message-thread-back"
-            onClick={onBack}
-            size="icon"
-            type="button"
-            variant="ghost"
-          >
-            <ArrowLeft className="h-4 w-4" />
-          </Button>
-        ) : null}
-        <div className="min-w-0 flex-1">
-          <h2 className="text-sm font-semibold tracking-tight">Thread</h2>
+      <div className="relative z-20 flex shrink-0 items-center justify-between bg-background/25 px-2 py-1 shadow-[0_4px_24px_rgba(0,0,0,0.06)] backdrop-blur-xl supports-[backdrop-filter]:bg-background/20 dark:shadow-[0_4px_24px_rgba(0,0,0,0.25)]">
+        <div className="flex min-w-0 items-center gap-2">
+          {canGoBack ? (
+            <Button
+              aria-label="Back"
+              data-testid="message-thread-back"
+              onClick={onBack}
+              size="icon"
+              type="button"
+              variant="ghost"
+            >
+              <ArrowLeft className="h-4 w-4" />
+            </Button>
+          ) : null}
+          <div className="min-w-0">
+            <h2 className="text-sm font-semibold tracking-tight">Thread</h2>
+          </div>
         </div>
         <Button
           aria-label="Close thread"
@@ -122,26 +124,28 @@ export function MessageThreadPanel({
       </div>
 
       <div
-        className="min-h-0 flex-1 overflow-y-auto"
+        className="min-h-0 flex-1 overflow-y-auto overscroll-contain"
         data-testid="message-thread-body"
       >
-        <div className="px-3 py-3" data-testid="message-thread-head">
-          <MessageRow
-            activeReplyTargetId={replyTargetId}
-            message={threadHead}
-            onDelete={
-              onDelete && canManageMessage(threadHead, currentPubkey)
-                ? onDelete
-                : undefined
-            }
-            onToggleReaction={onToggleReaction}
-            profiles={profiles}
-          />
+        <div className="px-4 py-3" data-testid="message-thread-head">
+          <div className="mx-auto w-full max-w-[23rem]">
+            <MessageRow
+              activeReplyTargetId={replyTargetId}
+              message={threadHead}
+              onDelete={
+                onDelete && canManageMessage(threadHead, currentPubkey)
+                  ? onDelete
+                  : undefined
+              }
+              onToggleReaction={onToggleReaction}
+              profiles={profiles}
+            />
+          </div>
         </div>
 
-        <div className="px-3 py-3" data-testid="message-thread-replies">
+        <div className="px-4 pb-2 pt-3" data-testid="message-thread-replies">
           {threadReplies.length > 0 ? (
-            <div className="space-y-2">
+            <div className="mx-auto w-full max-w-[23rem] space-y-2">
               {threadReplies.map((entry) => (
                 <div key={entry.message.id}>
                   <MessageRow
@@ -166,20 +170,11 @@ export function MessageThreadPanel({
                 </div>
               ))}
             </div>
-          ) : (
-            <div className="rounded-2xl border border-dashed border-border/70 bg-card/40 px-4 py-6 text-center">
-              <p className="text-sm font-medium text-foreground/80">
-                No replies in this branch yet
-              </p>
-              <p className="mt-1 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
-                Reply in the thread to continue this branch.
-              </p>
-            </div>
-          )}
+          ) : null}
         </div>
       </div>
 
-      <div className="p-4">
+      <div className="relative z-10 -mt-10 shrink-0">
         <TypingIndicatorRow
           channel={channel}
           currentPubkey={currentPubkey}
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageThreadSummaryRow.tsx b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageThreadSummaryRow.tsx
index 042548323..bf083cf46 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageThreadSummaryRow.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageThreadSummaryRow.tsx
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ export function MessageThreadSummaryRow({
 }) {
   return (
     <button
-      className="ml-8 flex w-fit max-w-full items-center gap-2 rounded-xl px-3 py-2 text-left text-sm text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-accent/50 hover:text-foreground"
+      className="-mt-1 ml-8 flex w-fit max-w-full items-center gap-2 rounded-xl px-3 py-1 text-left text-sm text-muted-foreground transition-colors hover:bg-accent/50 hover:text-foreground"
       data-thread-head-id={message.id}
       data-testid="message-thread-summary"
       onClick={() => onOpenThread(message)}
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageTimeline.tsx b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageTimeline.tsx
index 3a3ca76ef..2da431c56 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageTimeline.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/MessageTimeline.tsx
@@ -92,25 +92,28 @@ export const MessageTimeline = React.memo(function MessageTimeline({
 
   return (
     <TooltipProvider delayDuration={200}>
-      <div className="relative min-h-0 flex-1">
+      <div className="relative flex min-h-0 min-w-0 flex-1 flex-col overflow-hidden">
         {stickyDayLabel && !isAtBottom ? (
           <div
-            className="pointer-events-none absolute inset-x-0 top-0 z-10 flex justify-center px-4 pt-2 sm:px-6"
+            className="pointer-events-none absolute inset-x-0 top-0 z-10 flex justify-center px-4 pt-1 sm:px-6"
             data-testid="message-timeline-sticky-day"
           >
-            <p className="rounded-full bg-muted/90 px-3 py-1 text-xs font-semibold uppercase tracking-[0.22em] text-muted-foreground shadow-sm backdrop-blur-sm">
+            <p className="rounded-md bg-muted/60 px-2 py-0.5 text-[11px] font-medium leading-none tracking-normal text-muted-foreground/75 shadow-sm backdrop-blur-sm">
               {stickyDayLabel}
             </p>
           </div>
         ) : null}
         <div
-          className="h-full overflow-y-auto overflow-x-hidden overscroll-contain px-4 py-3 [overflow-anchor:none] sm:px-6"
+          className="absolute inset-0 overflow-y-auto overflow-x-hidden overscroll-contain px-4 pb-3 pt-1 [overflow-anchor:none] sm:px-6"
           data-scroll-restoration-id="message-timeline"
           data-testid="message-timeline"
           onScroll={syncScrollState}
           ref={scrollContainerRef}
         >
-          <div className="flex w-full flex-col gap-3 px-4" ref={contentRef}>
+          <div
+            className="mx-auto flex w-full max-w-4xl flex-col gap-2 pb-36 pt-10"
+            ref={contentRef}
+          >
             <div ref={topSentinelRef} aria-hidden className="h-px" />
 
             {isFetchingOlder ? (
@@ -168,17 +171,18 @@ export const MessageTimeline = React.memo(function MessageTimeline({
         </div>
 
         {!isAtBottom ? (
-          <div className="pointer-events-none absolute inset-x-0 bottom-4 flex justify-center px-4">
+          <div className="pointer-events-none absolute inset-x-0 bottom-12 z-20 flex justify-center px-4">
             <Button
-              className="pointer-events-auto rounded-full shadow-lg"
+              className="pointer-events-auto h-7 min-h-7 gap-1.5 rounded-full border-border/50 bg-background/85 px-2.5 text-[11px] font-medium text-muted-foreground shadow-sm backdrop-blur-sm hover:bg-muted/70 hover:text-foreground [&_svg]:size-3.5"
               data-testid="message-scroll-to-latest"
               onClick={() => {
                 scrollToBottom("smooth");
               }}
               size="sm"
               type="button"
+              variant="outline"
             >
-              <ArrowDown className="h-4 w-4" />
+              <ArrowDown aria-hidden />
               {newMessageCount > 0
                 ? `${newMessageCount} new message${newMessageCount === 1 ? "" : "s"}`
                 : "Jump to latest"}
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/TypingIndicatorRow.tsx b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/TypingIndicatorRow.tsx
index 57e4feb17..fd1ff2eb1 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/TypingIndicatorRow.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/messages/ui/TypingIndicatorRow.tsx
@@ -73,18 +73,18 @@ export function TypingIndicatorRow({
   return (
     <div
       aria-live="polite"
-      className="bg-background/95 px-4 py-2 sm:px-6"
+      className="shrink-0 bg-transparent px-4 py-2 sm:px-6"
       data-testid="message-typing-indicator"
     >
-      <div className="flex w-full items-center gap-2">
-        <div className="flex flex-shrink-0 items-center">
+      <div className="mx-auto flex w-full max-w-4xl items-center gap-2">
+        <div className="flex shrink-0 items-center">
           {typingPubkeys.map((pubkey, index) => {
-            const profile = profiles?.[pubkey];
+            const profile = profiles?.[pubkey.toLowerCase()];
             const label = labels[index] ?? pubkey.slice(0, 8);
             return (
               <div
                 key={pubkey}
-                className={`relative h-5 w-5 flex-shrink-0 rounded-full ring-1 ring-background${index > 0 ? " -ml-1.5" : ""}`}
+                className={`relative h-5 w-5 shrink-0 rounded-full ring-1 ring-background${index > 0 ? " -ml-1.5" : ""}`}
                 data-testid="message-typing-avatar"
               >
                 <ProfileAvatar
diff --git a/desktop/src/features/sidebar/ui/AppSidebar.tsx b/desktop/src/features/sidebar/ui/AppSidebar.tsx
index b885f9799..736c30954 100644
--- a/desktop/src/features/sidebar/ui/AppSidebar.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/features/sidebar/ui/AppSidebar.tsx
@@ -35,7 +35,6 @@ import {
   SidebarMenuButton,
   SidebarMenuItem,
   SidebarMenuSkeleton,
-  SidebarSeparator,
 } from "@/shared/ui/sidebar";
 
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -429,8 +428,6 @@ export function AppSidebar({
         </SidebarMenu>
       </SidebarHeader>
 
-      <SidebarSeparator className="mx-0 w-full" />
-
       <SidebarContent>
         {isLoading ? (
           <SidebarGroup>
@@ -513,8 +510,6 @@ export function AppSidebar({
         ) : null}
       </SidebarContent>
 
-      <SidebarSeparator className="mx-0 w-full" />
-
       <SidebarFooter>
         <SidebarMenu>
           <SidebarMenuItem>
diff --git a/desktop/src/shared/ui/sidebar.tsx b/desktop/src/shared/ui/sidebar.tsx
index adfb6d368..999b80061 100644
--- a/desktop/src/shared/ui/sidebar.tsx
+++ b/desktop/src/shared/ui/sidebar.tsx
@@ -249,7 +249,7 @@ const Sidebar = React.forwardRef<
             // Adjust the padding for floating and inset variants.
             variant === "floating" || variant === "inset"
               ? "p-2 group-data-[collapsible=icon]:w-[calc(var(--sidebar-width-icon)_+_theme(spacing.4)_+2px)]"
-              : "group-data-[collapsible=icon]:w-[--sidebar-width-icon] group-data-[side=left]:border-r group-data-[side=right]:border-l",
+              : "group-data-[collapsible=icon]:w-[--sidebar-width-icon]",
             className,
           )}
           {...props}
@@ -308,10 +308,10 @@ const SidebarRail = React.forwardRef<
       onClick={toggleSidebar}
       title="Toggle Sidebar"
       className={cn(
-        "absolute inset-y-0 z-20 hidden w-4 -translate-x-1/2 transition-all ease-linear after:absolute after:inset-y-0 after:left-1/2 after:w-[2px] hover:after:bg-sidebar-border group-data-[side=left]:-right-4 group-data-[side=right]:left-0 sm:flex",
+        "absolute inset-y-0 z-20 hidden w-4 -translate-x-1/2 transition-all ease-linear group-data-[side=left]:-right-4 group-data-[side=right]:left-0 sm:flex",
         "[[data-side=left]_&]:cursor-w-resize [[data-side=right]_&]:cursor-e-resize",
         "[[data-side=left][data-state=collapsed]_&]:cursor-e-resize [[data-side=right][data-state=collapsed]_&]:cursor-w-resize",
-        "group-data-[collapsible=offcanvas]:translate-x-0 group-data-[collapsible=offcanvas]:after:left-full group-data-[collapsible=offcanvas]:hover:bg-sidebar",
+        "group-data-[collapsible=offcanvas]:translate-x-0 group-data-[collapsible=offcanvas]:hover:bg-sidebar",
         "[[data-side=left][data-collapsible=offcanvas]_&]:-right-2",
         "[[data-side=right][data-collapsible=offcanvas]_&]:-left-2",
         className,
@@ -698,7 +698,7 @@ const SidebarMenuSub = React.forwardRef<
     ref={ref}
     data-sidebar="menu-sub"
     className={cn(
-      "mx-3.5 flex min-w-0 translate-x-px flex-col gap-1 border-l border-sidebar-border px-2.5 py-0.5",
+      "mx-3.5 flex min-w-0 flex-col gap-1 px-2.5 py-0.5",
       "group-data-[collapsible=icon]:hidden",
       className,
     )}
@@ -730,7 +730,7 @@ const SidebarMenuSubButton = React.forwardRef<
       data-size={size}
       data-active={isActive}
       className={cn(
-        "flex h-7 min-w-0 -translate-x-px items-center gap-2 overflow-hidden rounded-md px-2 text-sidebar-foreground outline-none ring-sidebar-ring hover:bg-sidebar-accent hover:text-sidebar-accent-foreground focus-visible:ring-2 active:bg-sidebar-accent active:text-sidebar-accent-foreground disabled:pointer-events-none disabled:opacity-50 aria-disabled:pointer-events-none aria-disabled:opacity-50 [&>span:last-child]:truncate [&>svg]:size-4 [&>svg]:shrink-0 [&>svg]:text-sidebar-accent-foreground data-[active=true]:[&>svg]:text-sidebar-primary-foreground",
+        "flex h-7 min-w-0 items-center gap-2 overflow-hidden rounded-md px-2 text-sidebar-foreground outline-none ring-sidebar-ring hover:bg-sidebar-accent hover:text-sidebar-accent-foreground focus-visible:ring-2 active:bg-sidebar-accent active:text-sidebar-accent-foreground disabled:pointer-events-none disabled:opacity-50 aria-disabled:pointer-events-none aria-disabled:opacity-50 [&>span:last-child]:truncate [&>svg]:size-4 [&>svg]:shrink-0 [&>svg]:text-sidebar-accent-foreground data-[active=true]:[&>svg]:text-sidebar-primary-foreground",
         "data-[active=true]:bg-sidebar-primary data-[active=true]:font-semibold data-[active=true]:text-sidebar-primary-foreground data-[active=true]:hover:bg-sidebar-primary data-[active=true]:hover:text-sidebar-primary-foreground",
         size === "sm" && "text-xs",
         size === "md" && "text-sm",