diff --git a/desktop/desktop.scss b/desktop/desktop.scss
index a07986c..52d0af1 100644
--- a/desktop/desktop.scss
+++ b/desktop/desktop.scss
@@ -54,6 +54,14 @@
   border-collapse: collapse;
 }
 
+//shadow behind list of topics on right hand side when in cateogry list view
+.latest-topic-list {
+  -webkit-box-shadow: 0 2px 5px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.16), 0 2px 10px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12);
+  -moz-box-shadow: 0 2px 5px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.16), 0 2px 10px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12);
+  box-shadow: 0 2px 5px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.16), 0 2px 10px 0 rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.12);
+  background-color: lighten($secondary, 10%);
+  border-collapse: collapse;
+}
 
 //create conversation cards
 .topic-body{