diff --git a/src/group.cpp b/src/group.cpp
index 51caf0e2..acd7bd42 100644
--- a/src/group.cpp
+++ b/src/group.cpp
@@ -64,11 +64,19 @@ Group::Group(const std::string& name, const std::string& id, const Json::Value&
                                     : true);
     click_to_reveal = drawer_config["click-to-reveal"].asBool();
 
+    const bool start_expanded =
+        (drawer_config["start-expanded"].isBool() ? drawer_config["start-expanded"].asBool()
+                                                  : false);
+
     auto transition_type = getPreferredTransitionType(vertical);
 
     revealer.set_transition_type(transition_type);
     revealer.set_transition_duration(transition_duration);
-    revealer.set_reveal_child(false);
+    revealer.set_reveal_child(start_expanded);
+
+    if (start_expanded) {
+      box.set_state_flags(Gtk::StateFlags::STATE_FLAG_PRELIGHT);
+    }
 
     revealer.get_style_context()->add_class("drawer");