diff --git a/src/handlers.c b/src/handlers.c
index 354d0fa6..7e08725b 100644
--- a/src/handlers.c
+++ b/src/handlers.c
@@ -931,7 +931,7 @@ int handle_expose_event(void *data, xcb_connection_t *conn, xcb_expose_event_t *
         else {
                 uint32_t background_color;
                 /* Distinguish if the window is currently focused… */
-                if (CUR_CELL->currently_focused == client)
+                if (CUR_CELL != NULL && CUR_CELL->currently_focused == client)
                         background_color = config.client.focused.background;
                 /* …or if it is the focused window in a not focused container */
                 else background_color = config.client.focused_inactive.background;