diff --git a/docs/labwc-config.5.scd b/docs/labwc-config.5.scd
index 7a9e5181..89c47741 100644
--- a/docs/labwc-config.5.scd
+++ b/docs/labwc-config.5.scd
@@ -102,6 +102,7 @@ Therefore, where multiple objects of the same kind are required (for example
   <gap>0</gap>
   <adaptiveSync>no</adaptiveSync>
   <reuseOutputMode>no</reuseOutputMode>
+  <ignoreExclusiveArea>no</ignoreExclusiveArea>
 </core>
 ```
 
@@ -124,6 +125,10 @@ Therefore, where multiple objects of the same kind are required (for example
 	be used with labwc the preferred mode of the monitor is used instead.
 	Default is no.
 
+*<core><ignoreExclusiveArea>* [yes|no]
+	Ignore the exclusive area provided by wlr_layer clients.
+	Default is no.
+
 ## WINDOW SWITCHER
 
 *<windowSwitcher show="" preview="" outlines="">*
diff --git a/docs/rc.xml.all b/docs/rc.xml.all
index 23457f35..5ba8e472 100644
--- a/docs/rc.xml.all
+++ b/docs/rc.xml.all
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@
     <gap>0</gap>
     <adaptiveSync>no</adaptiveSync>
     <reuseOutputMode>no</reuseOutputMode>
+    <ignoreExclusiveArea>no</ignoreExclusiveArea>
   </core>
 
   <!-- <font><theme> can be defined without an attribute to set all places -->
diff --git a/include/config/rcxml.h b/include/config/rcxml.h
index 88a2ee0f..9a80548a 100644
--- a/include/config/rcxml.h
+++ b/include/config/rcxml.h
@@ -39,6 +39,7 @@ struct rcxml {
 	int gap;
 	bool adaptive_sync;
 	bool reuse_output_mode;
+	bool ignore_exclusive_area;
 
 	/* focus */
 	bool focus_follow_mouse;
diff --git a/src/config/rcxml.c b/src/config/rcxml.c
index f0af0b51..155947d0 100644
--- a/src/config/rcxml.c
+++ b/src/config/rcxml.c
@@ -569,6 +569,8 @@ entry(xmlNode *node, char *nodename, char *content)
 		rc.gap = atoi(content);
 	} else if (!strcasecmp(nodename, "adaptiveSync.core")) {
 		set_bool(content, &rc.adaptive_sync);
+	} else if (!strcasecmp(nodename, "ignoreExclusiveArea.core")) {
+		set_bool(content, &rc.ignore_exclusive_area);
 	} else if (!strcasecmp(nodename, "reuseOutputMode.core")) {
 		set_bool(content, &rc.reuse_output_mode);
 	} else if (!strcmp(nodename, "name.theme")) {
diff --git a/src/layers.c b/src/layers.c
index 2d750f22..fcb18212 100644
--- a/src/layers.c
+++ b/src/layers.c
@@ -93,6 +93,9 @@ layers_arrange(struct output *output)
 			scene_output->y);
 	}
 
+	if (rc.ignore_exclusive_area)
+		usable_area = full_area;
+
 	output->usable_area = usable_area;
 }