diff --git a/layout.c b/layout.c
index a91b5cb5..17bb2d4a 100644
--- a/layout.c
+++ b/layout.c
@@ -698,6 +698,8 @@ layout_resize_floating_pane_to(struct window_pane *wp, enum layout_type type,
 		return;
 	}
 
+	if (size >= PANE_MINIMUM + 2)
+		size -= 2;
 	if (size < PANE_MINIMUM || size > PANE_MAXIMUM) {
 		*cause = xstrdup("size is too big or too small");
 		return;