diff --git a/src/GrampsCfg.py b/src/GrampsCfg.py
index 960565ca4..61fbac5ad 100644
--- a/src/GrampsCfg.py
+++ b/src/GrampsCfg.py
@@ -208,6 +208,12 @@ def get_startup():
 def save_startup(val):
     set_int("/apps/gramps/behavior/startup",val,(0,1))
 
+def get_screen_size_checked():
+    return get_bool("/apps/gramps/interface/size-checked")
+
+def save_screen_size_checked(val):
+    set_bool("/apps/gramps/interface/size-checked",val)
+
 def get_autoload():
     return get_bool("/apps/gramps/behavior/autoload")
 
diff --git a/src/data/gramps.schemas b/src/data/gramps.schemas
index 0d885895f..a54c3bcb1 100644
--- a/src/data/gramps.schemas
+++ b/src/data/gramps.schemas
@@ -434,6 +434,21 @@
         </locale>
       </schema>
 
+      <schema>
+        <key>/schemas/apps/gramps/interface/size-checked</key>
+        <applyto>/apps/gramps/interface/size-checked</applyto>
+        <owner>gramps</owner>
+        <type>bool</type>
+        <default>0</default>
+        <locale name="C">
+          <short>Screen size has been checked</short>
+          <long>If set to 1, this key indicates that the screen size
+          has already been checked and the initial interface decision
+          made. No action will be taken if the screen is too smal,
+          since the user may have overridden our settings.</long>
+        </locale>
+      </schema>
+
       <schema>
         <key>/schemas/apps/gramps/interface/statusbar</key>
         <applyto>/apps/gramps/interface/statusbar</applyto>
diff --git a/src/gramps_main.py b/src/gramps_main.py
index 4163006b8..7d3721f1f 100755
--- a/src/gramps_main.py
+++ b/src/gramps_main.py
@@ -387,6 +387,11 @@ class Gramps:
         self.enable_filter(GrampsCfg.get_filter())
         self.toolbar_btn.set_active(GrampsCfg.get_toolbar_on())
         self.enable_toolbar(GrampsCfg.get_toolbar_on())
+
+        if not GrampsCfg.get_screen_size_checked():
+            GrampsCfg.save_screen_size_checked(1)
+            if gtk.gdk.screen_width() <= 900:
+                GrampsCfg.save_view(0)
         self.sidebar_btn.set_active(GrampsCfg.get_view())
         self.enable_sidebar(GrampsCfg.get_view())