diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/init.py b/src/calibre/gui2/init.py
index 52ff70452b..d066f8aa01 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/init.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/init.py
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ class StatusBar(QStatusBar):  # {{{
         if self.library_total != self.total:
             base = _('{0}, {1} total').format(base, self.library_total)
 
-        self.defmsg.setText('%s [%s]' % (msg, base))
+        self.defmsg.setText(u'%s\xa0\xa0\xa0\xa0[%s]' % (msg, base))
         self.clearMessage()
 
     def device_disconnected(self):