diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/library/models.py b/src/calibre/gui2/library/models.py
index 0b1518c5b0..b563a0c6b8 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/library/models.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/library/models.py
@@ -211,6 +211,7 @@ class BooksModel(QAbstractTableModel):  # {{{
         # remember that the cover grid view needs a larger version of the icon,
         # anyway)
         self.marked_icon = QIcon(I('marked.png'))
+        self.bool_blank_icon_as_icon = QIcon(self.bool_blank_icon)
         self.row_decoration = None
         self.device_connected = False
         self.ids_to_highlight = []
@@ -235,7 +236,7 @@ class BooksModel(QAbstractTableModel):  # {{{
         self.row_height = height
 
     def set_row_decoration(self, current_marked):
-        self.row_decoration = self.bool_blank_icon if current_marked else None
+        self.row_decoration = self.bool_blank_icon_as_icon if current_marked else None
 
     def change_alignment(self, colname, alignment):
         if colname in self.column_map and alignment in ('left', 'right', 'center'):
diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/library/views.py b/src/calibre/gui2/library/views.py
index 1e2aab3543..b2146b1d91 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/library/views.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/library/views.py
@@ -55,7 +55,9 @@ class HeaderView(QHeaderView):  # {{{
         opt.text = unicode(model.headerData(logical_index, opt.orientation, Qt.DisplayRole) or '')
         if opt.orientation == Qt.Vertical:
             try:
-                opt.icon = model.headerData(logical_index, opt.orientation, Qt.DecorationRole)
+                val = model.headerData(logical_index, opt.orientation, Qt.DecorationRole)
+                if val is not None:
+                    opt.icon = val
                 opt.iconAlignment = Qt.AlignVCenter
             except (IndexError, ValueError, TypeError):
                 pass