diff --git a/static/styles/compose.css b/static/styles/compose.css
index 65d01748e0..d5fc84b143 100644
--- a/static/styles/compose.css
+++ b/static/styles/compose.css
@@ -451,6 +451,9 @@ textarea.new_message_textarea {
     margin-bottom: 0;
     resize: vertical !important;
     margin-top: 5px;
+    border-radius: 4px;
+    color: hsl(0, 0%, 33%);
+    background-color: hsl(0, 0%, 100%);
 
     @keyframes flash {
         0% {
@@ -470,6 +473,12 @@ textarea.new_message_textarea {
             animation: flash 0.5s ease-in-out infinite;
         }
     }
+
+    &:read-only,
+    &:disabled {
+        cursor: not-allowed;
+        background-color: hsl(0, 0%, 93%);
+    }
 }
 
 textarea.new_message_textarea,
@@ -479,6 +488,7 @@ textarea.new_message_textarea,
     transition: border 0.2s ease;
 
     &:focus {
+        outline: 0;
         border: 1px solid hsl(0, 0%, 67%);
         box-shadow: none;
     }