diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/hbar.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/hbar.lua
index 4fc8532..4a291ff 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/hbar.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/hbar.lua
@@ -98,6 +98,7 @@ local function hbar(args)
         end
     end
 
+    -- change bar color
     ---@param bar_fg_bg cpair new bar colors
     function e.recolor(bar_fg_bg)
         bar_bkg = bar_fg_bg.blit_bkg
diff --git a/graphics/elements/indicators/vbar.lua b/graphics/elements/indicators/vbar.lua
index 7888033..38eb023 100644
--- a/graphics/elements/indicators/vbar.lua
+++ b/graphics/elements/indicators/vbar.lua
@@ -80,6 +80,17 @@ local function vbar(args)
         end
     end
 
+    -- change bar color
+    ---@param fg_bg cpair new bar colors
+    function e.recolor(fg_bg)
+        fgd = util.strrep(fg_bg.blit_fgd, e.frame.w)
+        bkg = util.strrep(fg_bg.blit_bkg, e.frame.w)
+
+        -- re-draw
+        last_num_bars = 0
+        e.on_update(e.value)
+    end
+
     function e.set_value(val) e.on_update(val) end
 
     return e.get()