diff --git a/src/config.rs b/src/config.rs
index bf545be3..7325c219 100644
--- a/src/config.rs
+++ b/src/config.rs
@@ -176,6 +176,18 @@ fn default_visual_bell_color() -> Rgb {
     Rgb { r: 255, g: 255, b: 255 }
 }
 
+fn deserialize_visual_bell_duration<'a, D>(deserializer: D) -> ::std::result::Result<u16, D::Error>
+    where D: de::Deserializer<'a>
+{
+    match u16::deserialize(deserializer) {
+        Ok(duration) => Ok(duration),
+        Err(err) => {
+            eprintln!("problem with config: {}; Using default value", err);
+            Ok(default_visual_bell_duration())
+        },
+    }
+}
+
 impl VisualBellConfig {
     /// Visual bell animation
     #[inline]