diff --git a/functions.php b/functions.php
index 5b3fabdc..6f33daff 100644
--- a/functions.php
+++ b/functions.php
@@ -5,6 +5,11 @@
  * @package understrap
  */
 
+/**
+ * Initialize theme default settings
+ */
+require get_template_directory() . '/inc/theme-settings.php';
+
 /**
  * Theme setup and custom theme supports.
  */
@@ -17,11 +22,6 @@ require get_template_directory() . '/inc/setup.php';
  */
 require get_template_directory() . '/inc/widgets.php';
 
-/**
- * Load functions to secure your WP install. 
- */
-// require get_template_directory() . '/inc/security.php';
-
 /**
  * Enqueue scripts and styles.
  */
diff --git a/inc/theme-settings.php b/inc/theme-settings.php
new file mode 100755
index 00000000..c7ab6e0a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/inc/theme-settings.php
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+<?php
+/**
+ * Check and setup theme's default settings
+ *
+ * @package understrap
+ *
+ */
+
+if ( ! function_exists( 'understrap_setup_theme_default_settings' ) ) :
+	function understrap_setup_theme_default_settings() {
+
+		// check if settings are set, if not set defaults.
+		// Caution: DO NOT check existence using === always check with == .
+		// Latest blog posts style.
+		$understrap_posts_index_style = get_theme_mod( 'understrap_posts_index_style' );
+		if ( '' == $understrap_posts_index_style ) {
+			set_theme_mod( 'understrap_posts_index_style', 'default' );
+		}
+
+		// Sidebar position.
+		$understrap_sidebar_position = get_theme_mod( 'understrap_sidebar_position' );
+		if ( '' == $understrap_sidebar_position ) {
+			set_theme_mod( 'understrap_sidebar_position', 'right' );
+		}
+
+		// Container width.
+		$understrap_container_type = get_theme_mod( 'understrap_container_type' );
+		if ( '' == $understrap_container_type ) {
+			set_theme_mod( 'understrap_container_type', 'container' );
+		}
+	}
+endif;