Abstract: A display device comprises a pair of transparent substrates sandwiching therebetween a liquid crystal material which is reversibly switchable between transparent and forward light scattering states. Disposed behind the device, between it and a source of illumination, is a louver means comprising a plurality of elongated vanes of a dull black, light absorbent color. The louver is so disposed relative to a viewer of the device and the source of illumination as to provide a continuous, black background for the device.