Abstract: A compact backlighting system for illuminating a display device (12) comprises a light-emitting panel (1) having a front wall (2), an opposing rear wall (3) and edge areas (4). At least one of the edge areas (4) is capable of transmitting light. The backlighting system includes a light source (6) comprising at least one LED, and a light-mixing panel 5 for mixing the light originating from the light source (6). Light originating from the light source (6) is coupled into the light-mixing panel (5) via a light input surface (7), which light is mixed in the light-mixing panel (5) and coupled out via a light output surface (8). The light-mixing panel (5) and the light-emitting panel (1) are arranged so as to extend substantially parallel to each other. Between the light-mixing panel 5 and the light-emitting panel 1, the backlighting system comprises a light transport chamber (9) for transporting the light from the light-mixing panel (5) to the light-emitting panel (1).