The present invention relates to a field emission lighting arrangement, comprising an anode and a cathode, where the shape of the cathode is selected based on the shape of a evacuated envelope in which the anode and cathode is provided. The inventive shape of cathode allows for an improved uniformity of an electric field provided between the anode and cathode during operation of the field emission lighting arrangement. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for selecting a shape of such a cathode.