A display apparatus includes an optically opaque layer and one or more stacks of additional layers provided on the optically opaque layer. Each stack has an optically switchable layer. A plurality of switching elements are located on a side of the optically opaque layer opposite to the one or more stacks. Each switching element is operable to apply a signal, for example an electrical signal or a thermal signal, through the optically opaque layer to a switchable portion of the optically switchable layer and thereby change an appearance of the switchable portion when viewed from a viewing side of the display apparatus. The surface area of the optically opaque layer on the viewing side is at least 10% larger than the total surface area of the switchable portions on the viewing side.