Devices such as electronic book readers, tablet computers, laptops, and so forth may use reflective liquid crystal display (“LCD”) technologies. Described herein are devices and methods for illuminating the reflective LCD with a light guide panel. The light guide panel is configured with diffractive or other optical features configured to distribute light to the reflective LCD. A directive reflector may be arranged behind the reflective LCD to improve overall reflectivity by directing impinging light such that optical obstructions such as transistors and electrical traces within the reflective LCD are avoided.