A display apparatus includes a reflective layer with reflective material. One or more stacks of additional layers are provided on the reflective layer. Each stack has an optically switchable layer. A plurality of switching elements are located on a side of the reflective layer opposite to the one or more stacks or form part of the reflective layer. Each switching element is operable to apply heating 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 apparatus applies the heating by driving an electrical current through the switching element to generate Joule heating in the switching element. The electrical current flows in an electrical circuit including a portion of the reflective layer.