\u3cp\u3eMonochrome and color reflective liquid crystal device (LCD) configurations are described that show promising optical performance (high diffuse reflectance, good contrast, bright colors, no ghosting and a rotationally symmetric and wide viewing angle) and can be combined with active-matrix driving. As with all reflective LCDs, the performance depends on the illumination environment. Since the described display is based on switching between specular and diffuse reflection, the beat optical performance is achieved under illumination conditions with a directional component.\u3c/p\u3