A directly illuminated display unit includes a display panel and one or more light sources disposed behind the display panel. The light sources are capable of producing illumination light. A diffusive light diverting layer is disposed between the one or more light sources and the display panel. The light diverting layer comprises first light diverting elements disposed on one of a first side of the light diverting layer facing display panel and second light diverting elements disposed on a second side of the light diverting layer facing away from the display panel. The diffusive light diverting layer further comprises diffusing particles disposed within a polymeric matrix.