Field emission displays (FEDs) having improved structure are provided. In one implementation, a field emission display comprises a faceplate, a backplate, a volume formed therebetween and maintained as a vacuum, a cathode and an anode. A thickness of the faceplate and the backplate are sufficient to prevent deformation of the faceplate and the backplate across their dimensions due to the vacuum such that spacers are not needed to maintain a uniform separation between the anode and the cathode. In an alternative implementation, the volume includes a first portion between the cathode and the anode and a second portion between the cathode and the backplate, the second portion continuous with the first portion. The second portion provides an improved volume to surface area ratio, which improves vacuum quality and which allows for improved gettering, which again allows for improved vacuum quality and longer display lifetime.