Disclosed is a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device and method of manufacturing the same. MEMS such as an interferometric modulator include a sidewall spacer formed adjacent to a movable mirror. The sidewall spacer may be a sacrificial spacer that is removed during fabrication, or it may remain in the final product. Increased clearance is provided between the movable mirror and a support structure during actuation of the movable mirror, thereby avoiding contact during operation of the interferometric modulator. The deformable layer may be deposited in a more continuous fashion over the contour of a lower layer as determined by the contour of the sidewall spacer, resulting in a stronger and more resilient deformable layer.