This brief has given review and succinct perspectives on continuous evolution and trends of major electronic display technologies that nurtured the development of display screens—from cathode-ray tubes to organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), flexible screens, and large-area immersive systems—which have been fundamentally shaped by advancements in surface engineering, particularly through the deployment of functional optical coatings. It presents in-depth examination of the complex interplay between light, materials, and human vision, with emphasis on how engineered coating systems have underpinned the progress of displays used in televisions, computer monitors, smartphones, wearables, and public signage. More than mere finishing layers, these coatings constitute a critical interface between the display's internal photonic architecture and the surrounding environment, serving as active agents in managing optical behavior, environmental stability, and user comfort.