Surfaces having structured optical appearances are disclosed. The surface can include substrate, a first optical coating disposed on the substrate having a first refractive index; and a second optical coating disposed on the first optical coating having a second refractive index. The first refractive index is different than the second refractive index. Other surfaces can include a substrate having a visible surface, wherein the visible surface comprises a plurality of structural features, wherein each of the structural features is configured to transmit a light wave that optically interacts with waves of light of other structural features to create a visual appearance. Still other surfaces can include a substrate and an optical coating disposed on the substrate. The optical coating comprising particles in an ordered array within a matrix, wherein the matrix has a first refractive index and the particles have a second refractive index.