This feature article focuses on the highlights in the development of photonic polymer coatings that can change their volume or surface topology in a reversible, dynamic fashion when exposed to an external stimulus. Topographic response is established using hydrogels or liquid crystal polymer networks. By changing the surface corrugation in response to light various functional coating properties can be modulated, for instance wettability and/or mechanical friction. The same volume changes in photonic coatings caused by different stimuli lead to changes in light reflection.