Bone tissue engineering includes a broad range of strategies and approaches to improve osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties of biomaterials. One approach is applying components of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) to mimic a favorable environment for bone forming cells like osteoblasts and their progenitors. The development of such artificial extracellular matrices (aECMs) is based on collagen, which can be modified by glycoproteins, proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. This article reviews the preparation, immobilization and the biochemical characteristics of these coatings for scaffolds and implants. In addition, the influence of aECM coating on cells, bone-implant contact and new bone formation in small and large animals is discussed.