The increase in research activity in the field of nanostructured materials is leading to the development of new strategies and processes for producing bulk materials and coatings having some fraction of the internal structure of nanosized dimension.  The size and extent of these nanostructured zones depend on both the nature of the starting material and the process conditions employed during production.  The present study was undertaken to investigate the use of thermal spraying to produce a range of ceramic-based coatings in which zones of nanostructured material were an integral part of the coating structure.  The material systems studied included WC-12Co, Al₂O₃-13TiO₂, hydroxyapatite, TiO₂, and yttria-stabilized zirconia.  By employing a range of values for the thermal spray process parameters, information was obtained on the extent to which the nanocharacter of the coatings could be engineered and controlled.  The effect of these parameters on the phase composition, properties, and performance, in addition to the microstructure, was also investigated.  Specific nanostructural features of the coatings were identified and their potential benefit in enhancing the behavior explored.  Aspects concerning engineering these types of coatings to have performance characteristics for targeted applications will be discussed.