In this review, current research in the field of biomaterial properties for directing stem cells are discussed and placed in a critical perspective. Regenerative medicine, in which stem cells play a crucial role, has become an interdisciplinary field between cell biology and materials science. New insights are generated, different approaches to determine material features and stem cell properties are implemented, but also many misconceptions exist. According to the current state-of-the-art and combined with basic principles from two different disciplines the topic is critically addressed. We take into account what seem to be the most important material properties and their influence towards stem cells but also the various stem cells available with respect to their origin, tissue source and culturing conditions.