An ever increasing interest in the development and application of innovative optical and optoelectronic devices places greater emphasis for the advancement of new smart and functional materials that are readily processable. Significant progress has already been realized in the fields of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and photovoltaic cells (OPVs) through development of novel semiconducting materials. Here we discuss developments and advancements in materials design towards photonic structures that aid and improve light management in organic and inorganic/organic hybrid devices, with focus on solar cells. We cover systems targeted for use in light in-coupling structures, anti-reflection coatings, and beyond. Extension to architectures for heat management, important for a broad range of photovoltaic device platforms, including inorganic, inorganic/organic hybrid and organic devices, will also be presented.