- November 6, 2025
- Debbie Hall
When it comes to comfort, functionality, and smart design choices, energy efficiency should be part of the conversation.
Whether you’re building your dream home in Burlington County or finally updating that one room in your Princeton colonial that’s been on your list for years, there are simple upgrades that can help you stay comfortable year-round without driving up your utility bills.
And yes, window treatments can play a major role.
The Power of Dual Shades
What is a dual shade? It’s one of our favorite energy-saving solutions. These treatments are designed to offer two levels of light control on the same window, so you can enjoy natural light during the day, and privacy or darkness when you need it.
That layering isn’t just about convenience. It can actually support your HVAC system and reduce your monthly bills.
During the day, the front shade (typically a solar or sheer fabric) filters light while blocking UV rays, reducing the need for artificial lighting. At night, a second opaque layer provides added insulation and privacy, helping to maintain your indoor temperature longer.
Hunter Douglas Duolite®
The Duolite® system from Hunter Douglas combines two fabrics in one beautifully streamlined shade. From the same sleek headrail, a light-filtering front layer allows you to enjoy diffused daylight while protecting your interiors from sun damage. When you want a darker, more restful environment (in a bedroom or media room) a second blackout layer quietly glides into place behind.
These are ideal for those who want a minimalist look without sacrificing performance. The fabrics are carefully engineered to reduce glare and solar heat gain, which helps keep rooms cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Over time, that translates into real energy savings, especially when paired with smart motorization features.
Lafayette Allure® Couplitaire™
Lafayette’s Allure® Couplitaire™ shades offer another smart approach. These innovative treatments feature a dual-shade design with sheer and opaque fabric bands that align or offset as you raise and lower them.
We love using this solution in family rooms and home offices, or any space where you want to enjoy the sunlight but still reduce glare and regulate the temperature.
Motorization for Smart Comfort and Energy Savings
If you’ve ever forgotten to adjust your window treatments or hesitated because they were hard to reach, automation may be your new best friend.
Motorized window treatments can be programmed to raise or lower based on time of day, sun exposure, or temperature. That means your home stays comfortable and protected without any extra effort. You can even control them remotely from your phone or with voice commands through your smart home system.
Motorization is more than just a luxury. It’s a smart way to regulate indoor temperature, manage sunlight, and reduce wear on your HVAC system. You’ll be surprised how much more evenly your home stays lit and cooled once your shades start doing the work for you.
Other Energy-Smart Home Upgrades to Consider
While window treatments are one of the most elegant and effective ways to improve your home’s efficiency, they’re even more impactful when paired with other smart upgrades.
- Updated insulation and weather sealing around doors and windows to prevent air leaks
- Smart thermostats that adjust to your habits and help you heat and cool more efficiently
- LED lighting and dimmers that let you take full advantage of natural light during the day
Let’s Make Your Home Work Smarter
Whether you’re updating one window or designing for a whole home, we believe energy efficiency should never be an afterthought. These are thoughtful, beautiful solutions that can truly enhance your space, and your lifestyle.
Let’s talk about how we can help your home feel more comfortable, more efficient, and more aligned with the way you live.
Schedule your complimentary design session and we’ll bring the ideas (and the samples) right to your door.
