With energy costs higher than ever, saving on heating and cooling is an important goal for many homeowners and businesss. Turning off the lights when they’re not in use and installing energy-efficient appliances can certainly help.
Another addition one can easily make is upgrading to insulating window treatments that also reduce energy consumption. At A Shade Above, our design team has some recommendations: custom wood shutters and honeycomb shades.
Our Custom Wood Shutter Styles
At A Shade Above, we build and create custom shutters at our sister factory in North Carolina.
Wooden plantation shutters from Artisan Shutters offer a timeless appearance, durability, and impressive insulation, making them a practical choice for maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. The thick, natural material of hardwood is a barrier against temperature changes, keeping rooms warm in the winter and cool during the summer.
Our premium custom wood shutters feature furniture-grade “A” kiln-dried basswood components for straightness, minimal defects, and impeccable durability. Thanks to that unmatched quality, they only need a thin triple coat of primer and paint to look great for years to come.
Our Custom Poly Shutter Styles
Our solid polyurethane shutters resist moisture better than hardwood, so we recommend them for kitchens and bathrooms—especially on windows near sinks, tubs, and showers. The material won’t rot, warp, expand, or contract when exposed to humidity. As for their energy efficiency, this shutter style’s solid construction also offers insulation.
Our poly plantation shutters are also energy efficient due to their solid construction, which provides insulation by reducing heat transfer. That helps maintain stable indoor temperatures year-round.
The Most Energy-Efficient Shades on the Market
Hunter Douglas Duette® Cellular Shades, also known as honeycomb shades, are an industry standard for energy-efficient window treatments. Their honeycomb structure creates air pockets that trap air for exceptional window insulation. This design can reduce the need for constant heating or air conditioning.
We can order these honeycomb shades to fit specialty windows, like arches or skylights, which are notorious for letting in excessively hot or cold air. Duette® Cellular Shades also fit glass patio doors and are available in vertical orientations with the Vertiglide™ feature.
These shades are available in many fabrics, colors, and opacity levels, so you can customize them to your liking. For even more insulation, ask us about Duette® Architella® Cellular Shades; their honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design is quite remarkable and provides double the coverage and energy efficiency.
Tips for Using Energy-Efficient Shades and Shutter Styles
Rooms with large windows and rooms that get direct sunlight are more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations; both spaces can benefit from energy-efficient shades and shutters. You can also layer window treatments with custom drapery to enhance light control and insulation.
Finally, remember to adjust your window treatments throughout the day. It’s important to close shutters or shades during the hottest parts of the day to keep the room cool or the coldest nights to keep the space warm. Open them to let in the sun and ambient heat. Many window treatments, like Duette® Cellular Shades, can be programmed to do that automatically with PowerView® Automation.
A Shade Above Can Keep Your Home More Comfortable in 2025
Studies show that windows are responsible for up to 30% of your home’s energy losses. Discover how the right window treatments can make your home more energy-efficient and stylish.
Contact us for Hunter Douglas window treatments and shutters custom-made in North Carolina. Visit one of our convenient location in Charlotte and Cornelius, NC, and North Myrtle Beach, SC to learn more.

A Shade Above – Charlotte Headquarters
& Temporary Showroom
1253 Matthews Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
By Appointment Only