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Hidden tilt shutters in a kitchen

Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods On Your Plantation Shutters in Clearwater

November 18, 2019

 If you're in the market for shutters, you’ll have some decisions to make. Do I need real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What size louver should I choose? What paint or stain on my shutters will work best with my decor?

One choice you may not be familiar with is the decision between a traditional front-mount tilt rod or a hidden or rear-mount tilt rod. Let’s look at some pros and cons of hidden tilt rods, and whether you should use a hidden tilt for your shutters in Clearwater.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

You’re probably aware of conventional plantation shutters with the tilt rod situated center-front of the shutter. When you wish to adjust the shutters to bring in more or less light, you simply hold the tilt rod and slide it up or down to shift the louvers.

A rear-mount tilt rod is a slender metal strip on the back of the louver that is hardly noticeable from the front. When you tilt one louver, all the louvers move at the same time.

Some companies offer a hidden tilt rod that places a mechanism in the side of the unit to control how the louver’s tilt. These kinds of hidden tilt rods are more finicky and tough to repair, which is why our shutters use hidden tilt rods as rear-mount only.

Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in ClearwaterPlantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in Clearwater 

What Are the Advantages of Rear-Mount and Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mount tilt rods have a couple of perks over conventional front-mounted tilt rods.

  1. Clean look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods complement interiors that have a modern or contemporary style due to their clean lines.

  2. Helps with thin or tiny windows - Hidden tilt rods are great for thin and tiny windows due to their minimalistic look.

What Are Some Problems of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods may not work for you. Here are a few drawbacks to hidden tilt rods.

  1. Shutters with hidden tilt rods may look too modern for some people - Many people in Clearwater like the classic plantation shutter look and design with the tilt rod front and center. The front tilt rod shows more shape and substance to your window treatments, versus shutters using a hidden tilt rod where the look is more modern.

  2. Some people find front-facing tilt rods less of a hassle - Front-facing tilt rods may be easier for some homeowners to work with. You simply hold onto the tilt rod and tilt the shutters as needed, versus having to tilt the louvers themselves.

What Homeowners Should Think About Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Shutters?

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

What type of tilt rod you choose is often due to your preference and your window’s characteristics. When you own a traditionally designed home, we recommend front-mounted tilt rods. When your design scheme is more contemporary, you could look at rear-mounted tilt rods.

Things like pets or kids could also be a concern regarding the rear-mount choice. We’ve had many teachers in Clearwater who have child care from their home ask for hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s less chance of a child ripping off a front-mounted tilt rod.

Looking For Help Picking the Best Window Treatment For Your Home?

If you want to get shutters in Clearwater but need some guidance, contact your Sunburst rep at 813-580-7288 or fill out the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation. During the consultation, we’ll demonstrate a variety of shutter options - including rear tilt rod options - so you can try them before you buy.