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Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods On Your Plantation Shutters in Bluff City

November 18, 2019

 Before you buy your plantation shutters, you’ll have some decisions to make. Do I want real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What louver width should I choose? What paint or stain on my window treatments will look better with my home?

One choice you may not be aware of is the option between a normal front-mount tilt rod versus a hidden or rear-mount tilt rod. We've outlined some benefits and drawbacks of hidden tilt rods, and whether you should use a hidden tilt for your shutters in Bluff City.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

Most people are aware of traditional plantation shutters that use a center tilt rod on the front. When you wish to adjust the shutters to bring in more or less light, you simply hold the tilt rod and glide it vertically to slant 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 move one louver, every louver tilts as one unit.

You may see a hidden tilt rod that places a mechanism in the side of the treatment to control the louvers’ movement. However, these types of hidden tilt rods are more fragile and more difficult to repair, which is why we recommend hidden tilt rods as rear-mount only.

Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in Bluff CityPlantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in Bluff City 

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

Hidden or rear-mount tilt rods can bring some perks over traditional front-mounted tilt rods.

  1. Modern look - Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods work with interiors that have a modern or contemporary feel because of their streamlined shape.

  2. Great with thin or tiny windows - Your thin and tiny windows may get use from hidden tilt rods due to their unfussy look.

What Are Some Cons of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods aren’t perfect. Here’s a list of a couple cons to hidden tilt rods.

  1. Shutters with hidden tilt rods might appear too modern for some people - Some homeowners in Bluff City prefer the traditional plantation shutter style and design with the tilt rod in the front. The front tilt rod gives more shape and substance to your plantation shutters, versus shutters using a hidden tilt rod where the feel is more modern.

  2. Some people find front-facing tilt rods less of a hassle - Front-facing tilt rods can be simpler for some people to operate. You just move the tilt rod and tilt the shutters as needed, versus having to move the louvers themselves.

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

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

What style of tilt rod you pick is often due to your preference and your window’s characteristics. When you live in a home with traditional decor, we advocate front-mounted tilt rods. If your home is more modern, you could consider rear-mounted tilt rods.

Another consideration is how hectic your home is with kids and pets. Many customers in Bluff City who own child care from their home inquire about hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s a smaller chance of a child ripping off a front-mounted tilt rod.

Need More Help Choosing the Best Window Treatment For Your Windows?

If you’re interested in buying plantation shutters in Bluff City but need some assistance, give us a call at 276-685-5343 or complete the form below to schedule a free in-home consultation. Our reps will bring samples and we’ll demonstrate all of your options - and both front and rear tilt rod options - so you can try them before you buy.