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Hidden tilt shutters in a kitchen

Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods On Your Plantation Shutters in Cleveland

November 18, 2019

 If you're thinking about shutters, you’ll have some decisions to make. Do I want real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What louver width should I get? What color of window treatments will work best with my decor?

One option you may not know about is the decision between a normal 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 if you should use a hidden tilt for your plantation shutters in Cleveland.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

No doubt you are familiar with classic plantation shutters with the tilt rod situated center-front of the shutter. When you need to adjust the window treatment to allow more or less light, you simply move the tilt rod and adjust it up or down to slant the louvers.

A rear-mount tilt rod is a thin metal strip on the far side of the louver that is hardly noticeable from the front. When you tilt one louver, every louver tilts as well.

You may see a hidden tilt rod situated in the side of the unit to control the louvers. However, these types of hidden tilt rods are more prone to break and more difficult to repair, which is why we recommend hidden tilt rods as rear-mount only.

Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in ClevelandPlantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in Cleveland 

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

Hidden or rear-mount tilt rods offer a few benefits over traditional front-mounted tilt rods.

  1. Contemporary look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods look great with homes that use a modern or contemporary style because of their minimalistic design.

  2. Works well with thin or tiny windows - If your windows are thin or tiny, then hidden tilt rods can be the perfect choice due to their unfussy look.

What Are Some Drawbacks of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods may not work for you. Let’s look at a few drawbacks to hidden tilt rods.

  1. Shutters with hidden tilt rods might seem too modern for some people - Some homeowners in Cleveland like the classic plantation shutter style and design with the tilt rod where people can see it. The front tilt rod gives more definition and prominence to your shutters, versus plantation shutters with a hidden tilt rod where the design is more streamlined.

  2. Some people find front-facing tilt rods less of a hassle - Front-facing tilt rods may be more user-friendly for some people to operate. You simply hold onto the tilt rod and tilt the shutters as much as you need, instead of having to move the louvers themselves.

What Homeowners Should Consider Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Plantation Shutters?

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

What type of tilt rod you pick is often due to your personal taste and your window’s characteristics. When you live in a home with traditional decor, we recommend front-mounted tilt rods. When your design scheme is more modern, you may choose rear-mounted tilt rods.

Another variable is how exciting your home is with kids and pets. Some people in Cleveland who run in-home daycares ask for hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s less chance of a child breaking a front-mounted tilt rod.

Want Help Selecting the Perfect Shutter For Your Family?

If you’re interested in buying plantation shutters in Cleveland but need some assistance, give us a call at 440-561-6787 or complete the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation. Our reps will bring samples and we’ll walk you through a variety of shutter options - including rear tilt rod options - so you can be confident in your choice.