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Hidden tilt shutters in a kitchen

Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods With Your Plantation Shutters in Hartford

November 18, 2019

 Before you pick your shutters, you’ll have some decisions to make. Do I need real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What louver size should I get? What paint or stain on my shutters will fit best with my style?

One choice you may not be familiar with is the choice between a normal front-mount tilt rod or a hidden or rear-mount tilt rod. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of hidden tilt rods, and if you should use a hidden tilt for your plantation shutters in Hartford.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

Most people are familiar with classic plantation shutters with the tilt rod situated center-front of the shutter. When you wish to adjust the window treatment to allow more or less light, you just use the tilt rod and slide it up or down to tilt 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 slant one louver, every louver tilts as one unit.

Some shutters have a hidden tilt rod that’s in the side of the treatment to control the louvers’ movement. Unfortunately, these 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 HartfordPlantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in Hartford 

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

Hidden or rear-mount tilt rods offer a couple of advantages over conventional front-mounted tilt rods.

  1. Modern look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods complement homes that have a modern or contemporary style because of their minimalistic design.

  2. Works well with thin or tiny windows - Hidden tilt rods are wonderful for thin and tiny windows due to their minimalistic look.

What Are Some Drawbacks of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods aren’t perfect. Let’s look at a couple drawbacks to hidden tilt rods.

  1. Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods might appear too sparse for some homeowners - Some homeowners in Hartford want the familiar plantation shutter look and design with the tilt rod front and center. The front tilt rod provides more definition and prominence to your window treatments, versus shutters using a hidden tilt rod where the design is more plain.

  2. Some homeowners find front-facing tilt rods more user-friendly - Front-facing tilt rods may be simpler for some homeowners to operate. You simply move the tilt rod and tilt the louvers as much as you need, versus having to tilt the louvers themselves.

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

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

What placing of tilt rod you pick is often due to your personal taste and your home’s style. When you live in a conventionally designed home, we advocate front-mounted tilt rods. If your rooms are more contemporary, you might want to consider rear-mounted tilt rods.

Things like kids and pets could also be part of the rear-mount discussion. We’ve had many teachers in Hartford who have child care from their home inquire about hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s less chance of a child ripping off a front-mounted tilt rod.

Want Help Selecting the Best Plantation Shutter For Your Home?

If you’re looking to buy interior shutters in Hartford but need some expert advice, call us at 860-266-5459 or send us the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation. When we come, we’ll demonstrate all of your options - including your tilt rod options - so you can see them in your own home.