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Hidden tilt shutters in a kitchen

Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods With Your Plantation Shutters in Orlando

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 louver size should I get? What color of window treatments will fit best with my decor?

One choice you may not be familiar with is the option between a traditional front-mount tilt rod and 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 Orlando.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

No doubt you are acquainted with traditional plantation shutters where the louvers move by a center tilt rod. When you need to adjust the window treatment to bring in more or less light, you just hold the tilt rod and adjust it vertically to slant the louvers.

A rear-mount tilt rod is a thin metal strip attached behind the louver that is hardly noticeable from the front. When you slant one louver, all the louvers move at the same time.

Some companies offer a hidden tilt rod situated in the side of the treatment to control how the louver’s tilt. 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.

Polywood shutters with hidden tilt rods in OrlandoPolywood shutters with hidden tilt rods in Orlando 

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

Hidden or rear-mount tilt rods offer some advantages over traditional front-mounted tilt rods.

  1. Modern look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods look great with windows that have a modern or contemporary design because of their clean lines.

  2. Helps with thin or tiny windows - Hidden tilt rods are perfect 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 for everyone. Let’s look at a couple cons to hidden tilt rods.

  1. Shutters with hidden tilt rods may look too minimalistic for some homeowners - Some people in Orlando prefer 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 plantation shutters using a hidden tilt rod where the look is more modern.

  2. Some homeowners find front-facing tilt rods more user-friendly - Front-facing tilt rods can be easier for some people to operate. You simply hold onto the tilt rod and slant the louvers as needed, instead of having to move the louvers themselves.

Who 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 taste and your room’s decor. If you own a home with traditional decor, we recommend front-mounted tilt rods. When your rooms are more sleek, you may consider rear-mounted tilt rods.

You may also want to think about lifestyle needs, like kids or pets. We’ve had many people in Orlando who own in-home daycares ask for hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s a smaller chance of a child damaging a front-mounted tilt rod.

Looking For Help Picking the Perfect Shutter For Your Family?

If you want to get shutters in Orlando but need some expert advice, contact your Sunburst rep at 407-630-7011 or send us the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation. During the consultation, we’ll walk you through your shutter options - and both front and rear tilt rod options - so you can see them in your own home.