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Hidden tilt shutters in a kitchen

Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods With Your Plantation Shutters in Cincinnati

November 18, 2019

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

One choice you may not be familiar with is the choice between a standard 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 pick them for your shutters in Cincinnati.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

Most people are aware of conventional plantation shutters that use a center tilt rod on the front. When you want to adjust the shutters to allow more or less light, you simply use the tilt rod and glide it up or down to shift the louvers.

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

Some shutters have a hidden tilt rod that places a mechanism in the side of the shutters to control the louvers’ movement. Unfortunately, these hidden tilt rods are more fragile and harder to replace, which is why we sell hidden tilt rods as rear-mount only.

White plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in CincinnatiWhite plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in Cincinnati 

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. Clean look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods complement interiors that have a modern or contemporary style because of their streamlined shape.

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

What Are Some Cons of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods aren’t for everyone. Here are some drawbacks to hidden tilt rods.

  1. Shutters with hidden tilt rods may look too sparse for some people - Many people in Cincinnati want 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 design is more streamlined.

  2. Some people find front-facing tilt rods more user-friendly - Front-facing tilt rods can be more user-friendly for some people to use. You can hold onto the tilt rod and adjust the shutters to open and close, versus having to slant the louvers themselves.

Who Should Consider Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Plantation Shutters?

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

What placing of tilt rod you use is often due to your personal taste and your room’s decor. When you own a home with traditional decor, we recommend front-mounted tilt rods. When your rooms are more modern, you might want to consider rear-mounted tilt rods.

You may also want to consider other issues, like children and pets. Some teachers in Cincinnati who run child care from their home inquire about hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s less chance of a child damaging a front-mounted tilt rod.

Need More Help Picking the Perfect Window Treatment For Your Family?

If you’re interested in buying plantation shutters in Cincinnati but need some guidance, give us a call at 513-216-9740 or fill out the form below to book a free in-home consultation. During the consultation, we’ll demonstrate your shutter options - including rear tilt rod options - so you can try them before you buy.