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Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods On Your Plantation Shutters in Seattle

November 18, 2019

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

One choice you may not know about is the decision between a standard front-mount tilt rod or a hidden or rear-mount tilt rod. We've outlined some advantages and weaknesses of hidden tilt rods, and if you should pick a hidden tilt for your shutters in Seattle.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

No doubt you are acquainted with classic plantation shutters that use a center tilt rod on the front. When you wish to adjust the window treatment to let in more or less light, you simply hold the tilt rod and glide it up or down to shift the louvers.

A rear-mount tilt rod is a slender metal strip attached behind the louver that is hard to see from the front. When you move one louver, every louver tilts as one unit.

You may see a hidden tilt rod situated in the side of the shutters to control the louvers’ movement. These kinds of hidden tilt rods are more fragile and more difficult to fix, which is why our shutters use hidden tilt rods as rear-mount only.

Polywood shutters with hidden tilt rods in SeattlePolywood shutters with hidden tilt rods in Seattle 

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

Hidden or rear-mount tilt rods can bring a couple of benefits over classic front-mounted tilt rods.

  1. Clean look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods work with interiors that have a modern or contemporary design due to their minimalistic design.

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

What Are Some Cons of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods aren’t for everyone. Let’s look at some drawbacks to hidden tilt rods.

  1. Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods may look too modern for some homeowners - Many homeowners in Seattle like the traditional plantation shutter look and design with the tilt rod front and center. The front tilt rod gives more definition and prominence to your shutters, versus plantation shutters using a hidden tilt rod where the feel is more streamlined.

  2. Some homeowners find front-facing tilt rods less of a hassle - Front-facing tilt rods may be more user-friendly for some homeowners to work with. You can grab a hold of the tilt rod and adjust the louvers as needed, in lieu in having to move the louvers themselves.

Who Should Consider Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Plantation Shutters?

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

What style of tilt rod you choose is often due to your taste and your room’s decor. When you own a home with traditional decor, we advocate front-mounted tilt rods. When your design scheme is more contemporary, you might want to look at rear-mounted tilt rods.

You may also want to consider your families needs, like children and pets. We’ve had many customers in Seattle who have home-based daycares request hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s a smaller chance of a child damaging a front-mounted tilt rod.

Want Help Selecting the Best Plantation Shutter For Your Home?

If you’re looking to buy interior shutters in Seattle but need some expert advice, call us at 360-464-2277 or send us the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation. When we come, we’ll show you all of your options - including your tilt rod options - so you can be confident in your choice.