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Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods On Your Plantation Shutters in Baltimore

November 18, 2019

 Before you buy your shutters, you’ll have some decisions to make. Do I want real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What louver size should I get? What color of window treatments will work best with my style?

One option you may not be aware of is the choice between a standard front-mount tilt rod versus a hidden or rear-mount tilt rod. Let’s look at some advantages and weaknesses of hidden tilt rods, and if you should use them for your plantation shutters in Baltimore.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

You’re probably acquainted with conventional plantation shutters where the louvers move via a center tilt rod. When you wish to adjust the window treatment to bring in more or less light, you simply use the tilt rod and adjust it up or down to slant the louvers.

A rear-mount tilt rod is a fine metal strip attached behind the louver that is barely visible from the front. When you move one louver, every louver tilts as well.

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

Polywood shutters with hidden tilt rods in BaltimorePolywood shutters with hidden tilt rods in Baltimore 

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

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

  1. Contemporary look - Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods complement windows that have a modern or contemporary feel because of their streamlined shape.

  2. Great with thin or tiny windows - If your windows look thin or tiny, then hidden tilt rods are a good option due to their unfussy look.

What Are Some Cons 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 minimalistic for some people - Many people in Baltimore like the classic plantation shutter look and design with the tilt rod where people can see it. The front tilt rod provides more shape and substance to your shutters, versus plantation shutters with a hidden tilt rod where the design is more modern.

  2. Some homeowners find front-facing tilt rods less of a hassle - Front-facing tilt rods can be more user-friendly for some people to work with. You can move the tilt rod and tilt the louvers as much as you need, versus having to tilt the louvers themselves.

What Homeowners Should Think About Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Plantation Shutters?

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

What type of tilt rod you use is often due to your personal taste and your window’s characteristics. When you own a conventionally designed home, we advocate front-mounted tilt rods. If your home is more sleek, you could choose rear-mounted tilt rods.

You may also want to think about other issues, like children and pets. Some people in Baltimore who have child care from their home inquire about hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s a smaller chance of a child ripping off a front-mounted tilt rod.

Want Help Picking the Best Shutter For Your Home?

If you’re interested in buying plantation shutters in Baltimore but need some assistance, give us a call at 301-321-7998 or complete the form below to book a free in-home consultation. Our reps will bring samples and we’ll demonstrate a variety of shutter options - including rear tilt rod options - so you can see them in your own home.