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Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods With Your Plantation Shutters in Riverside

November 18, 2019

 Before you pick your shutters, you’ll have a few choices to make. Do I want real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What louver size should I pick? What paint or stain on my plantation shutters will fit best with my style?

One choice you may not be aware of is the option between a normal front-mount tilt rod and a hidden or rear-mount tilt rod. We've outlined some pros and cons of hidden tilt rods, and whether you should use them for your shutters in Riverside.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

You’re probably aware of classic plantation shutters that use a center tilt rod on the front. When you wish to adjust the shutters to bring in more or less light, you simply hold the tilt rod and slide it vertically to tilt the louvers.

A rear-mount tilt rod is a slender metal strip on the back of the louver that is barely visible from the front. When you move one louver, all the louvers move as one unit.

Some shutters have a hidden tilt rod that’s in the side of the treatment to control how the louver’s tilt. 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.

White plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in RiversideWhite plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in Riverside 

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

Hidden or rear-mount tilt rods offer some perks 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. Helps with thin or tiny windows - If your windows look thin or tiny, then hidden tilt rods can be the perfect option due to their unfussy 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 seem too modern for some homeowners - Some homeowners in Riverside prefer the classic plantation shutter style and design with the tilt rod in the front. The front tilt rod provides more shape and substance to your window treatments, versus plantation shutters using a hidden tilt rod where the feel is more streamlined.

  2. Some homeowners find front-facing tilt rods easier to use - Front-facing tilt rods can be easier for some homeowners to use. You can move the tilt rod and adjust the shutters to open and close, in lieu in having to slant the louvers themselves.

Who Should Think About Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Shutters?

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

What placing of tilt rod you choose is often due to your taste and your window’s characteristics. If you have a home with traditional decor, we advocate front-mounted tilt rods. When 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. We’ve had many teachers in Riverside who run child care from their home request hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s a smaller chance of a child damaging a front-mounted tilt rod.

Need More Help Choosing the Best Shutter For Your Windows?

If you’re looking to buy interior shutters in Riverside but need some guidance, call us at 951-517-3030 or fill out the form below to book 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.