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Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods On Your Plantation Shutters in Philadelphia

November 18, 2019

 When shopping for plantation shutters, you’ll have some decisions to make. Do I need real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What louver width should I get? What color of shutters will fit best with my decor?

One choice you may not be familiar with is the choice between a traditional front-mount tilt rod versus 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 rod for your shutters in Philadelphia.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

Most people are acquainted with conventional plantation shutters where the louvers move by a center tilt rod. When you wish to adjust the plantation shutters to allow more or less light, you simply move the tilt rod and adjust it up or down to slant the louvers.

A rear-mount tilt rod is a thin metal strip attached behind the louver that is hard to see from the front. When you move one louver, all the louvers move as well.

Some shutters have a hidden tilt rod situated in the side of the shutters to control the louvers. These kinds of hidden tilt rods are more finicky 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 PhiladelphiaPolywood shutters with hidden tilt rods in Philadelphia 

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

Hidden or rear-mount tilt rods have a couple of perks over classic front-mounted tilt rods.

  1. Modern look - Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods look great with homes that use a modern or contemporary design due to their minimalistic design.

  2. Helps with thin or tiny windows - Your thin and tiny windows may get use from hidden tilt rods due to their minimalistic look.

What Are Some Problems of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods aren’t perfect. Here’s a list of a few drawbacks to hidden tilt rods.

  1. Shutters with hidden tilt rods might appear too sparse for some homeowners - Some people in Philadelphia like the traditional plantation shutter look and design with the tilt rod front and center. The front tilt rod shows more shape and substance to your shutters, versus plantation shutters with a hidden tilt rod where the design is more streamlined.

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

Who Should Think About Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Plantation Shutters?

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

What type of tilt rod you choose is often due to your personal taste and your home’s style. When you own a traditionally designed home, we advocate front-mounted tilt rods. When your home is more sleek, you may consider rear-mounted tilt rods.

You may also want to think about your families needs, like children and pets. Many teachers in Philadelphia who run home-based daycares inquire about hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s less chance of a child damaging a front-mounted tilt rod.

Looking For Help Choosing the Perfect Shutter For Your Windows?

If you want to get shutters in Philadelphia but need some assistance, contact your Sunburst rep at 215-874-4897 or complete the form below to schedule a free in-home consultation. When we come, we’ll demonstrate all of your options - including your tilt rod options - so you can be confident in your choice.