Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods With Your Plantation Shutters in Washington DC

 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 shutters will work best with my decor?

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. We've outlined some benefits and drawbacks of hidden tilt rods, and if you should consider them for your shutters in Washington DC.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

Most people are familiar with classic plantation shutters that use a center tilt rod on the front. When you want to adjust the window treatment to bring in more or less light, you just hold the tilt rod and glide it vertically to shift the louvers.

A rear-mount tilt rod is a slender metal strip on the far side of the louver that is hard to see from the front. When you tilt one louver, every louver tilts as well.

You may see a hidden tilt rod that places a mechanism in the side of the unit 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 we sell hidden tilt rods as rear-mount only.

 

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

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

1. Clean look - Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods work with interiors that have a modern or contemporary style because of their minimalistic design.

2. Works well with thin or tiny windows - If your windows happen to be thin or tiny, then hidden tilt rods are a good option due to their clean look.

What Are Some Cons of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods aren’t perfect. Let’s look at a few cons to hidden tilt rods.

1. Shutters with hidden tilt rods may look too modern for some homeowners - Many people in Washington DC want the familiar plantation shutter look and design with the tilt rod in the front. The front tilt rod shows more definition and prominence to your plantation shutters, versus shutters with a hidden tilt rod where the feel is more modern.

2. Some homeowners find front-facing tilt rods more user-friendly - Front-facing tilt rods may be more user-friendly for some homeowners to operate. You can move the tilt rod and slant the shutters to open and close, versus having to slant the louvers themselves.

Who Should Think About Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Shutters?

You may also want to look at other issues, like children and pets. Some customers in Washington DC who own child care from their home inquire about hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s less chance of a child ripping off a front-mounted tilt rod.

Need More Help Selecting the Perfect Shutter For Your Home?

If you’re interested in buying plantation shutters in Washington DC but need some assistance, give us a call at 240-339-2588 or complete the form below to schedule a free in-home consultation. Our reps will bring samples and we’ll demonstrate your shutter options - and both front and rear tilt rod options - so you can see them in your own home.