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Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods For Your Plantation Shutters in Detroit

November 18, 2019

 If you're in the market for plantation shutters, you’ll have some decisions to make. Do I want real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What louver width should I get? What paint or stain on my window treatments will look better with my decor?

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

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

No doubt you are aware of traditional plantation shutters where the louvers move by a center tilt rod. When you want to adjust the plantation shutters to bring in more or less light, you just use the tilt rod and glide it up or down to slant the louvers.

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

You may see a hidden tilt rod situated in the side of the unit to control how the louver’s tilt. However, these types of hidden tilt rods are more finicky and more difficult to fix, which is why we recommend hidden tilt rods as rear-mount only.

Polywood shutters with hidden tilt rods in DetroitPolywood shutters with hidden tilt rods in Detroit 

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

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

  1. Modern look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods work with homes that use a modern or contemporary design due to 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 feature 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 a couple cons to hidden tilt rods.

  1. Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods may look too modern for some homeowners - Many people in Detroit want the classic plantation shutter look and design with the tilt rod in the front. The front tilt rod shows more shape and substance to your shutters, versus plantation shutters with a hidden tilt rod where the feel is more plain.

  2. Some people 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 just hold onto the tilt rod and slant the louvers as needed, versus having to tilt the louvers themselves.

What Homeowners Should Consider Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Shutters?

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

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

You may also want to consider lifestyle needs, like kids or pets. We’ve had many customers in Detroit 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 Choosing the Best Window Treatment For Your Windows?

If you want to get shutters in Detroit but need some assistance, contact your Sunburst rep at 248-429-9294 or complete the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation. During the consultation, we’ll show you all of your options - including rear tilt rod options - so you can be confident in your choice.