Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods For Your Plantation Shutters in Tampa

 When looking at shutters, you’ll have some decisions to make. Should I choose real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What louver width should I get? What color of shutters will look better with my decor?

One option you may not be aware of is the choice between a normal front-mount tilt rod and a hidden or rear-mount tilt rod. Let’s look at some pros and cons of hidden tilt rods, and whether you should consider a hidden tilt for your plantation shutters in Tampa.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

You’re probably aware of classic plantation shutters with the tilt rod attached to the front of the shutter. When you wish to adjust the shutters to bring in more or less light, you simply move the tilt rod and slide it up or down to tilt the louvers.

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

You may see a hidden tilt rod that places a mechanism in the side of the shutters to control how the louver’s tilt. These kinds of hidden tilt rods are more prone to break and more difficult to fix, which is why we recommend 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 few benefits over classic front-mounted tilt rods.

1. Modern look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods complement windows that have a modern or contemporary style because of their clean lines.

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

What Are Some Cons of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods aren’t for everyone. Let’s look at a few drawbacks to hidden tilt rods.

1. Shutters with hidden tilt rods might appear too minimalistic for some homeowners - Many people in Tampa want the familiar plantation shutter style and design with the tilt rod where people can see it. The front tilt rod gives more shape and substance to your plantation shutters, versus plantation shutters with a hidden tilt rod where the look is more plain.

2. Some people find front-facing tilt rods easier to use - Front-facing tilt rods may be easier for some people to operate. You can hold onto the tilt rod and slant the louvers to open and close, instead of having to tilt the louvers themselves.

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

Another consideration is how busy your home is with kids and pets. Many teachers in Tampa 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.

Want Help Choosing the Perfect Window Treatment For Your Home?

If you want to get shutters in Tampa but need some guidance, contact your Sunburst rep at 813-580-7288 or fill out the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation. Our reps will bring samples and we’ll walk you through your shutter options - including your tilt rod options - so you can try them before you buy.