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Hidden tilt shutters in a kitchen

Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods With Your Plantation Shutters in Boise

November 18, 2019

 When looking at plantation shutters, you’ll have a few choices to make. Do I want real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What louver size should I choose? What color of shutters will work best with my home?

One option you may not know about is the choice between a normal front-mount tilt rod or a hidden or rear-mount tilt rod. We've outlined some benefits and drawbacks of hidden tilt rods, and whether you should consider a hidden tilt for your plantation shutters in Boise.

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 need to adjust the window treatment to bring in more or less light, you simply move the tilt rod and glide it up or down to tilt 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 at the same time.

Some companies offer a hidden tilt rod situated in the side of the unit to control the louvers’ movement. However, these types of hidden tilt rods are more finicky and tough to fix, which is why we sell hidden tilt rods as rear-mount only.

White plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in BoiseWhite plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods in Boise 

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

Hidden or rear-mount tilt rods can bring some perks over conventional front-mounted tilt rods.

  1. Contemporary look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods work with windows that use a modern or contemporary style due to their streamlined shape.

  2. Helps with thin or tiny windows - If your windows look thin or tiny, then hidden tilt rods are a good feature due to their minimalistic look.

What Are Some Cons of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods aren’t for everyone. Here are a couple cons to hidden tilt rods.

  1. Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods may look too minimalistic for some people - Some homeowners in Boise want the traditional plantation shutter look and design with the tilt rod front and center. The front tilt rod provides more definition and prominence to your window treatments, versus shutters with a hidden tilt rod where the feel is more streamlined.

  2. Some people find front-facing tilt rods more user-friendly - Front-facing tilt rods can be easier for some people to work with. You can grab a hold of the tilt rod and slant the shutters as needed, in lieu in having to tilt the louvers themselves.

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

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

What placing of tilt rod you choose is often due to your personal taste and your home’s style. If you have a traditionally designed home, we advocate front-mounted tilt rods. When your rooms are more contemporary, you might want to choose rear-mounted tilt rods.

Issues like pets or kids could also have a role in the rear-mount option. Many teachers in Boise who own child care from their home ask for 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 Picking the Best Plantation Shutter For Your Windows?

If you’re interested in buying plantation shutters in Boise but need some assistance, give us a call at 208-609-9129 or complete the form below to schedule a free in-home consultation. During the consultation, we’ll demonstrate your shutter options - and both front and rear tilt rod options - so you can be confident in your choice.