Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods On Your Plantation Shutters in Houston
Before you buy your plantation shutters, you’ll have a few choices to make. Do I need real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What size louver should I get? What color of window treatments will work best with my home?
One choice you may not be aware of is the decision between a normal 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 a hidden tilt for your plantation shutters in Houston.
What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?
No doubt you are aware of classic plantation shutters where the louvers move by a center tilt rod. When you need to adjust the plantation shutters to let in more or less light, you just hold the tilt rod and slide it vertically to shift the louvers.
A rear-mount tilt rod is a thin metal strip on the far side of the louver that is hard to see from the front. When you slant one louver, every louver tilts as well.
Some shutters have a hidden tilt rod that’s in the side of the shutters to control the louvers. These kinds of hidden tilt rods are more finicky and more difficult to replace, which is why we recommend hidden tilt rods as rear-mount only.
What Are the Advantages of Rear-Mount and Hidden Tilt Rods?
Hidden or rear-mount tilt rods have a few advantages over conventional front-mounted tilt rods.
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Contemporary look - Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods look great with interiors that have a modern or contemporary design due to their minimalistic design.
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Helps 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 Problems of Hidden Tilt Rods?
Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods may not work for you. Here’s a list of some cons to hidden tilt rods.
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Shutters with hidden tilt rods might seem too sparse for some homeowners - Some people in Houston want the familiar plantation shutter look 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 shutters with a hidden tilt rod where the feel is more plain.
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Some people find front-facing tilt rods easier to use - Front-facing tilt rods may be easier for some homeowners to use. You simply hold onto the tilt rod and tilt the shutters as much as you need, versus having to tilt the louvers themselves.
Who Should Think About Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Shutters?
Things like pets or kids could also be part of the rear-mount discussion. We’ve had many teachers in Houston who run 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 Selecting the Best Shutter For Your Family?
If you’re interested in buying plantation shutters in Houston but need some guidance, give us a call at 713-853-9629 or fill out the form below to schedule a free in-home consultation. When we come, we’ll walk you through all of your options - including your tilt rod options - so you can try them before you buy.
