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Hidden tilt shutters in a kitchen

Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods With Your Plantation Shutters in Honolulu

November 18, 2019

 If you're in the market for shutters, you’ll have some decisions to make. Should I choose real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What size louver should I get? What color of shutters will fit best with my decor?

One option you may not be familiar with is the decision between a traditional front-mount tilt rod or a hidden or rear-mount tilt rod. We've outlined some advantages and weaknesses of hidden tilt rods, and if you should use a hidden tilt rod for your shutters in Honolulu.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

No doubt you are aware of conventional plantation shutters with the tilt rod situated center-front of the window treatment. When you wish to adjust the shutters to allow more or less light, you just move the tilt rod and slide it up or down to tilt the louvers.

A rear-mount tilt rod is a fine metal strip on the far side of the louver that is hardly noticeable from the front. When you move one louver, all the louvers move as well.

Some companies offer 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 prone to break and tough to fix, which is why we sell hidden tilt rods as rear-mount only.

Polywood shutters with hidden tilt rods in HonoluluPolywood shutters with hidden tilt rods in Honolulu 

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

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

  1. Modern look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods work with homes that have a modern or contemporary design due to their clean lines.

  2. Great with thin or tiny windows - If your windows look thin or tiny, then hidden tilt rods can be the perfect option due to their minimalistic look.

What Are Some Drawbacks of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods aren’t for everyone. Here are some drawbacks to hidden tilt rods.

  1. Plantation shutters with hidden tilt rods may look too modern for some homeowners - Many homeowners in Honolulu prefer the familiar plantation shutter style and design with the tilt rod in the front. The front tilt rod shows more definition and prominence to your shutters, versus shutters using a hidden tilt rod where the design is more modern.

  2. Some homeowners find front-facing tilt rods easier to use - Front-facing tilt rods may be easier for some people to use. You just grab a hold of the tilt rod and tilt the shutters as needed, instead of having to move the louvers themselves.

Who Should Think About Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Shutters?

Hidden Tilt Rod Plantation Shutters

What placing of tilt rod you pick is often due to your taste and your home’s style. If you have a traditionally designed home, we recommend front-mounted tilt rods. If your home is more contemporary, you may look at rear-mounted tilt rods.

Things like pets or kids could also be a concern regarding the rear-mount discussion. We’ve had many teachers in Honolulu who have child care from their home request 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 Choosing the Best Window Treatment For Your Home?

If you’re looking to buy interior shutters in Honolulu but need some expert advice, call us at 808-797-2004 or send us the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation. During the consultation, we’ll demonstrate a variety of shutter options - including your tilt rod options - so you can see them in your own home.