Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods For Your Plantation Shutters in Austin

 Before you choose your shutters, you’ll have a few choices to make. Should I choose real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What louver width should I pick? What paint or stain on my shutters will look better with my style?

One option you may not be familiar with is the decision between a traditional front-mount tilt rod versus a hidden or rear-mount tilt rod. Let’s look at some benefits and drawbacks of hidden tilt rods, and if you should use them for your plantation shutters in Austin.

What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?

No doubt you are acquainted with conventional plantation shutters with the tilt rod attached to the front of the shutter. When you need to adjust the shutters to bring in more or less light, you simply use the tilt rod and slide it vertically to shift the louvers.

A rear-mount tilt rod is a slender metal strip attached behind the louver that is barely visible from the front. When you move one louver, the rest move at the same time.

Some companies offer a hidden tilt rod situated in the side of the shutters to control the louvers. Unfortunately, these hidden tilt rods are more fragile and harder to fix, which is why we recommend hidden tilt rods as rear-mount only.

 

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

Hidden or rear-mount tilt rods offer some benefits over classic front-mounted tilt rods.

1. Modern look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods complement interiors that use a modern or contemporary feel because of their clean lines.

2. Great with thin or tiny windows - Hidden tilt rods are perfect for thin and tiny windows due to their unfussy look.

What Are Some Drawbacks of Hidden Tilt Rods?

Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods aren’t perfect. Let’s look at some drawbacks to hidden tilt rods.

1. Shutters with hidden tilt rods might appear too minimalistic for some people - Many people in Austin prefer the traditional plantation shutter look and design with the tilt rod front and center. The front tilt rod gives more definition and prominence to your shutters, versus plantation shutters with a hidden tilt rod where the design is more streamlined.

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

Who Should Consider Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Shutters?

You may also want to consider lifestyle needs, like children and pets. We’ve had many customers in Austin who run home-based daycares inquire about hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s less chance of a child damaging a front-mounted tilt rod.

Need More Help Picking the Best Shutter For Your Home?

If you want to get shutters in Austin but need some guidance, contact your Sunburst rep at 512-549-6077 or fill out the form below to arrange a free in-home consultation. Our reps will bring samples and we’ll demonstrate all of your options - including rear tilt rod options - so you can see them in your own home.