Benefits of Hidden Tilt Rods With Your Plantation Shutters in Chicago
If you're in the market for plantation shutters, you’ll have a few choices to make. Do I need real wood shutters or faux wood shutters? What louver width should I pick? What color of shutters will work best with my style?
One option you may not know about is the choice between a normal front-mount tilt rod and a hidden or rear-mount tilt rod. We've outlined some advantages and weaknesses of hidden tilt rods, and if you should consider them for your plantation shutters in Chicago.
What Are Hidden and Rear-Mounted Tilt Rods?
Most people are aware of traditional plantation shutters that use a center tilt rod on the front. When you need to adjust the window treatment to allow more or less light, you simply hold the tilt rod and slide it vertically to shift the louvers.
A rear-mount tilt rod is a thin metal strip on the back of the louver that is hard to see from the front. When you move one louver, every louver tilts as one unit.
Some shutters have a hidden tilt rod situated in the side of the unit to control the louvers. These kinds of hidden tilt rods are more finicky and more difficult to fix, which is why our shutters use 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 couple of perks over classic front-mounted tilt rods.
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Contemporary look - Shutters with hidden tilt rods work with interiors that have a modern or contemporary style due to their streamlined shape.
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Works well with thin or tiny windows - Hidden tilt rods are perfect for thin and tiny windows due to their clean look.
What Are Some Cons of Hidden Tilt Rods?
Hidden or rear-mounted tilt rods aren’t for everyone. Let’s look at some drawbacks to hidden tilt rods.
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Shutters with hidden tilt rods may look too minimalistic for some homeowners - Some homeowners in Chicago want the familiar plantation shutter style and design with the tilt rod front and center. The front tilt rod gives more shape and substance to your window treatments, versus plantation shutters using a hidden tilt rod where the design is more plain.
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Some people find front-facing tilt rods less of a hassle - Front-facing tilt rods may be easier for some people to operate. You just move the tilt rod and adjust the shutters as needed, in lieu in having to move the louvers themselves.
What Homeowners Should Consider Hidden Tilt Rods on Their Shutters?
Issues like children and pets could also have a role in the rear-mount option. Many teachers in Chicago who run home-based daycares ask for hidden or rear-mount tilt rods so that there’s a smaller chance of a child ripping off a front-mounted tilt rod.
Want Help Selecting the Perfect Shutter For Your Windows?
If you want to get shutters in Chicago but need some assistance, contact your Sunburst rep at 847-250-6544 or complete the form below to book a free in-home consultation. During the consultation, we’ll walk you through your shutter options - and both front and rear tilt rod options - so you can be confident in your choice.
