Plantation Shutters: Central Tilt Rod vs. Hidden Tilt Rod
16th July 2020
4 min read
US - Trustpilot
Plantation shutters feature slats (also called louvers) that rotate open and closed to control the level of privacy and sunlight in the room.
All shutters have a tilt rod connecting the slats to one another so that multiple slats move up and down together at the same time.
Tilt Rod Options
Traditional plantation shutters feature a central tilt rod, which is a narrow bar that goes down the middle of each shutter panel, used to raise and lower the slats.
We also offer a hidden tilt rod, concealed within the shutter stiles, to create a sleek, streamlined appearance with no visible tilt rod. The louvers are easily adjusted by hand, giving you effortless control of light and privacy while maintaining clean, elegant lines.
Center Tilt Rod vs Hidden Tilt Rod: Quick Comparison
Feature | Central Tilt Rod | Hidden Tilt Rod |
|---|---|---|
Look | Classic, traditional | Modern, streamlined |
Price | No additional charge | 10% surcharge |
Operates by | Tilt rod | Hand |
Fingerprints | Less — turned by tilt rod | More — turned by hand |
Cleaning | Slightly harder to dust around | Easy — nothing in the way |
Multiple panels | Can look busy | Clean view |
Best for | Cottage, colonial, traditional homes | Contemporary, minimalist interiors |
Center Tilt Rod Pros and Cons
The center tilt rod is the most traditional style, featured on classic plantation shutters. It suits cottage-style and colonial-style homes, and comes at no additional charge.
Pros:
No extra cost
Tilt rod operation minimises fingerprints on slats
Simple, familiar mechanism
Cons:
Slightly harder to dust around
Can look busy on windows with multiple narrow panels
Hidden Tilt Rod Pros and Cons
The hidden tilt rod offers a cleaner, more modern look — ideal for contemporary interiors. It keeps sightlines open and reduces visual lines across the panel. There is a 10% surcharge for this option.
Pros:
Sleek, unobstructed view through the slats
Easier to wipe down — nothing in the way when cleaning
Cons:
Slats are turned by hand, which can result in more fingerprints
Which Tilt Rod Should You Choose?
Choose a center tilt rod if you have a traditional or cottage-style home, prefer a classic look, or want to keep costs down.
Choose a hidden tilt rod if you have a contemporary interior with multiple panels on one window.
Still unsure? Our design experts can help — see below.
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