Shutter Tilt Options – Choose the Right Control for Your Style

🪟 What Are Tilt Rods?

Tilt rods are the mechanism used to open and close the slats of your shutters. They determine both the look and feel of the shutter and how you interact with it on a daily basis.

Depending on your style preference, window size, and interior design, one tilt option may be more suitable than another.

📌 Tilt Rod Styles Available

1. Centre Tilt Rod

The centre tilt rod is the most traditional style, featuring a visible vertical rod that operates the slats. Although it’s called a “centre” rod, it’s actually positioned slightly off-centre. This subtle adjustment ensures that, in bifold configurations, the rods don’t clash when the shutter panels are folded back.

✅ Pros:
• Classic, timeless aesthetic
• Easy to operate
• Often suits period properties or traditional interiors

⚠️ Considerations:
• Visible rod adds a vertical line to the design
• Can slightly block the view through the shutters when open

2. Offset Tilt Rod (Hinge-Side)

An offset tilt rod is similar to the centre rod but placed to one side, closer to the hinge. This gives a cleaner central view while retaining the familiarity of a traditional rod.

✅ Pros:
• Offers a more open appearance from the centre
• Maintains classic control style
• Easier to clean than a centre rod

⚠️ Considerations:
• Still a visible rod (just off-centre)
• Slightly asymmetrical appearance (which some customers prefer, others don’t)

3. Concealed Tilt (Hidden Mechanism)

Concealed tilt shutters use a hidden mechanism built into the stile of the shutter. Instead of using a visible rod, you gently tilt one slat, and the rest follow.

While it offers the cleanest visual finish, it’s worth noting:
• There is a small price uplift for concealed tilt due to the extra internal mechanism
• Because the slats are operated directly, fingerprints may be more noticeable, especially on larger panels or lighter finishes

✅ Pros:
• Clean, modern aesthetic
• Unobstructed view through the slats
• Minimal visual clutter — great for contemporary interiors

⚠️ Considerations:
• Price uplift due to the mechenism required inside the door stile
• Slightly more complex internal mechanism
• Can end up with fingerprints on slats as they are touched to open and close
• Customers unfamiliar with shutters may not realise how to operate it at first (but it’s very intuitive)

🧭 Which Tilt Option Is Best?

That depends on:
• Style preferences (modern vs traditional)
• Window layout (large, small, or decorative)
• Functionality (is a clear view important?)

If you’re unsure, our team can show you samples of each tilt style during a home visit, Zoom consultation, or in our Wokingham showroom.