What Are Split Tilt Shutters, Divers Rails, And Tier-On-Tier Shutters? (And When Do You Use Them)

When looking at plantation shutters, you will notice several different custom options. Some features you may see are “split tilt,” “divider rail,” and “tier-on-tier” shutters. All are excellent choices when you want a unique balance of natural light and privacy beyond what traditional shutters provide. Here’s how each one works and how you can use them in your home.

What To Know About Split Tilt Shutters

On interior shutters, the tilt rod is the vertical rod that moves the louvers up and down in unison when you open or close them. With a split tilt rod, the tilt rod is divided into two or more sections. This lets you open a section of louvers for more light and leave the other louvers closed to maintain privacy. The effect is similar to using a top-down/bottom-up window shade that covers the bottom of a window and lets in light from the top.

Split tilt shutters give you the perfect balance of privacy and illumination on large or street-facing windows. Instead of closing your shutters and losing sunlight when you want a little privacy, a split rod lets you open a section of louvers to brighten things up. Use them on dining room windows to give guests privacy without making them sit in a dim room. Or put durable Polywood® split tilt shutters in a dark bathroom where you need both total privacy and a little extra light.

What To Know About Divider Rail Shutters

Using an interior shutter with a divider rail gives your window extra functionality. These shutters have a stationary rail dividing the louvers into two or three sections on each shutter panel. Each section of louvers has its own tilt rod, letting you adjust each group of louvers independently from the others. This design gives you more control over sun glare, privacy, and airflow.

Shutters with a divider rail work well for taller windows. You can open the top tier to get the view and allow sun exposure, but keep the bottom shutters closed for more privacy. Then, when you want an unfettered view, you can open the entire shutter panel. Or, as the sun moves throughout the day, you can completely shut the upper tier to block sun glare while angling the lower half for some natural light. If you use Polywood® plantation shutters, you can get incredible energy-efficiency benefits by keeping all the louvers closed.

What To Know About Tier-On-Tier Shutters

Tier-on-tier shutters have panels split into two or more separate sections. This functionality allows you to open the sections separately to get the amount of light or privacy you want. If the sun is high in the sky, you can open the lower shutter tiers for some light without getting intense sun glare from the top. If the rising or setting sun is causing glare, or you want privacy, you can close the lower tiers and open the top ones for some light. Of course, each tier also has those signature adjustable louvers that let you achieve the perfect level of light and privacy.

Tier-on-tier shutters work best on very tall windows. They’ll look awkward on smaller windows. Put them on large living room, media room, family room, or dining room windows where you want to change the lighting and view throughout the day.

Find The Perfect Custom Shutters For Your Home At Sunburst Shutters

Divider rail, split rod, tier-on-tier–how do you choose? The pros at Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions are here to help. We’ll help you customize your interior shutters to work how you want. Get started today when you call 877-786-2877 or fill out the form below to schedule a free in-home consultation. We’ll look at your windows and help you order your ideal window shutter.