Hi! A belated thank you to everyone who helped me finally make a decision! I went with a 3 pane sliding door (on a 3.7m opening) allowing me to open over half the width. I figured that with bifolds you would still have the frames stacked to one side which takes up a chunk of the opening as well. I chose the XP Glide from Express Bi-folds. Have found them professional and easy to deal with, we are just awaiting delivery now! The only bug I had is that their choice of handles were pretty basic, either a chunky (in my view an eye sore!) steel bar or a regular lever handle. They only come in black, grey or white! I was initially going with a very sleek 2 pane sliding door from Ultraline that had an integrated handle within the frame but the cost was too high for me to change it to a 3 pane. If I had the budget though I would have gone with them instead. Express Bi-folds do a slimmer framed option than XP Glide, I think it is called XP Panoramic. The 3 pane was more than Ultraline I think though. The consultant at Express-Bi-folds also advised against slimmer framed bonded glass options as if for any reason you damage the glass you have to replace the whole frame as well which is a major structural headache. Most slim framed options use this method though (as opposed to beaded - correct me if I am wrong!) so I would have chosen to ignore his advice if my budget allowed :-)

The thermal qualities of new ones would be preferable. When I had new patio doors (sliding) I couldn’t believe how much cosier the room is now compared to the old 1980s one. Your examples are beautiful. I recently had one of the large double glazed panes changed to accommodate a cat flap (safety glass cannot be cut) and I was quoted £370 - £650 for one pane. I chose the cheaper quote but just to let you know of possible costs to change the glass.

We stayed in a hotel a few days ago with a shower screen with a flapper, like the one in your picture. I put a bath mat by the opening and that a set red the splashes. I found it awkward as the flapper only opened to 90°, leaving a narrow “corridor” to get out of. I usually dry in the shower, putting a dry foot at a time outside, but the flapper position made this impossible.

It sounds like you’re making great progress with your home's updates! If you're looking to create more space in the garden, installing sliding patio doors in the dining room is a good idea. Sliding doors allow for a more seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas, especially in a smaller space like your courtyard. As for security concerns, modern sliding patio doors have improved greatly in terms of safety. While older models might have been prone to being lifted out of their tracks, today’s doors have advanced locking mechanisms, reinforced frames, and anti-lift features that significantly reduce this risk. Many manufacturers also offer options that include internal security bolts or multi-point locking systems for added peace of mind. If you’re worried about security, you might also consider adding domestic gates or additional fencing around your courtyard to reinforce the area further. That way, you can keep your home looking open and inviting while still maintaining privacy and protection. Ultimately, it’s about balancing aesthetics with security, and from what you’ve described, sliding doors could be a great fit!