Your idea sounds like a good alternative did your building inspector advise you on the options? if not anything ideas you have I would run past building control before you start the work to make sure it will meet the relevant regulation requirements.

Hi Carol, This is a tricky one. Window films won't stick very well to a textured glass surface. The only solution that we came up with is that it may be possible to buy a thin (around 5mm) piece of acrylic and get it cut to size to fit inside the window frame on the inside. You would then be able to fit window film to that. Hope that helps.

I must admit I thought it was going to be dearer than 5k! It is a lot of money though particularly if you're unsure. Or can you just install a transom window over your existing door? It won't be as effective but will still allow light through and then just consider the rest of the interior design to maximise the light? A sliding door could work well using Jonathan's idea of grander doors but I assume that will up the budget . I think 3ft is a minimum as a walkway if the chairs tuck under but it doesn't work particularly well when people are eating. I love a banquette anyway but they're great for space saving with a comfier seat. I can't find great pics nor do I really know how they work but you basically install an led light panel and then you can dress it how you want. Using daylight bulbs you can then time it to come on. I was just attempting to find google images of them which was hard but the last pic is from a company called soul speak designs in Essex. It might be worth giving them a call

I’ve been speaking to several shower screen companies about ordering a screen like this (Majestic, Showerlab, Glasstrends all v good brand) and they all recommend using either a horizontal or a ceiling bracket. Otherwise the screen could end up a bit wobbly over time or could come away from its fixings if you were to fall against it. I didn’t want a ceiling bracket either but am going to have one as wouldn’t want to take these risks. I doubt it’s that the builders haven’t done it before, it’s actually easier for them not to install a ceiling bracket... I believe these companies all do a range of finishes eg Majestic’s “Monaco” screen can have the metal bits in Antique Gold which will fit in with your brass. Just re read and realised your shower screens are already ordered. What does your shower company say about brackets? Do they say it’s ok?