Privacy window film for new door or privacy glass

[ByChirpyPearlNewt]

Hi everyone!

I'd be grateful for your advice on privacy glass vs privacy films.

I'm getting a new garden door installed soon with the aim of letting more light into our newly renovated slightly pokey, dark kitchen. The door is a standard white PVC door with a glass pane in the top half. We do need more light, but I'd like to maintain some privacy as a road runs behind the garden.

The door company have offered us these Pilkington glass options to add privacy (see link below). But to be honest, none of them are leaping out at me from the affordable textured glass ranges and I'm worried they may look a bit out of sync with the new kitchen.

https://www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk/householders/decorative-glazing

Their more expensive range "premium etched" looks really nice e.g. Canterbury, but it does add £200-300 to the cost.

I've been wondering if we should just get a clear glass pane instead and use a patterned privacy window film from Brume or Purlfrost, as I've heard great things.

Something like this:
https://www.purlfrost.com/period-window-film/heritage-frosted-window-film/tavistock-patterned-window-film/

I'm wondering the steam in the kitchen will cause the privacy film to peel off. I'm okay if I have to replace it every couple of years, but I would feel really stupid if I went with this plain glass pane and then couldn't even get a nice looking film to stick on top. Does anyone have any personal experience with privacy film in the kitchen or bathroom?

What do you think - is it crazy to get a new door with a clear pane with the intention of adding privacy film, when we have the opportunity to choose a textured glass that will provide guaranteed privacy?

Thanks you in advance for your help!

Tbh I'm not keen on any of the pilkington range apart from 'burdock' but that doesn't really offer that much privacy.

I have used Dc fix lots of times , it's inexpensive and easy to to fit .
I change mine every now and then but only because I fancy a change . It sticks really well, be aware that some are static attached other's are sticky .

Dunelm sell it too .

https://www.diy.com/painting-decorating/wallpaper-wall-coverings/sticky-back-plastic-window-film.cat?Brand=D-C-Fix

I have had a revelation that the internal doors in our house already have privacy film on them! We've lived here for 2 years and I have no idea how many years old the film is, but judging from how the rest of the house was, probably it's been on for many years.

I think we're going to take a leap of faith with the privacy film and save a few quid on the glass! Will post an update in a month when the door arrives

It's sticky stuff isn't it

You wouldn't know it's film on one of my windows either but for a ti y scrap in it where my cat caught it while chasing a fly.
I intend to replace it one day . . . . . .