@Heiditemkin -Have you heard of Panda Doors? We provide glass wall systems that fold, stack or pocket to allow for that much desired indoor/outdoor lifestyle. We create seamless transitions to outdoor patios, terraces, gardens...and work with you to custom make the product that best fit your requirements in terms of aesthetics and also weather performance. Feel free to visit us and check out our project gallery: http://www.panda-windows.com/projects

The factory or glass-dealer applied coatings are best. Ours happens to be DFI brand but there are other products as well. Not cheap but well worth it over time. Especially in a shower guests use and rarely fuss with as you do your own. You still may want to wipe lightly with a squeegee or towel for best results. I do a few deep squats at the end of my shower to do this and get a little exercise at the same time. The glass looks pristine 3 years out now. I prefer tiled side walls with only one side being (large) glass, rather than the now popular all glass look. Your niche for soap and shampoo can then be hidden from view on a side, rather than the centerpiece as you look into the shower. No looking at messy. Also much less glass to maintain. Do consider turning the "bother" of 30 seconds of squeegee work into a little bit of exercise. Your shower will be even more rewarding.

Usually glass panels will have a channel or clips, both in metal. I don't recommend the mosaic for the top of a ledge.

Response to the people who say small children always touch everything - your children can be taught not to touch the stairways as long as there are ample places in the house that are not off-bounds. If you were able to have a handrail opposite the glass so they can go up and down on the side opposite the glass it would help, but your drawing looks like it is not along a wall. I'm in agreement with eresmith09, you may have to give it a spritz when company is coming or it gets annoying, but that is just for 3-5 years, maybe less. We taught our son not to touch the stereo as soon as it was in reach - he was allowed to touch the books, etc, just not the stereo and he was very good about it. As I remember. He is 47 now and that was quite a few years ago. The secret is to have one or two things that are big Nos - and lots of things that are yes.