12 Common Products That Used to Be Luxury Items
From toilets to sugar, these everyday products were once exclusive luxuries reserved only for the wealthy.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
Ever taken indoor plumbing or a cup of coffee for granted? Believe it or not, many things we use daily were once seen as high-end indulgences. This list highlights 12 surprising products that went from status symbols to household staples.
1. Toilet Paper
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In the late 1800s, toilet paper was a novelty item for the elite. Most households used newspapers, corncobs, or catalogs instead of tissue.
2. Salt
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Once called “white gold,” salt was so rare it was used as currency in ancient times. Roman soldiers were partially paid with it.
3. Sugar
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Back in the 17th century, sugar was an extravagant treat for Europe’s aristocracy. It was so rare, people locked it up in ornate containers.
4. Coffee
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First introduced to Europe in the 1600s, coffee was consumed only by the rich in exclusive salons. It was exotic, pricey, and hard to come by.
5. Mirrors
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Before mass production, mirrors were handcrafted with silver or mercury and reserved for the elite. Only royalty and nobility could afford them.
6. Chocolate
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The Mayans considered it divine, and it was later a European luxury in the form of drinking chocolate. It was expensive, rare, and served only in aristocratic circles.
7. Indoor Plumbing
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In ancient Rome, indoor plumbing was a marvel, reserved for public baths and noble homes. Even through the 1800s, only wealthy households had running water.
8. Clocks
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Timekeeping used to be a privilege. Pocket watches and grandfather clocks were prized possessions, and only the upper class could afford such precision.
9. Soap
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Centuries ago, soap was made by skilled artisans and cost a small fortune. It was more perfume than cleanser, often reserved for nobility.
10. Aluminum
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In the 19th century, aluminum was more precious than gold. It was displayed at the 1889 Paris World’s Fair as a luxurious metal.
11. Books
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Before the printing press, books were hand-copied and chained in libraries to prevent theft. Literacy was a sign of wealth and education.
12. Eyeglasses
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Owning glasses once meant you were part of the privileged few with access to science and healthcare. Early versions were handmade and very costly.