13 Everyday Items That Were Once Luxury Goods
Many of the things we take for granted today were once signs of wealth and high status. From simple kitchen staples to items found in every bathroom, these objects were once rare or difficult to produce. As technology improved and global trade expanded, they became widely accessible.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
History is filled with examples of once-luxurious items becoming part of everyday life. What was once only available to royalty or the elite is now found in homes around the world. These changes reflect advances in production, transportation, and consumer demand. Exploring these shifts helps us appreciate modern life while offering a glimpse into the lifestyles of the past.
1. Salt
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Salt was so valuable in ancient times that it was often used as currency. Roman soldiers were sometimes paid in salt, which gave rise to the word “salary.” Transporting salt over long distances added to its cost and scarcity. Today, it is one of the most affordable and widely used kitchen items.
2. Sugar
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Once considered “white gold,” sugar was a rare and costly treat during the Middle Ages. It was imported from far-off regions and mainly reserved for royalty and the wealthy. Early recipes used sugar sparingly, like a spice. Now, sugar is found in almost every household and food product.
3. Black Pepper
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Pepper was highly sought after and once worth its weight in gold. European explorers set out across oceans in search of spices like this one. It symbolized wealth and was stored in locked containers. Today, it is a basic seasoning available in every grocery store.
4. Ice
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Before refrigeration, ice had to be harvested from frozen lakes and transported long distances. Wealthy homes stored it in icehouses to chill drinks or preserve food. It was a symbol of wealth, especially in hot climates. Now, ice comes from a tray or machine in seconds.
5. Soap
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In early history, soap was handmade and expensive, often scented with rare oils. It was not used regularly by most people due to cost and limited supply. The wealthy used it as a luxury toiletry. Mass production has turned it into an everyday hygiene essential.
6. Mirrors
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Mirrors were once luxury items made from polished metal or blown glass backed with silver. They were rare and expensive to produce accurately. Only the wealthy could afford large, decorative mirrors. Today, they are found in nearly every room and store.
7. Glass Windows
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Glass windows were uncommon in most homes before the 1600s. Only castles or wealthy estates could afford them for light and insulation. Poorer families used cloth or animal hide instead. Now, they are a standard part of every building.
8. Tea
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Tea was once a treasured and costly import, especially in Europe and colonial America. It was served in small amounts and treated with great care. Some families locked it in special boxes to protect it. Today, tea is a widely consumed and affordable beverage worldwide.
9. Books
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Before the printing press, books were handwritten by scribes and were extremely rare. Only churches and the rich owned them, often as prized possessions. Each book could take months or years to complete. Now, books are mass-produced and available in both print and digital form.
10. Chocolate
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Originally used by ancient Mesoamerican cultures, chocolate was considered sacred and reserved for nobles. When introduced to Europe, it remained an expensive and exotic product. It was consumed mostly as a bitter drink. Modern processing has made chocolate affordable and widely loved.
11. Aluminum
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In the 19th century, aluminum was more valuable than gold because it was difficult to extract. It was displayed at world fairs as a wonder metal. Napoleon even had aluminum cutlery reserved for honored guests. Today, it wraps leftovers and lines soda cans.
12. Toothpaste
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Tooth-cleaning pastes were once homemade mixtures that only wealthy families used regularly. Ingredients like crushed pearls or expensive herbs made them a luxury. Commercial toothpaste came much later with wide access. Now, it is a low-cost product found in every bathroom.
13. Clocks and Watches
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Mechanical timepieces were once handcrafted by skilled artisans and priced far beyond most people’s reach. Only the upper class could own a personal watch or clock. Public clocks were often placed in town centers to help others keep time. Today, time is accessible on wrists, phones, and walls everywhere.