17 Common Products That Were Once Considered Luxuries
Luxury once had a different look—many everyday items we take for granted today were once signs of status and wealth. You might be surprised to see how some of these "ordinary things" used to turn heads just a few decades ago.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Time has a funny way of changing what we value. Items that were once considered luxurious and hard to get are now easily found in homes, pockets, or grocery stores. This article looks back at 17 common products that once felt out of reach for the average person. By revisiting these essential items, we see how far technology, affordability, and daily life have come.
1. Refrigerators
LusterPix® Media on pexels
Refrigerators were once rare in homes, mostly found in wealthier households. Early models were bulky and costly and considered a high-end convenience. Now, almost every home has one, and we barely think twice about it.
2. Televisions
Huỳnh Đạt on Pexels
In the 1950s, owning a television was a big deal and a sign of affluence. Families would gather around the only screen in the neighborhood. Today, flat screens hang in almost every room.
3. Microwave Ovens
Liliana Drew on Pexels
When microwaves first hit the market, they were marketed as space-age machines with hefty price tags. Only a few homes had one, and it felt like owning a gadget from the future. Now, they’re as common as toasters.
4. Cell Phones
Pixabay on Pexels
Early cell phones were huge and expensive, used mainly by business executives, and considered a major status symbol. Now, kids carry smartphones that do a thousand more things.
5. Air Conditioning
Rachel Claire on Pexels
Air conditioning was a rare summer treat once found only in luxury hotels or expensive homes. People used to rely on fans and open windows to keep cool. Today, it’s a standard feature in homes, offices, and cars.
6. Dishwashers
cottonbro studio on pexels
Dishwashers were once considered a luxury that only the wealthy could afford. Washing dishes by hand was the norm for most families. Now, they come built into even the most basic kitchen setups.
7. Personal Computers
Bert on pexels
In the 1980s, having a computer at home was revolutionary and very expensive. They were seen as tools for the elite or tech-savvy. Now, we carry more powerful tech in our pockets daily.
8. Internet Access
Pixabay on pexels
The internet started as a service mostly used by universities and government offices. Home access was slow, expensive, and often unreliable. Today, it’s a basic need, like water and electricity.
9. Running Water Indoors
Steve Johnson on pexels
There was a time when having running water inside your house was a rare comfort. People fetched water from wells or pumps outside. Now, we expect it to flow from every tap, instantly.
10. Color Televisions
Duren Williams on Pexels
Color TVs didn’t become mainstream until the late 1960s. Early adopters paid a premium to see shows in color. Now, color is just the beginning—HD, 4K, and beyond are the new standards.
11. Vacuum Cleaners
Pixabay on pexels
Early vacuums were noisy, expensive, and considered a luxury for housewives. Most families stuck to brooms and mops. Today, even robotic vacuums roam homes on their own.
12. GPS Navigation
Garvin St. Villier on pexels
Before GPS, people used paper maps or asked for directions at gas stations. When in-car navigation systems came out, they were pricey and limited to luxury vehicles. Now, GPS is free on every phone.
13. Streaming Services
Jakub Zerdzicki on Pexels
Not long ago, you had to rent DVDs or watch what was scheduled on TV. Premium movie channels were seen as special extras. Now, for a small fee, you can stream anything, anytime, anywhere.
14. Electric Toothbrushes
Alexander Sergienko on pexels
Electric toothbrushes used to be a fancy gift or a dental upgrade. Manual brushing was the norm. Now, many people use electric brushes daily without thinking much of it.
15. Coffee Makers
Rumeysa Demir on pexels
Home-brewed coffee was once made with a kettle and grounds. Automatic coffee makers were a luxury item, mostly seen in office lounges. Today, even single-cup machines are in millions of homes.
16. Home Security Systems
Dom J on Pexels
Security systems used to involve costly installation and monthly fees. Only the wealthy could afford cameras and alarms. Now, smart systems are affordable, easy to set up, and accessible from your phone.
17. Washing Machines
RDNE Stock project on pexels
In the past, laundry was a full-day chore done by hand or at laundromats. Owning a washing machine meant you had money and space. Today, they’re expected in most households—and some even text you when your clothes are ready!