7 Things That Were Once Considered Luxuries But Are Now Essentials

Many everyday essentials started as exclusive luxuries, only available to the wealthy or privileged. Over time, advances in technology, production, and societal shifts made them accessible to the general public. Here are seven things that were once extravagant but are now basic necessities.

1. Smartphones

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Not long ago, mobile phones were expensive, bulky, and only used by business executives and the ultra-rich. Today, smartphones are essential for communication, work, entertainment, and basic tasks like navigation and banking. Many people rely on them so much that being without one feels like losing a limb. The idea of functioning in modern society without a smartphone is almost unthinkable.

2. Running Water and Indoor Plumbing

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Centuries ago, only the wealthiest households had access to running water and private bathrooms. The rest of society relied on wells, public fountains, or chamber pots. Now, clean running water is a basic human necessity, and indoor plumbing is expected in every home. Imagine having to walk miles just to fetch water every day—it was once a reality for many.

3. Air Conditioning and Heating

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Air conditioning was once a luxury found only in wealthy homes, hotels, and high-end cars. Today, it’s a necessity in many parts of the world, especially in extreme climates. Heating was also limited to those who could afford fireplaces or central heating, while others had to bundle up and suffer through harsh winters. Now, temperature control is expected, and living without it can even be dangerous.

4. The Internet

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The internet started as a niche tool used by governments and universities, and even in the early days of home internet, access was expensive and slow. Now, it’s impossible to imagine modern life without it—it’s how we work, learn, shop, and stay connected. Businesses, education, and even healthcare rely heavily on internet access. In fact, some countries are debating whether internet access should be a basic human right.

5. Refrigerators

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Before refrigerators, people stored food in iceboxes, salt containers, or underground cellars, which made food preservation a constant struggle. Refrigerators were once expensive and only found in wealthier homes, while many relied on daily trips to the market for fresh food. Now, refrigeration is a basic necessity, keeping food fresh and preventing waste. It’s hard to picture a home without one, and yet, not too long ago, they were a rare luxury.

6. Personal Cars

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When cars were first invented, they were a status symbol reserved for the ultra-rich, while the average person relied on horses or walking. The introduction of mass production, particularly Henry Ford’s assembly line, made them more affordable, but they were still out of reach for many. Today, personal transportation is essential in many places where public transit isn’t reliable. For millions, a car isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity for work, school, and daily life.

7. Televisions

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When TVs first hit the market, they were incredibly expensive, and only the wealthy could afford one in their home. Over time, prices dropped, and television became the centerpiece of entertainment for families worldwide. Now, they’re everywhere—most households have multiple, and streaming services have made them more essential than ever. What was once a rare treat is now an everyday part of life.

• Tags:
• Luxury
• Modern
• technology
• society