Remember when certain things felt like a big deal to own? Now you see them everywhere. The coffee machine you once splurged on is sitting on every kitchen counter. The phone that used to feel high-end is in everyone’s hand. As prices dropped and access grew, the sense of luxury disappeared. Here are seven products that used to feel special but have become part of everyday life.
Smartphones
When smartphones first came out, only a few people could afford them. They were sleek, expensive, and felt futuristic. Now, even budget models include features that once cost hundreds more. Phones have become part of daily life, used for everything from work to grocery lists. What started as a luxury item has turned into something nearly everyone depends on.
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Flat-Screen TVs
Back in the early 2000s, owning a flat-screen TV felt like a big deal. Families saved up for months to afford one, and a large plasma screen meant you were doing well. Today, they’re everywhere. Even big 4K smart TVs sell for what older, smaller models once cost. What used to feel luxurious is now expected, with many homes having more than one.
Streaming Services
When streaming first took off, it felt like a game-changer. People loved the freedom of picking what to watch without cable. Now, nearly every home pays for at least one service, often several. What started as an affordable luxury has turned into a monthly expense that rivals old cable bills. The convenience is still there, but so are the costs.
AirPods and Wireless Earbuds
When AirPods first came out, they felt like a status symbol. Not everyone had them, and those who did stood out. Now, wireless earbuds are everywhere. You’ll see people wearing them at the gym, on walks, or during work calls. Cheaper versions have made them easy to buy, and they’ve become a normal part of daily life. What used to be a luxury is now just another necessity.
Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches
When fitness trackers first hit the market, they seemed high-tech and exclusive. Only athletes or tech enthusiasts bothered with them. Today, almost everyone has one on their wrist. Tracking steps, sleep, and heart rate has become second nature. Prices have dropped, and even doctors recommend them for better health habits. What started as a luxury gadget is now an everyday tool for staying active and aware.
Designer Handbags
Luxury handbags used to represent exclusivity, craftsmanship, and wealth. Owning one signaled status and success. But with the rise of resale platforms and social media, the mystique has faded. Knockoffs and “dupes” flood the market, influencers promote luxury constantly, and younger buyers are turning away from big brands in favor of unique or sustainable styles.
Designer bags still cost thousands, but they’ve lost much of their prestige. They’ve become more about recognition than rarity, blending into the mainstream rather than standing apart.
High-End Coffee Machines
Owning an espresso machine used to be a splurge. Most people went to coffee shops for their daily caffeine fix. Now, the cost of café drinks has made brewing at home the smarter choice. Compact machines and pod systems make it easy to get coffee-shop quality without leaving the house. What once felt indulgent is now part of the morning routine, especially as more people work from home.
When Luxury Becomes Ordinary
Luxury used to mean something rare and out of reach. Today, innovation and mass production have made once-exclusive products easy to get. What used to symbolize wealth now often stands for comfort and convenience. As trends shift faster, even high-end items lose their shine quickly. What feels luxurious today could be completely ordinary a few years from now.
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The article 7 Products That Used to Be Luxury but Now Feel Basic first appeared on Cents + Purpose.