What was once coveted as status symbols from yesteryear have lost their allure, thanks to changing times and inevitable new technology, which have rendered them outdated. We’ve brought together the 18 things that used to scream wealth and sophistication but now barely get a second glance—do you still have any of these?
Fax Machines
There was a time when owning a fax machine was a big deal, particularly for professionals working from home or businesses wanting to show off their tech-savvy side. It was like having a direct line to the future—you could send documents across the world in minutes—but these bulky machines quickly became a nuisance, with paper jams and costly maintenance.
Encyclopaedia Sets
Do you remember those grand, leather-bound encyclopaedia sets that seemed to grace every respectable household’s bookshelf? They said, “We value knowledge, and we’re not afraid to spend on it,” but as the internet took over and information became just a Google search away, these massive collections went from prized family heirlooms to heavy paperweights.
Fur Coats
Fur coats were once the ultimate sign of luxury and refinement. Owning one meant you had a taste for the finer things in life, and you weren’t shy about showing it; however, times have changed, and so have attitudes towards animal welfare, with more people embracing sustainable and cruelty-free fashion.
Monogrammed Handkerchiefs
A hallmark of personal style and sophistication in their heyday was monogrammed handkerchiefs, and if you had one, it meant you paid attention to the little details and had a flair for the elegant. But as modern living became faster-paced, people stopped carrying around fabric squares and opted for disposable tissues instead.
Trophy Cabinets
Nowadays, people prefer to showcase their accomplishments digitally or not at all, leaving these once-prized cabinets to fade into irrelevance. Trophy cabinets were a common sight in homes where families liked to show off their achievements, whether it was a shiny cup for football or a certificate for perfect attendance.
Home Bars
Having a home bar complete with crystal decanters, cocktail shakers, and an impressive array of spirits was a sign that you had truly arrived in life, and it was where you entertained friends, played bartender, and showed off your impeccable taste in whisky or gin. A sleek wine fridge or a few craft beers in the fridge now suffices for most.
Gold-Plated Cutlery
Nothing said “fancy dinner party” like gold-plated cutlery. If you brought out the gold forks and knives, your guests knew they were in for a special evening, yet over time, this kind of ostentatious display lost its charm, and people began to favour sleek, understated designs that were both functional and stylish.
Waterbeds
The waterbed was the ultimate status symbol for anyone looking to combine luxury with a touch of quirkiness, and furthermore, owning one meant you were modern, adventurous, and maybe even a little edgy. They were, however, hard to move, prone to leaks, and not exactly great for your back.
Massive Satellite Dishes
There was a time when having a huge satellite dish in your garden or perched on your roof was the height of tech sophistication, and now, instead of marvelling at their technological prowess, people mostly complain about how much space they take up—or try to get rid of them altogether. And as we know, streaming services are now the norm.
Designer Compact Discs
With music now available instantly on streaming platforms, even the fanciest CDs feel like clutter, even though collectors might still cherish them. When CDs were the main way to enjoy music, owning a collection of designer or limited-edition discs was a real point of pride.
Ornate China Cabinets
As modern interiors moved towards minimalism and people embraced more practical living, ornate china cabinets started to feel outdated, often viewed as relics of a time when formal dining rooms were more common and dusting was a weekly ritual. They did used to be a staple of middle-class homes, though, showcasing fine china and other delicate trinkets.
Holiday Snaps on Film
Developing rolls of film and carefully arranging your holiday photos into albums was once a cherished tradition, as not only did it preserve your memories, it also gave you a chance to relive them as you showed them off to family and friends. Thanks to smartphones and social media, holiday snaps are instantly shared and forgotten almost as quickly.
Family Crests
If you wanted to proudly show off your heritage and status, family crests were the way to go, whether they adorned the walls of a study or were embossed on stationery—these symbols spoke of lineage and legacy. Now, modern culture has shifted towards individualism and away from notions of class and hierarchy, therefore the appeal of family crests faded.
Car Phones
If you had a car phone, it meant you were always connected, even on the go, and gave off an air of business-like efficiency. Then mobile phones became smaller, cheaper, and more widely available, so the novelty of a car phone, and the status that came with it, disappeared.
Beaded Seat Covers
Remember those beaded seat covers that were all the rage for a time, especially for those looking to add a touch of comfort and style to their car? They were said to improve circulation and make long drives more bearable, which is why a lot of taxis had them, but as car seats became more ergonomic, these covers became pretty much obsolete.
Expensive Cigarette Cases
Carrying an elegant cigarette case was once the mark of a sophisticated smoker, and these sleek, often engraved cases were as much a fashion statement as they were practical. Today, they’re more likely to be found in antique shops than in someone’s pocket, because of smoking rates declining and vaping or quitting entirely becoming more popular.
Movie Rental Memberships
If you belonged to an exclusive video rental club, it was a badge of honour in the 80s and 90s, because it meant you had access to the latest blockbusters and cult classics before anyone else. The excitement of browsing shelves at the local rental shop disappeared, and those membership cards are nothing more than nostalgic relics of a pre-digital age.
Overly Decorated Living Rooms
And lastly, living rooms that once brimmed with ornate decorations, including porcelain figurines and heavy drapery and embroidered cushions, were a sign of good taste and an effort to impress visitors. Trends then shifted towards clean, open spaces and practical, uncluttered layouts.