Money can’t buy class, but it sure can buy some ridiculous status symbols. Over the years, people have spent big bucks on things they thought would make them look rich and important. But time has a funny way of changing what’s cool and what’s not. Some of these fancy items that used to indicate people were “loaded” now just make people cringe or laugh.
In this blog post, I will discuss 15 things that wealthy folks once loved to show off that now seem pretty silly or out of touch.
1. McMansions
These oversized houses were all the rage in the 1980s and 1990s. Rich people loved showing off their vast homes with tons of rooms they didn’t need. Now, these giant houses look wasteful and tacky. Many people prefer smaller, more eco-friendly homes instead. McMansions are hard to sell and cost a lot to maintain, making them more of a headache than a status symbol.
2. Fur Coats
Wearing fur used to be a sign of wealth and luxury. Movie stars and socialites loved to flaunt their mink and sable coats. But as people learned more about animal rights, fur fell out of fashion fast. Now, wearing real fur is seen as cruel and outdated. Fake fur and other warm materials have taken their place as the stylish choice for cold weather.
3. Enormous SUVs
Big, gas-guzzling SUVs were once the car of choice for wealthy suburbanites. These massive vehicles showed you could afford to burn through fuel without a care. But with rising gas prices and growing environmental concerns, giant SUVs lost their appeal. Now, driving an oversized SUV is often seen as wasteful and inconsiderate. Many people prefer more efficient cars or electric vehicles instead.
4. Cigarette Holders
Long, fancy cigarette holders were once a symbol of sophistication and wealth. They were popular with high society types and movie stars in the early 20th century. But as the health risks of smoking became clear, cigarettes lost their glamorous image. Today, smoking is seen as a bad habit, not a sign of class. Using a cigarette holder would just make you look silly and out of touch.
5. Huge Diamond Rings
Massive diamond engagement rings used to be the ultimate way to show off wealth and status. The bigger the rock, the more impressive it seemed. However, attitudes have changed, and many people now see huge diamonds as gaudy and wasteful. There’s also more awareness about the ethical issues in the diamond industry. Today, many couples prefer smaller stones, alternative gems, or even forgo engagement rings altogether.
6. Gold-Plated Everything
In the 1980s, covering everything in gold was a popular way for rich people to flaunt their wealth. From gold-plated faucets to golden toilets, nothing was off-limits. Now, this trend looks incredibly tacky and over-the-top. Most people prefer a more understated style of decor. Gold-plating everything just screams “trying too hard” in today’s world.
7. Typewriters
Fancy typewriters were once a status symbol for writers and professionals. Having an expensive, high-end typewriter on your desk showed you were serious about your work. But with the rise of computers and word processors, typewriters quickly became obsolete. Now, using a typewriter for everyday work would just make you look old-fashioned and inefficient.
8. Landline Phones
Having multiple landline phones throughout your house used to be a sign of wealth and importance. It meant you were always available for important calls. But cell phones have made landlines almost completely unnecessary. Now, having a house full of landline phones just looks outdated. Most people prefer the convenience and flexibility of mobile phones.
9. Huge TV Armoires
Before flat-screen TVs, wealthy people loved to show off their big TV sets in massive, ornate armoires. These pieces of furniture were often a focal point in living rooms. But as TVs got thinner and could be mounted on walls, these bulky armoires became useless. Now, they’re just seen as clunky eyesores that take up too much space.
10. Personal Fax Machines
Having your own fax machine at home was once a sign that you were a busy, important person. It meant you could send and receive important documents at any time. However, email and digital document sharing have made fax machines pretty obsolete. Now, having a personal fax machine would just make you look like you’re stuck in the past.
11. Tanning Beds
Wealthy people used to love having their own tanning beds at home. It showed they could afford to keep a year-round tan without going to the beach. However, as the health risks of tanning became clear, these beds lost their appeal. Now, having a tanning bed is seen as dangerous and vain. Most people prefer to embrace their natural skin tone or use safer self-tanning products.
12. Crystal Chandeliers
Huge, ornate crystal chandeliers were once a must-have for wealthy homeowners. They were a way to show off your taste for luxury and fine craftsmanship. But modern design trends favor simpler, more understated lighting. Now, a massive crystal chandelier often looks dated and overly flashy. Many people prefer more subtle or artistic light fixtures instead.
13. Luxury Pens
Expensive fountain pens or designer ballpoints used to be a subtle way to show off your wealth in business meetings. Brands like Mont Blanc were seen as status symbols. But in today’s digital world, many important documents are signed electronically. Pulling out a fancy pen to sign something now often looks unnecessary and a bit pretentious.
14. Home Gyms
Having a fully equipped gym in your home used to be a sign that you were rich enough to avoid public gyms. It showed you could afford expensive equipment and had space to spare. But the rise of boutique fitness studios and the social aspect of working out have changed things. Now, a huge home gym can look isolating and self-indulgent. Many people prefer the community feel of group classes or outdoor activities.
15. DVD Collections
In the early 2000s, having a massive collection of DVDs was a way to show off your taste in movies and your ability to buy lots of media. Rich film buffs loved to display their extensive libraries. However, streaming services have made large DVD collections unnecessary and outdated. Now, shelves full of DVDs just look cluttered and old-fashioned. Most people prefer the convenience of digital libraries and streaming platforms.
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