Top 14+ Things From the ‘70s That Would Be Considered Luxe Now

It’s funny how time changes our perspective on things. Back in the 1970s, many everyday items and experiences were just part of regular life. But in today’s world of subscriptions, automation, and digital everything, some of these old standards would be considered downright luxurious. Let’s take a nostalgic look at some things from the ’70s that would be viewed as premium experiences or products today.

1. Full-Service Gas Stations

Remember when pulling into a gas station meant a team of attendants would rush to your car? They’d fill your tank, check your oil, clean your windshield, and check your tire pressure – all while you sat comfortably in your car. Today, this level of service would be considered a premium experience, something you’d expect at a high-end car club rather than your local gas station.

2. Bank Teller Interactions

Banking was a personal experience, with tellers who knew your name and handled all your transactions with a smile. They’d help balance your checkbook, make change, and even give lollipops to the kids. Today, this level of personal service is usually reserved for private banking clients with significant account balances.

3. Phone-Free Dining

Every meal was essentially what restaurants now call a “digital detox dining experience.” Families sat down together without screens or distractions, focusing on conversation and connection. Today, restaurants charge extra for phone-free dining experiences, making what was once normal into a premium concept.

4. Made-to-Last Appliances

Appliances were built to last decades, not just a few years. That harvest gold refrigerator or avocado green washing machine might not have been stylish, but it would run forever. Today, appliances with similar durability are marketed as premium products with price tags to match.

5. Photo Development Anticipation

The excitement of waiting to see how your photos turned out is now marketed as a premium “analog experience.” What was once the only way to take pictures is now a boutique service, with instant cameras and film photography commanding premium prices for their “authentic” experience.

6. Record Store Experience

Browsing through record stores, listening to albums on headphones at listening stations, and getting recommendations from knowledgeable staff was just how you discovered music. Now, this kind of curated, tactile music experience is a premium offering, with vinyl and high-end audio stores marketing themselves as luxury destinations.

7. Station Wagon Space

The sheer amount of space in a standard family station wagon would be considered a luxury feature today. That rear-facing third row and massive cargo area now comes with a premium price tag on high-end SUVs and crossovers, making what was once a common family car feature into something special.

8. Home-Cooked Family Meals

Regular home-cooked meals made from scratch, often using family recipes passed down through generations, are now marketed as a premium lifestyle choice. What was once daily life is now the domain of expensive meal kit services and cooking classes promising “authentic” home cooking experiences.

9. Repairable Everything

From shoes to televisions, everything was designed to be repaired rather than replaced. Local repair shops could fix almost anything. Today, products designed to be repaired and maintained are marketed as premium items, with “right to repair” becoming a luxury feature.

10. Movie Theater Experience

Going to the movies meant plush seats, ushers with flashlights, and real butter on your popcorn. What was once standard now requires a premium ticket at a boutique cinema, featuring reclining seats and food service marketed as luxury amenities.

11. Personal Music Ownership

Actually owning your music collection, rather than renting access to it through a streaming service, was the norm. Today, building a physical music collection is considered a premium hobby, with vinyl records and high-end audio equipment marketed as luxury items.

12. Dedicated Department Store Service

Department stores offered personal shoppers, gift wrapping, and knowledgeable staff in every department – all free of charge. Today, these services are either premium add-ons or reserved for high-end boutiques, making what was once standard service into a luxury experience.

13. Ad-Free Entertainment

Television might have had commercials, but most other forms of entertainment were ad-free by default. Today, we pay for premium subscriptions to avoid advertisements in our music, videos, and apps, making what was once the standard into a luxury feature.

14. Airline Travel Experience

Flying in the ’70s was a whole different ball game. Generous legroom, free checked bags, full meals with real silverware, and complimentary cocktails were standard on every flight. The level of service that was once normal would now cost you a premium ticket or first-class upgrade on most airlines.