1960s Things Only Rich People Had That Are Now Normal

Enjoying the better things in life was the focus of the elegant and hopeful 1960s. Living lavishly for the wealthy meant more than just having money; it meant being sophisticated, stylish, and taking advantage of life’s little pleasures. For many of us now, several of these things that were formerly considered signs of affluence have become commonplace. Let’s examine some of the most recognizable 1960s luxuries that were formerly exclusive to the wealthy but are now standard.

Spacious Homes with Modern Amenities
It was considered a sign of success in the 1960s to own a big, two-story house on an expansive acre of land. It costs between $30,000 and $50,000 to purchase a lovely home with contemporary appliances, such as a dishwasher, which was considered a great luxury at the time. These homes are now more widely available, and many of us take for granted the convenience of having several bathrooms and even backyard inground pools.

Dining Out Like Royalty
In the 1960s, eating out was a thing. Fine wines, gourmet cuisine, and multi-course meals were served at upscale restaurants for as little as $5 to $10, which seems absurd in today’s world. Dining out was something that many wealthy families frequently did, and people dined in candlelit settings with flawless service. Eating out is still enjoyable, but it’s not as exclusive as it used to be.

Owning Luxury Cars
Rich people drove fancy vehicles like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, which cost about $20,000. These cars served as a status and style statement in addition to being a means of transportation. Even while Rolls-Royce is still a symbol of luxury today, many individuals drive expensive vehicles with cutting-edge design and technology, such as the BMW 7 Series or the Tesla Model S, which makes luxury more affordable.

Color Televisions
Because color television sets cost about $500, which was a lot of money at the time, owning one was considered a sign of modern living in the 1960s. In those days, it was a novel idea for families to congregate around the television to watch programs in vivid color. Nowadays, most people own a flat-screen HDTV, considering that these vivid images formerly astounded viewers back in the day.

High-Fidelity Record Players
To appreciate the warm sound of jazz, rock, or soul, music enthusiasts in the 1960s treasured their high-fidelity record players and played vinyl albums on turntables. Family get-togethers frequently revolved around these musicians, and music listening was a far more intimate and engaging activity. Even if vinyl has returned, a lot of us now listen to music via wireless speakers and cellphones, which makes it simpler to find music anywhere.

Luxury Vacations and Travel
During the 1960s, affluent families would take luxurious vacations, frequently traveling first class to far-flung locations or taking a cruise on opulent ships equipped with every luxury in the world. Experiencing the globe in luxury and exclusivity was possible through travel. Although most individuals travel by air these days, first-class flights and luxury cruises are still only available to those with more money.

Private Schools and Education
Children from wealthy households were guaranteed the finest education and chances by attending private schools and institutions. These schools were viewed as doors to achievement, and many affluent families still place a high value on obtaining a top-notch education. However, because of scholarships and improvements in the public system, more people now have access to higher-quality education.

Luxury Watches and Jewelry
In the 1960s, watches and jewelry were not only useful; they were also a fashion statement. Wealth and prestige were represented by brands such as Cartier and Rolex. Although people still want luxury timepieces today, the availability of attractive and reasonably priced alternatives, such as smartwatches, has allowed more people to accessorize with high-quality items.

Exclusive Social Events
The wealthy interacted over martinis and hors d’oeuvres during cocktail parties in the 1960s. These events served as a platform for networking and status promotion in addition to being social events. These gatherings still take place, but they are now more relaxed and open to people from all walks of life.

The 1960s were filled with activities that characterized the upper class, such as large homes and lavish vacations. Even though many of these formerly rare things are now widely available, they nonetheless serve as a reminder of how far we’ve come in having more access to luxury. We still cherish the heritage of the 1960s, which was all about savoring life’s little pleasures.