19 Things That Feel Relatively Cheap Now but Used to Be a Luxury for Californians

In the past, even simple pleasures felt like a treat. A can of soda, a color TV, or a store-bought cake could make someone feel like they were living large.

Californians saw these items as a sign of good times, not just regular life.

Today, those things are cheap and easy to find. But back then, they had real wow factor.

Plastic Furniture Covers

In many homes, plastic covers meant you had something worth protecting. Sofas and chairs stayed crisp and clean, thanks to that shiny layer of plastic.

Visitors were careful where they sat, and kids were warned not to bounce or sprawl.

Having new furniture with plastic still on it made people feel proud. It showed the piece was fresh, untouched, and expensive.

Today, those covers feel old-fashioned, but they once screamed luxury and care.

Color Televisions

In the early days, only a few homes on the block had color TVs. If you were lucky enough to have one, neighbors might even come over to watch a special show.

Seeing your favorite programs in color instead of black and white felt magical.

Families gathered around the screen with snacks and wide eyes, soaking in every shade.

Now, flat screens are everywhere, but back then, color TV was something to brag about.

Air Conditioning

Before it was common, air conditioning was a serious status symbol. It made homes, cars, and motels feel fresh and new.

People in hot places like California saw AC as the ultimate comfort upgrade.

Guests would comment on how cool the house felt the moment they walked in.

Today, AC is expected, but back then it felt like living in the lap of luxury.

Automatic Dishwashers

When dishwashers first started showing up in kitchens, they felt like something from the Jetsons.

They saved time, kept hands dry, and gave families more time to relax after dinner.

People were proud to show off their new appliance, even if it took up half the kitchen.

Now, it’s just part of the standard setup, but it used to be a major household upgrade.

Drive-In Movies

Going to the drive-in wasn’t just about watching a movie; it felt like an event. You’d load up the car with snacks, blankets, and maybe a few extra pillows.

Families and couples would park, crack the windows, and listen through the tinny speaker clipped to the window.

Seeing a film from your car seat was exciting. It felt different from sitting in a theater, more relaxed and fun.

Now drive-ins are rare, and when they pop up, it feels more like a novelty than a luxury.

TV Dinners

When TV dinners first hit store shelves, they felt like the future. Families were amazed by the idea of a full meal you could heat and eat without lifting a finger.

It felt high-tech to slide that tray into the oven and wait for your Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, and dessert.

People dressed up their living rooms, set TV trays in front of the screen, and treated it like a night out.

Now, frozen meals are seen as cheap and basic, but they were once the height of convenience and style.

Suitcases With Wheels

Before rolling luggage became the norm, people had to carry their bags, no matter how heavy. So when wheeled suitcases showed up, it felt like a game-changer.

Being able to glide through airports and hotels without breaking a sweat made travelers feel fancy.

The sound of wheels on tile floors became a symbol of someone who had it all figured out.

Today, almost every suitcase has wheels, but early on, they were seen as smart and stylish.

Catalog Shopping

Ordering from a thick paper catalog felt exciting. You’d flip through glossy pages, circle your favorites, and dream about what might arrive in the mail.

Companies like Sears and Montgomery Ward made people feel like they had a department store in their living room.

When the box finally showed up, it was a big deal. Sometimes neighbors even peeked to see what you ordered.

Now, online shopping is faster, but it rarely feels as personal or special.

Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

When carpet started replacing wood or tile floors, it was seen as soft, cozy, and upscale. Homes with full carpeting were seen as more modern and comfortable.

People showed it off proudly during gatherings or house tours. It looked neat, felt warm underfoot, and made a room feel finished.

Vacuuming was a weekly event, and keeping carpet spotless became a household goal.

Now, many people prefer hardwood again, but carpet was once the gold standard of home style.

Rotary Phones in the Bedroom

Having a second phone in the house, especially in a bedroom, felt like a true step up.

You didn’t have to run to the kitchen or living room when it rang. You had your own private line just steps away.

Some phones were color-matched to the décor, and cord length became a bragging point.

Now, most people don’t even have landlines, but back then, a bedroom phone was a real perk.

Microwaves

When microwaves first hit the market, they were expensive and felt high-tech. Just the idea of heating food in seconds blew people’s minds.

Families would invite friends over just to watch it work. It made leftovers exciting and cut cooking time in half.

Not every home had one right away, so owning a microwave made you feel ahead of the curve.

Now, nearly every kitchen has one, but in the beginning, it was a true status symbol.

Bottled Water

Decades ago, drinking water from a bottle seemed unnecessary. But when it started appearing in stores, it was seen as cleaner, fancier, and healthier.

People brought bottles to work, tucked them into gym bags, or kept them chilled for guests.

Some brands even made people feel like they were splurging on something special, not just staying hydrated.

Now bottled water is everywhere, and some folks even see it as wasteful, but it wasn’t always that way.

Sunday Night TV Specials

Back when there were only a few channels, a Sunday night TV special felt like an event. Families gathered early and didn’t dare miss the start.

Shows like The Wonderful World of Disney or televised musicals were considered can’t-miss moments.

You didn’t record it or rewatch it later. You watched it once, live, and talked about it the next day.

Now, with streaming on demand, the magic of a planned viewing night has mostly faded.

Electric Garage Door Openers

Being able to open your garage with a button felt incredibly fancy. You didn’t have to lift anything or get out of the car.

Neighbors noticed when someone had a motorized opener. It showed your home had modern updates.

It wasn’t just about convenience, it felt futuristic and high-tech at the time.

These days, it’s standard, but back then, it made homeowners feel like they were living in the future.

Having Ice From the Freezer Door

Refrigerators with built-in ice makers or water dispensers were once seen as cutting-edge.

Guests would press their glass to the panel and watch the cubes fall with a little sense of wonder.

It saved time, felt clean, and made even a plain glass of soda feel upgraded.

Now, it’s just another feature, but it used to be the talk of the neighborhood.

Flying on an Airplane

Air travel used to feel glamorous. People dressed up for flights and took photos at the gate like it was a special occasion.

Seats had more room, meals were included, and there was a certain sense of calm in the air.

Flight attendants wore polished uniforms, and passengers were treated like guests, not just ticket holders.

Today, flying often feels crowded and rushed, but in the past it was considered a true luxury.

Owning a Polaroid Camera

Instant photos felt like magic. With a shake and a little patience, you could hold your memories in your hand within minutes.

Polaroid cameras were pricey at first, so having one made you the life of the party or the go-to person at family gatherings.

Each snapshot was treated with care, added to albums, or pinned up with pride.

Now, phone cameras are everywhere, but there was something special about watching a picture appear before your eyes.

Having More Than One TV in the House

For many families, the TV was the center of the living room, and that was it. So having a second set, especially in a bedroom or kitchen, was a big deal.

It meant you could watch your own show while someone else watched theirs, and it felt like a major upgrade.

Kids were thrilled to have their own Saturday morning cartoons without sharing the remote.

Today, screens are in every pocket, but back then, a second TV felt like a serious luxury.

Owning a VCR

When video cassette recorders hit the market, people couldn’t believe they could watch movies at home whenever they wanted.