20 Everyday Objects That Were Originally Symbols of Social Status

It may seem hard to believe today, but sugar was once a highly prized commodity in Europe. It wasn’t a staple found in every pantry, nor was it an ingredient people thoughtlessly added to their coffee. It was an expensive imported good, and wealthy households would transform it into elaborate, sculpted desserts to show their guests that they could afford it.

Yes, the Romans had running water. No, not everyone had equal access to it. Wealthy households were much more likely to have running water directly inside their homes, which made running water a true privilege. The rest of the population had to walk to public fountains. Can you imagine having to walk more than 30 steps just to get a glass of water?

Even in the early 1900s, having a dedicated bathroom in one’s home was a sign of relative financial comfort. These rooms were not only functional; they were often elegant and furnished with the finest fixtures available.

In the past, a pocket watch was not used solely to tell the time. For more than 300 years, owning a carefully selected watch adorned with silver or gold was an important symbol of wealth. It also signified access to the latest technological advances, which was particularly exciting in the 16th century.

Wristwatches have certainly become commonplace, but expensive, beautifully designed models have never really lost their social prestige. Today, a high-quality mechanical watch shows that you value craftsmanship and heritage—and, yes, perhaps also that you like to show it off to your colleagues from time to time.

We’re not talking here about the little black square in our pocket, but rather the bulky cell phones of the 1980s. They were huge, outrageously expensive, and anything but discreet. Owning one meant you were connected, busy, and important—so much so that people didn’t even dare to look at you.

Having a computer at home—especially back then—wasn’t common for most families. It meant that your household could afford to buy emerging technology and had the confidence to purchase something even before most people understood what it would become.

Fur and wealth have been closely linked for centuries. In the 20th century, mink coats had become synonymous with glamour, money, and fame. Although buying a new fur coat remains a costly endeavor today, it is much easier to find real fur at a more reasonable price if you know where to look.

Even toothbrushes used to have their own luxury line. Toothbrushes with silver handles in custom-made cases were marketed to upper-class consumers, and a beautiful toiletries set displayed on a dressing table wasn’t really a matter of hygiene, but rather a matter of class.

A large, clear mirror seems almost too commonplace to mention today, but mirrors made of fine Venetian glass were once among the most prestigious centerpieces in aristocratic homes. Owning one signified access to wealth and extremely specialized craftsmanship. The idea that simply looking at oneself in a mirror was once a luxury seems strange.

Forks have had a surprisingly complicated journey before making their way to our tables. For a long time, their use was associated with good manners and foreign influence, which gave people a sense of social distinction. It may come as a surprise to learn that one of the most common utensils in your drawer once sparked a bit of controversy.

The spices currently in your cupboard were once taxed, given as gifts, and treasured. Until the 17th century, spices were considered luxury goods—so much so that wars were fought over them. In fact, pepper was known as “black gold” throughout the ancient Mediterranean because of its rarity.

Chinese porcelain arrived in Europe as a luxury item long before it was used for everyday tableware. Aristocratic households displayed their finest pieces in special display cases, because owning something so beautiful and fragile clearly showed everyone which social class they belonged to.

Silk has always held social significance. Its texture, its luster, and even the difficulty of its production—all of these factors make it expensive and exclusive. In certain regions of ancient East Asia, silk garments were reserved for specific social classes, so that your attire indicated your social status even before you opened your mouth.

The first consumer cameras were primarily aimed at buyers with substantial budgets. At the end of the 19th century, owning a camera was synonymous with curiosity, modernity, and an income high enough to make creating memories a hobby.

Those enormous home satellite dishes from the 1970s and 1980s were symbols of wealth displayed in people’s yards. They cost thousands of dollars and took up a lot of space, but they also provided access to virtually every television channel.

Once the film industry and celebrity culture had imbued sunglasses with their glamorous aura, high-end sunglasses began to be seen as a symbol of elegance and sophistication that went far beyond sun protection. Even today, owning a pair of Ray-Ban, Prada, or Oakley sunglasses still shows people that you enjoy a touch of luxury.

There is a real practical difference between a basic camera and a high-end camera, and social status has always been a factor in that distinction. Brand-name cameras and expensive lenses have become objects that people admire for what they reveal about taste, dedication, and a lifestyle centered on deliberately photographing beautiful things.

A second bathroom now seems to be the norm in many homes, but it still carries the stigma of being a luxury. An extra bathroom is synonymous with privacy, convenience, and the wonderful freedom from having to wait outside a locked door while someone else goes through their entire skincare routine.

Whirlpool tubs, designer sinks, heated floors, sparkling faucets… At some point, the bathroom became a showpiece again. If you have a towel warmer at home, consider yourself fairly well-off.