15 Everyday Things From the ’80s That Seem Fancy Now

The 1980s were a time of big hair, neon colors, and bold choices, and filled with everyday items that, looking back, have taken on a new life as cherished relics. Items that were once viewed as standard and affordable have now become symbols of nostalgia, or even high-end luxury. 

From the novelty of a car phone to simpler things like affordable education, here’s a look at some commonplace things from the '80s that are now considered fancy. 

During the 1980s, most furniture was crafted from solid wood rather than the cheap particle board and veneer that dominate today’s market. Pieces were designed to last generations, with intricate craftsmanship that’s considered rare and luxurious now. 

Today, solid wood furniture comes with a hefty price tag and is often only found in high-end furniture stores or antique shops.

Household appliances from the 1980s were built to last. Unlike today’s products, which always seem to break down just after the warranty expires, appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and stoves were known for their longevity. These appliances, which were often heavier and made from more durable materials like metal instead of plastic, could last for decades with minimal upkeep. 

Heading to the local video store (RIP Blockbuster) to rent a VHS tape was a common weekend activity in the '80s. There was something special and nostalgic about browsing the shelves, picking a movie, and gathering with family or friends to watch it. Today, in an era dominated by streaming services and social media, the experience of renting a physical movie feels almost quaint and exclusive. 

In some cases, specialty shops that rent or sell VHS tapes have turned into fancy, niche destinations for film and analog enthusiasts.

Before the reign of Bluetooth, car phones were considered the norm. Though not everyone had one, they were more common than you might think and were seen as a cool gadget rather than a luxury. Fast forward to today, and the idea of a car phone feels both retro and exclusive, especially given how integrated our smartphones have become. Owning a car with an original car phone is now seen as a niche luxury.

Having a home library with shelves full of books was another common household fixture in the '80s. Back then, books were more affordable and reading was a primary source of entertainment. Nowadays, with the rise of e-books and audiobooks, a physical collection of books has become a status symbol — a luxurious display of knowledge and taste. Owning and maintaining a home library is now seen as a sophisticated hobby.

Before the digital age, handwritten letters were the primary means of communication. Back then, writing letters was viewed as an art form, and people would take time to choose the right paper, pen, and words. Today, in a world dominated by emails, texts, and social media, receiving a handwritten letter feels like a rare and thoughtful gesture. The personal touch of a letter can feel more special and valuable than a pricey gift.

In the '80s, families looked forward to coming together at the end of the day to enjoy home-cooked meals and sit together at the dinner table. Dining out and ordering takeout were occasional treats rather than staples. Today, with busy lifestyles and the rise of delivery apps, home-cooked meals have become less common. The simple act of cooking from scratch has almost become a marker of self-care and luxury.

In the 1980s, a college education was attainable for most people without the crippling debt that plagues many students today. Tuition fees were much lower, and government grants covered a significant portion of costs. Today, with tuition skyrocketing, getting a degree without having to take out multiple loans feels like a luxury. The accessibility of higher education in the '80s is something that many can only dream of today. 

Praised for being spacious and practical, station wagons were the family car of choice in the 1980s. The vehicles were a common fixture on suburban driveways and were beloved for their ability to haul plenty of cargo on road trips and daily commutes. Today, the station wagon has been largely replaced by SUVs and minivans, but those who own a vintage model are seen as having a unique, and even luxurious, taste in vehicles. 

Vinyl records were the standard way to enjoy music in the 1980s, especially the early 80s, with many homes housing extensive collections. But as cassette tapes, CDs, and digital music took over, vinyl nearly disappeared, only to make a comeback in recent years as a high-end way to experience music. Today, owning vinyl is seen as luxurious and trendy, with records and turntables often demanding higher price tags than their digital counterparts. 

In the '80s, shopping was a tactile, in-person experience, whether at the mall or local shops. People would spend hours browsing, trying on clothes, and making purchases. With the convenience of online shopping today, the act of going to a store, touching the products, and interacting with salespeople can feel luxurious. High-end boutiques and specialty shops now cater to those who crave this traditional shopping experience.

With their distinctive ring and satisfying dial, rotary phones were a common fixture in most homes of the '80s. They were often mounted on kitchen walls, and families would gather around them to chat with relatives or friends, often stretching the coiled cord across the room for a bit of privacy during conversations. But as touch-tone phones and smartphones took over, rotary phones became obsolete. 

Today, a working rotary phone is seen as retro luxury, and is often repurposed as a stylish or quirky item to compliment one's home decor. 

Polaroid cameras, with their ability to produce instant photos, were wildly popular in the 1970s and '80s, as they were seen as a fun and accessible way to capture memories. In today’s digital world, where images are mostly viewed on screens, the tangible nature of a Polaroid photo has taken on a new allure. Modern versions of these cameras are marketed as a luxurious way to experience the joy of instant photography.

In the 1980s, many high schools offered free driver’s education as part of their curriculum. This made it easy for teens to learn how to drive without the added expense. In fact, driver's ed was a common rite of passage, and some students would get behind the wheel under the tutelage of their teachers. Today, driver’s ed is typically outsourced to private companies and can cost hundreds of dollars. 

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Learning to write in cursive was a standard part of education in the 1980s. Cursive writing was considered elegant and demure, and students (especially young women) were expected to master it. Today, with the decline of handwritten letters and the rise of typing, the ability to write beautifully in cursive is viewed as a rare and refined skill. Those who can do so are often admired for their graceful penmanship.