8 “luxury” upgrades from the past that look cheap now

There was a time when certain upgrades were marketed as high-end, and everyone wanted them. But fast-forward a few decades, and those same “luxuries” make homes look dated or downright cheap. What once felt like status symbols now serve as reminders that trends don’t always age gracefully.

Jacuzzi Tubs

In the ’80s and ’90s, a giant corner Jacuzzi tub was the dream.

But today, most people see them as bulky water-wasters that take forever to fill. They’re hard to clean, often sit unused, and eat up valuable bathroom space. Modern homeowners are opting for sleeker soaker tubs or walk-in showers that actually get daily use.

Mirrored Closet Doors

Wall-to-wall mirrors once felt glamorous.

Now, they scream dated apartment. They scratch easily, show fingerprints constantly, and make rooms feel colder instead of bigger. Swapping them for sliding barn doors or paneled wood instantly warms up a bedroom and makes it look current.

Brass-and-Glass Tables

Gold-toned brass paired with smoked glass was once the peak of “upscale.”

Today, it’s a hallmark of thrift-store finds. The brass tarnishes quickly and the glass chips or clouds over time. Solid wood or metal tables feel far sturdier and age much better in a home.

Conversation Pits

Sinking part of the living room for seating was a big deal in the ’60s and ’70s.

Now, they’re impractical and hard to furnish. Most homeowners who inherit them end up filling them in because they eat space and create trip hazards. It’s proof that not every quirky luxury stands the test of time.

Faux Marble Countertops

Plastic-coated countertops designed to look like marble were marketed as chic.

But the patterns were obvious, the material scratched easily, and they never fooled anyone. Real stone or even modern quartz does the job better and holds up under daily use.

Track Lighting

In the ’80s, track lighting meant you were “modern.”

Today, it’s one of the first updates homeowners tackle. The light is harsh, the tracks are clunky, and there are better ways to get adjustable lighting with recessed fixtures or layered lamps.

Sunken Tubs

Bathrooms with tubs dropped into tile platforms looked like spa retreats at the time.

Now, they’re awkward to climb in and out of and take up too much floor space. Most remodels rip them out in favor of streamlined tubs or bigger showers.

Shag Carpeting

Once a symbol of comfort and style, shag carpet hasn’t aged well.

It’s impossible to keep clean, traps allergens, and makes a house feel instantly old. Hardwood or luxury vinyl plank has taken its place, proving durability beats “luxury” trends every time.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.