Everyday Essentials That Were Completely Different 100 Years Ago

Razor - 100 Years Ago

image source: wikimedia.org

This intimidating instrument - that looks a little bit like a Medieval torture device - is actually one of the first versions of a men's razor. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, the Kampfe Bros were some of the first to revolutionize shaving with this safety razor, and this paved the way for safety razors of the future.

Razor - Now

image source: reddit.com

Today, though, many men can't even imagine picking up a safety razor when there are electronic alternatives available! These razors might be bigger than a traditional safety razor (and require charging from time to time), but they also offer more precision and a cleaner shave.

Telephone - 100 Years Ago

image source: fivejs.com

Can you imagine using one of these? Before handheld phones, these wall-mounted telephones were the only ones available. They actually don't have a number pad on them because you would communicate with a call handler on the line and tell them who you needed.

Telephone - Now

image source: reddit.com

Today, phones have gotten much, much smaller. And that's just for starters. Today, a telephone isn't just a way to call someone - and if you ask a lot of people, I'm sure they would say that they hate phoning people. WhatsApps only, please. But who knows - maybe at the rate phones are increasing in size, we'll be back to large handsets in no time.

Camera - 100 Years Ago

image source: reddit.com

This camera is an example of an early plate camera. Instead of using a roll of film, as you might have experienced with a disposable camera on holiday, for example, these cameras contain a thin plate coated in light-sensitive chemicals. When the lens is opened and light enters the camera, the chemical reaction produces an image on the plate.

Camera - Now

image source: reddit.com

There are thousands of high-tech cameras to choose from today. The biggest will often come with multiple types of lenses in order to make capturing different types of images, for example, landscapes or portraits. However, many people are also returning to film cameras for the 'vintage' look of the photos.

Bathing Suit - 100 Years Ago

image source: allthatsinteresting.com

In the early 1900s, women were subjected to lots of laws governing their swimsuits. Typical bathing suits had shorts with a skirt over the top, which essentially made the swimsuit a large dress. These swimsuits were sometimes measured to make sure they weren't too short on the leg!

Bathing Suit - Now

image source: reddit.com

Those Edwardian women of the early 20th century would probably be shocked to see how much women's clothing has changed in the last 100 years. Although in some areas of the world, there are still restrictions on what women can wear, most of the time we wouldn't bat an eyelid to see a woman showing her stomach, shoulders, and chest while at the beach.

Car - 100 Years Ago

image source: reddit.com

Now, SUVs are pretty big, but the cars of the 1900s could give them a run for their money. An early 20th century car could weigh up to 1900lb, and were definitely more cumbersome to drive. But they revolutionized transport, particularly in America, where Ford was coming up with ingenious ways to mass-produce cars.

Car - Now

image source: reddit.com

Who is the car innovator of today? You could argue that it's Elon Musk, who has shown that electric vehicles can be as stylish and powerful as gasoline-powered cars. Aside from electric vehicles, cars have changed a lot since Ford launched his Model T production line, increasing speeds and improving design.

Refrigerator - 100 Years Ago

image source: bigchill.com

It's only just about 100 years since the very first electric refrigerator was made. Before this, people used 'ice boxes', which included a thick layer of ice inside, to keep food cold. And before that, it was normal to keep food in the ground or in specially-built buildings to preserve it.

Refrigerator - Now

image source: reddit.com

Modern fridge freezers are a far cry from the old-fashioned cooling devices on the market 100 years ago. Today's fridges are monumental with enough space for all our cold drinks, fruit, veg, and anything else we need cooling. We haven't got rid of ice, though - who doesn't love a fridge with an ice dispenser?

Washing Machine - 100 Years Ago

image source: reddit.com

This amazing photo shows a housewife using one of the very first commercially-available electric washing machines. Previously, washing would have to be washed by hand in tubs of water, often with huge quantities of water that had to be carried from other water sources. But in the early 20th century, you could start washing with just one hand (and another spare to read!)

Washing Machine - Now

image source: reddit.com

Washing machines haven't really evolved in a long time, with the traditional drum being invented in the early 20th century. The top-load washing machine was created in the early 00s, and today, you likely have one of these two styles of washing machine. At least we don't have to do it by hand anymore!

Vacuum - 100 Years Ago

image source: reddit.com

Back in the early 20th century, what we now know as a vacuum cleaner was called a 'de-dusting pump'. This version, created by the tech giant Siemens, could keep large houses clean at a fraction of the effort of hand-dusting and cleaning. Apparently, many maids feared they would be out of a job because of the technology.

Vacuum - Now

image source: reddit.com

Vacuum cleaners today can accomplish more than just dust your floors. They come with snazzy attachments for cleaning radiators, pet hair, wood, and furnishings. Thankfully, they've become a lot quieter over the years, but we're not sure the addition of headlights is really necessary.

Pen - 100 Years Ago

image source: pinterest.com

Dip pens like this one have been in use for thousands of years, with some dating back to the Romans! However, in 1900, they had gotten a bit classier. This retractable dip pen (or nib pen) was used alongside a pot of ink to write. Dipping the pen in the ink would fill up little channels in the pen, allowing a few minutes of writing before you had to refill.

Pen - Now

image source: reddit.com

In the 21st century, most of us have foregone fountain pens and dip pens in favor of the humble ballpoint pen. These pens come in many shapes and sizes, and we can also choose from colored markers, highlighters, and gel pens to make our mark on the world.

Glasses - 100 Years Ago

image source: pinterest.com

Glasses were a rather rudimentary accessory back in the early 20th century. Most glasses had round eyeholes with a thin wire frame, although other forms like the pince-nez did away with the ear hooks and just functioned by pinching the bridge of the nose to stay on.

Glasses - Now

image source: reddit.com

Today's glasses are far from the ancient-looking technology of 100 years ago. With so many more styles to choose from, glasses are now a worthy accessory to an outfit instead of something you need to use to see. And with the invention of contact lenses, many of us go without glasses altogether.

Wallet - 100 Years Ago

image source: theantiquescentreyork.co.uk

The Edwardians may not have had credit cards (or hundreds of loyalty cards for coffee shops) to carry around with them all day, but they had elegant purses all the same. This early 20th century example could have carried more than just pennies, but also valuable objects or makeup.

Wallet - Now

image source: reddit.com

Wallets have become increasingly modernized in the last few years, as people look to 'hacks' to keep their cards safe and also embrace 'minimal' wallets. For many of us, a wallet is a thing of the past anyway, with our cards entirely stored on our smartphones.

Kettle - 100 Years Ago

image source: reddit.com

This copper kettle is at least 100 years old, but wouldn't look out of place in a vintage-style kitchen! Back in the 20th century, you would heat a kettle over a basic stove or fire in order to boil the water, which is still essentially what happens when we stick our electric kettles on today.

Kettle - Now

image source: reddit.com

Electric kettles today come in a huge range of different types and styles, so you can always find the ideal one for your home decor. Some even have more advanced tech like thermometers and different spouts to boil water to make drinks that need more particular attention, like types of coffee.

Toothbrush - 100 Years Ago

image source: brushbox.com

It's not surprising that early toothbrushes look pretty similar to the ones we use today - there's really not much to brushing your teeth, is there? The very first toothbrush was invented all the way back in 3000BC, but mass production of toothbrushes didn't start until the 19th century.

Toothbrush - Now

image source: reddit.com

Electricity has even come to the humble toothbrush in the 21st century. While electric toothbrushes aren't a must for everyone, they're definitely a step-up from the toothbrush of 100 years ago. Some can even connect to your phone to track your brushing and mouth health.

Dollar Bill - 100 Years Ago

image source: insider.com

This dollar bill dates from 1896, and isn't so far removed from the dollar bills that we're used to today. Dollar bills date back to the mid 19th century, but the classic design with George Washington on the front was brought in in the 1960s. The more artistic, rare dollar notes are today valued collector's items.

Dollar Bill - Now

image source: reddit.org

George is still front and center of the dollar bill today, along with the 'Great Seal' on the reverse. There's actually a law that states that, due to low rates of counterfeit, the $1 bill can never be redesigned - so it's entirely possible that this is the same style of dollar bill that will be in use 100 years from now!

Toilet - 100 Years Ago

image source: reddit.com

Before modern plumbing, toilets were simply holes leading to buckets, which had to be emptied by hand. This relatively 'modern' (for the time) commode would have been used in wealthier households, and had a lid and a space to hold toilet paper or even some antiseptic powder.

Toilet - Now

image source: reddit.com

Toilets have definitely been modernized since the late 19th century, but some countries have gone further than others. Japan is known for its futuristic toilets that often include bidets, auto-cleaning, and spray features. Some even have sinks on the top of the cistern so that you can wash your hands while reusing water!