We LOVE our Karlstad from Ikea. Bonus is the fabric is machine washable.

I'd decide on a couch once you know where you're living. The size and layout of the room have a huge impact on what will work well. I'm a little confused why you are shopping for a couch you'll need in a year right now...

Yes, leather! After 2 ruined fabric/microfiber couches we splurged and went with leather. Get one with a more rugged finish and you won't have any wear and tear.

Out espresso colored leather couch from Macys is awesome. Got it in 2008 and looks the same, despite being the kids' trampoline

Anonymous wrote:If I had that much money I would get the leather one from Restoration Hardware. We're looking for a leather couch around $1500 though and it's hard. So much bonded leather! Blech

+1 We have had the RH Maxwell sectional for two years now and it looks brand new. We have 3 teenage boys and a dog. It can take a beating. We have had microfiber, cheap leather, etc. and they all suck.

If I had that much money I would get the leather one from Restoration Hardware. We're looking for a leather couch around $1500 though and it's hard. So much bonded leather! Blech

I have a leather sofa set from Natuzzi that I love for our family. We don't have pets, but the leather and cushioning have held up well against two kids, even though it's over 10 years old.

This has nothing to do with durability, but get one without removable cushions (mine are attached to the frame), if you don't want them on the floor being used to build forts.

Crate & Barrel.

I like our leather couch. It holds up well for us, the kids and the dog (who isn't supposed to, but totally does, get up on the couch).

That said, if I were to spend $$$ on a couch, I'd get one of the modular couches from Lovesac. They hold up well and can be configured for a number of different spaces.

Not in the budget now, but the fabrics, construction and flexibility are awesome with those couches.

Go leather. Or go tufted back otherwise pillows no matter what will get smooshed over time.

Anonymous wrote:No. IN one year, she's going to buy a couch that she wants to last.

Thank you PP. OP here - We're moving IN a year and looking for a new couch when we move. One that will last longer than 2 years.

No. IN one year, she's going to buy a couch that she wants to last.

For a year I'd get a couch from Ikea.

You're going to spend $5k on a couch you'll use for a year? Did I read that right?

I feel like our previous couches just haven't withstood our level of wear. Due to the crappy layout of our townhouse (counting down the days until we can move) we spend a lot of time in the family room and on the couches. Once we move (1 year) I'd like to get a nice couch that is going to last a while. We have one child and no pets currently (a dog is a possibility down the road). Budget wise the max for the couch/sectional would be around $5k (maybe a little more if it's REALLY worth it). Thoughts/Suggestions?