The reality is the quality has gone down hill as you mention. My best suggestion is find a company / store that sells them with a good warranty for the leather / moving components. They usually go for 5-7 years. Atleast you can guarantee the quality for those years. You want to look for real leather, but now a days there is such varying qualities of leather. Genuine doesnt necessarily mean the best. Also they will use PU on the sides and back to save money. My suggestion would be to get quality real leather on all the sections that are prone to stretch. Be aware that real leather, and moving components don't always work hand in hand. Leather will stick to itself. There have been some really good leather replica materials that can be more durable, and better with moving components. Sorry I don't have any brand specific recommendations as I am in CA. More on reddit.com

Not an expert but Ive owned crappy couches- i would say no. Only because its like: what do you want? The disposable couch you buy every 5 years that will peel if your apartment gets too hot, that dogs and cats can recreate on, kids, parties etc Or do you want the solid investment- dont want to see a moving company in this room for another 10 years and then i can give the thing to a relative that would be happy to take it? I feel like you cant be on the fence. Similar in the camping forum i see reqs for ultralight gear that will also be convenient and durable for car camping and its like, very seldom to find both, if not impossible. More on reddit.com

Couches and chairs and only bifl if you don’t let anyone sit on them and cover them in clear plastic like grandma used to More on reddit.com

As someone who has a vinyl restaurant booth, I definitely agree that vinyl is not ideal couch material. It is amazing in my kitchen, but not something I'd want to fall asleep on.

I would look into couches with polyurethane fabric, like this one. I have a few polyurethane bags from Big Buddha that I'm always complimented on, and they look and feel like leather while being sturdier than other fakes I've found.

Good luck to you!

Edit: Damn, just realized the second one I linked said "faux leather" in the title but then buried in the comments said, "polyurethane/leather blend."

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