Separates. Gives you more rearranging options. More on reddit.com

I go to brick-and-mortar stores for seating; you never really know how comfortable something is/n't until you actually sit in it, let alone how sturdy and well-built it feels, and it's good to see the actual color (and print) as opposed to an online picture where either their camera or your monitor might not represent it accurately. If your area has no real problems with bed bugs, you could try used -- Craigslist, FB marketplace, consignment stores (at least some of which probably screen for bugs; you could ask them), etc. Judicious patience can find you real gems with great quality and condition for up to 90% or so off retail. We got a sofa-and-love-seat-set through Craigslist for $150, in like-new condition, and it's nice enough that several friends have asked us where we got it because they want one for their place. More on reddit.com

I've tried to ensure each brand sells a loveseat (even if it says "sofa") under 66 inches with somewhat taller-looking legs and decent construction. A few of the brands say their frames are 3/4" which doesn't quite meet the 7/8" threshold for 20+ years of service. Depending on the loveseat's usage, 3/4" could be a worthy compromise. The first three brands sell direct to consumer. Starting from Century, these brands sell via dealers. I would try to look for dealers or stores in cheaper ZIP codes to cut down on costs. DreamSofa Inquired about the Helsinki Sofa (64" width) Some of the softer cushions are lower foam density Customer rep: "Regarding our framing, we pride ourselves on using entirely solid wood framing. We use solid Kiln-dried hardwoods such as alder and pine." "All of our pieces include a base of arched Leggett & Platt 8 gauge sinuous wire springs which are pulled together with Leggett & Platt flex cords and attached with Stanley Bostitch Hartco clips to provide the ultimate in support and long-lasting comfort (we currently do not offer hand-tied option)." Mantle Inquired about the Ruby Loveseat, 60" width Frame: 3/4" thickness Baltic Birch 13-ply Suspension: Eight-way hand-tied Legs and Height: "The standard leg on the Ruby loveseat is a 1" block foot. We do offer a 3" wedge foot that is visible on the Burke collection. We are able to use the 3" wedge on the Ruby for an additional $150+ tax. Also, please note that changing the leg to the 3" wedge will increase the arm height, seat height, and overall height by 2"." Medley Furniture Inquired about the Lala Sofa (59" Length) Customer Rep: "The frames are a blend of solid wood and engineered wood. The solid wood thickness can vary depending on where it's used. For the Lala [Sofa], the plywood is used on the vertical seat deck rails, and the rest would be solid. The plywood used on the sofas with polyfoam is about 3/4" thick and the plywood on the latex sofas is about 1" thick. Sinuous springs are used for the suspension." Century Carries the "ESN255-4 - Del Rio Love Seat" with tall-looking legs. In a video, the company president dismantles a chair. The frame is made from solid exterior grade hardwood (supposedly "clear", meaning free of knots & voids) and features eight-way hand-tied suspension. However, only the Down Plush cushion has a good foam density of 2.3 lbs. Chaddock Chaddock Studio C Loveseat (7000-2) 61" width, which is customizable. Customer Rep: "The frames are a combo of hardwood and plywood 7/8” thick with 8-way hand tie springs." Some of the standard cushions use UltraCel foam. Other seat cushions available with full customization. I think the rep told me this much because she thought I was a dealer. When asking about Chaddock's seat cushion densities under their customization program, she then pointed me towards a dealer. Hancock & Moore High end and high quality, but possibly above your budget. There are loveseats. However, Hancock & Moore is known for its leather. You may need to order a customized piece in fabric through the "Your Way" program. Huntington House Carries the 2200-40-LAGUNA (59" width) loveseat. Uses 4/4" hardwood (probably plywood), eight-way hand-tied suspension, and good seat cushion densities. Sherrill Carries 3153-2 Loveseat (60" width). I tried to ask about a loveseat, but was told to contact a furniture dealer instead. Sherrill touts made-by-hand frames which are corner blocked & dowelled, eight-way hand-tied suspension, and good back cushion support. Taylor King Offers several "Chair and a Half" models. Their website touts solid frames (in a video), eight-way hand-tied suspension, and good high density cushion choices (including a supposedly soft one, Prestige XL). However, in speaking with a customer rep, sofas under their "Taylor Made" customization program use 1.125" hardwood plywood. This is still very good. Vanguard Furniture Carries the Fritz Loveseat L1103-LS. Uses hardwood frames (likely plywood in part) and eight-way hand-tied suspension. Don't know the frame thickness for loveseats. However, seat cushions' foam densities are low at 1.8 & 2.0 lbs. You could order a higher density, but it would be custom and therefore cost more. More on reddit.com

My husband and I have always gotten couches on Facebook marketplace from people who live in nice neighborhoods. We bought our last couch for $150 and looked it up later and it was a $1000+ couch. There’s also a two seater couch at IKEA we got for $179. It’s not super cute or cushy but it’s held up being the go to spot for our two large dogs and toddler to look out the window. More on reddit.com