When it comes to couches/sofas, the first thing to ask is what you want it for. My daughter purchased an IKEA Friheten because she expects more than a few guests visiting her while she is away at graduate school, but also because sometimes she just wants a place to curl up that isn’t the bed.

Would a more chairlike sofa work? Do you have guests over often, possibly resulting in a greater need for chairs and a footstool or ottoman instead?

Unless you strike it lucky via Craigslist, I think you need to figure out something in the $600-$800 range for something that will last a little while.

My two bits…