Both Sir John and Freethinker99 have given excellent analyses on the various options available. On the other hand consumers must constantly balance questions of quality vs. cost. There is no doubt that 8 way hand tied coils and 5/4" solid wood frames are superior to drop-in coils (or no-sag) springs and plywood frames. On the other hand a well-built plywood frame sofa with an inexpensive no-sag spring system, costing many hundreds of dollars less, can still be expected to last at least 10 years. Cushions and fabric are far more likely to wear out long before the frame and springs. On sofas retailing for under $1500 by far the most popular type of cushion construction is a 1.8 density HR (High Resilience) polyurethane foam with a polyester fiber wrapping. This type of cushion construction will typically hold up for only 3-5 years before beginning to lose its shape and resilience. If you are looking for a sofa to hold up for 10 years you will need to upgrade your cushions. The two most popular upgrade options include spring-down or high density foam cushions. Spring-down cushions are constructed using a coil spring system inside which is surrounded by foam and typically topped with a down/feather/fiber blend. Another popular cushion upgrade option is one using a high density foam. The higher the cushion density, the more foam is used per cubic inch and the greater the cushion durability. Although a 2.0 density HR (High Resilience) foam is a definite improvement over the standard 1.8 density, I would recommend a 2.2 density or higher if you want your cushions to last 10 years. Fabric durability is the other primary concern for a sofa lasting 10 years. Although there are literally hundreds of variations that can affect a specific fabric's durability, in general look for thicker, heavier fabrics that are tightly woven. Keep in mind that a fabric's cleanability may also be a factor as a "dirty" or badly stained couch is unappetizing no matter how long you have owned it.

Definitely not high quality but we just bought our leather sectional from Jcpenneys and they have some that fit your description to a T. The ivory track arm style that sits lower to ground but comfortable and not weirdly on the floor as some of these new styles are was simply beautiful. I went for the light tan and its soft as butter and actually very well made. We simply love it. You could spend the money saved on other decorating items. Everyone that sees it compliments on it. Yes, I will get a host of texts after this commenting on Jcpenneys lower quality which I agree but this particular sectional that comes in TONS of optional colors was really my best purchase of 2011. loveeeeeee it.

@Salina For the year we had the C&B Axis II it held up exceptionally well. Cushions looked just as they did when new. On the couple of occasions when a spill occurred, the stock Douglas fabric did what it's advertised to do - liquid rolled off and it resisted any staining. I say 'had' because we needed to leave it behind when we sold that much-too-big house for one half the size, tucked up high on a mountain top in California - where we are now. But we did like the Axis so much we're planning to buy a smaller version of it, once the remodel of the new place is complete.

IMO if comfort is a big issue then go sit on sofas until you find one you like , there is no way to guess comfort from a picture.