I am not poor, but I have been poor. I also always liked beautiful things. With the exception of sofas, I ALWAYS have accepted with great pleasure hand-me-downs of very good quality or Craigs list kinds of things--acquaint yourself with the best names in furniture in the last 50 years, and look for those names when you are on Ebay or CL. Think of Downtown Abbey: Do you think these aristocrats bought new furniture? No--they used their Oriental rugs until you could read through them--so if it is good enough for European aristocrats, it's good enough for me. Never buy junk. And when you buy a good sofa, it can last for decades with just re-upholstery every 20 years or so. Really. I'm sitting in my family room. The only thing bought new (many (about 30) years ago) are two upholstered chairs and a sofa, both Henredon, reupholstered several times. Big Baker chair re-upholstered, from Ebay. Clarence House Chintz for about $13 a yard, from an online discount company. Round Hepplewhite leather topped table thrown out by my mother-in-law because it had a cracked leg. My carpenter fixed it. French armless chair, thrown out by my sister-in-law, reupholstered. Black and gilt coffee table, bought on Craigs List. Oriental rug--big, beautiful--bought on Ebay, cheap. I don't mean my taste need be your taste, but you'll find beautiful things that others don't need. Pretend you are inheriting things from your rich family. Put things together little by little as you acquire them and it will create a very organic, interesting room. I second what Tibbrix said above: Let the children eat in the kitchen or dining room. Let them learn to respect your things.

Mquinic rather than look at a specific product do some research and look for qualkity construction features. Reclining sofas are made with mechanisms usualy from Legett and Platt. Look for solid wood frames. Good tailoring and good quality leather or upholstery.

Look at Room and Board as well, for wood furniture. And check Mitchell Gold: http://www.mgbwhome.com Yes, a designer will open the doors to many more options. They do not necessarily mark prices up; they get a discount and will charge you retail. I went this route when I bought my apartment 12 years ago. You will get access to the designer-only showrooms if you live near those (D&D Building in New York, etc).

Wanted to ask if anyone has any experience with four hands furniture sofa? The ones Raymour&F carries are top grain, but there are not reviews yet for the sofas. I saw some reviews on yelp about this manufacture but it does not seem that their leather sofa is very durable (normally last around 5 yrs?) I wonder if anyone has any experience/advice about this manufacturer. And if anyone has recommendation for good qualify leather sofa at R&F that's around 2500 dollars. Thanks