Rodney

Even a good couch will show its age after about seven years of steady use. (Moms and Grandmoms put slipcovers on their couches for a reason -- to make the upholstery last longer.) That's why you buy quality; get something with good construction and solid padding that's worth recovering.

Personally I don't like low, ultra-soft couches because the upholstery just gets saggier as they get older and become what I call "man-eating couches:" once you sink into one, it's hard to get up! It's like they've half-swallowed you. I haven't owned one of these myself, but I've seen how my friend's couches have aged over the years.

Personally, I like firmer upholstery and a couch that seats the person close to upright. I've had very good luck with the La-Z-Boy brand; they have a full-line of living room furniture, not just recliners.