> buy something so cheap you expect to throw it away

So, IKEA furniture? /joke

Another factor people are ignoring is that furniture durability is not the only criterion of how long you get to keep your furniture. If you're in an unstable living situation (which renting often is, especially if you have to share), then you may end up having to move at short notice. I know a couple of people who've had to ditch everything they couldn't fit in a large car as part of a move; bed/table/wardrobe/chest of drawers stuff. Fortunately it was all just cheap melamide.

Couches are an even worse place to invest in quality because of the risk of damage from spills, pets, and kids.

:), when I was living cheaply even IKEA was too expensive. I literally had 2 plastic deck chairs, a TV table, and a bed. I could afford better, but what's the point living alone in an apartment (like you said).

BTW, good leather couches hold up quite well from spills, pets and kids.