room setup question

I notice that many audiophiles have their equipment rack in between their L and R speakers (although usually not in the same plane -- a little bit behind the speakers).

My question: in my system I need to have my system off to the side, but I need to have an armchair in between the speakers (more or less in the same plane). Is this a bad thing? The armchair is well padded and not huge. It is closer to the right speaker than the left. It does not obstruct the speaker in any way. The speakers are about 8.5" apart, and the armchair is about 20" to the left of the right speaker.

Thanks for your help.

--dan