Objects Between Speakers

Here's an odd question: do objects between speakers (assume 2-channel setup) significantly affect the sound we hear from the speakers?

For example, I don't have a dedicated music room. I have two audio racks in my living room - one is the "home theatre" rack, and one is the "stereo" rack. The rear-ported "music speakers" sit on 30" stands 30" to either side of the edge of the TV/TV stand, and the front edge of the speakers are roughly 4" closer to the opposite wall than the front of the TV/TV stand. Does the fact that I have the TV between the speakers affect how well the speakers sound?

On a related note, I have the speakers set up on the short wall of an 11'x17' room. My L-shaped sectional sofa extends along the side wall to about a foot away from the right speaker, and the arm of the sofa (24" tall) is literally in front of, though slightly below, the right speaker. Is the sofa likely killing some of the sound coming from the speaker?

I've listened to electrostats and noticed they are very affected by objects being between them and the listener -even a coffee table produces a noticeable effect- but what about cone speakers?

Thanks for the insight to all.