Some style ideas for your viewing pleasure

It's hardly surprising that we're a nation of TV addicts. Who can resist the inevitable controversy each week over who should or shouldn't have been voted off the X Factor? Lord Sugar and his apprentices provide compulsive viewing. And the sequins and barely-there costumes worn by the stars of Strictly create a fabulous spectacle – whether they're tripping the light fantastic, or just tripping up.

New series of transatlantic hit shows like Gossip Girl are being screened, as well as home-made period dramas like Downton Abbey. But before you become a total square-eyed couch potato, you might want to look at what's in the room around the screen.

What's your TV standing on? And what are you sitting on? Where are you putting your cup of tea, glass of wine, or bottle of beer and snacks while you're watching all that TV? Thirty hours a week is a long time to spend in your sitting room if it's not as comfortable as possible. The new Peppard sofa at Barker and Stonehouse is ideal. Once you've sunk into this sofa you won't want to get up from its mounds of plush cushions and gorgeous, soft moleskin fabric.

Or go for the Natuzzi Acona sofa. This modern corner group offers fantastic comfort in contemporary style.

Once you're comfy, you need to make sure you've got somewhere stylish to keep your refreshments and snacks.

You also need to make sure your TV is in the right position. You don't want a cricked neck.

The Joia range of coffee tables and TV/Hifi units has an ultra modern style in black and white lacquered finish. Perfect for a contemporary living room. Or if you want a more relaxed feel, the Frontier range, beautifully crafted from mango wood, with rustic handle details will be ideal.

All available at your local Barker and Stonehouse store or online at www.barkerand stonehouse.co.uk

YP MAG 23/10/10