Yes. Right about where that first post is. In my room, I decided to set up just ahead of the post. I thought about getting rid of it but it wouldn't have bought me anything (except nicer pictures I suppose) because I would have had to space my speakers further apart and they would have fouled with the fireplace.

You too could probably set up in front of that post if you had a flat-mount TV and could change your couch from L-shaped to straight-back.

House of the Rising Sone
Out in the mid or far field
Dedicated mid-woofers are over-rated