Shopfront: There are plenty of people who want to cover up an ugly sofa or armchair. The time-honoured way to do this is to buy a half decent looking blanket - sorry, throw - and cast it over the offending sofa.

It would be great for us to be able to report that there's some wonderful new solution to hiding the ratty sofa that doesn't involve a throw but, alas, there isn't.

So the best you can do to eliminate the sight of that sofa is to find a good throw.

Some of these are at Marks & Spencer - but only in its outlet on Mary Street where there is a sparkling new home wares department on the top floor).

Most are in pretty plain designs - a good thing, no floral patterns to be seen - and the best of what's on offer are solid wool grey or red and a camel check. From €35.