If you choose a rear ported speaker that does not have a substantial bass output, placing them fairly close to the wall behind them can be beneficial in such small rooms. Bass can easily overwhelm a small room when you choose a speaker that has a moderate or strong bass output, and place them close to a rear wall. A rear firing port on such a speaker can compound that problem even more.
I would suggest limiting yourself to speakers that reach down to the mid 40hz area at most, if rear ported. Even speakers that have honest ratings of -3db at 55 hz, when placed close to rear walls can sound quite substantial in bass output in a room that size. I think placing them just a foot out from the rear and side wall may be too close for most ports, and can create problems in a small space. Try about 20" inches out and from the side walls to start with. Corner bass traps may be needed.
I would suggest limiting yourself to speakers that reach down to the mid 40hz area at most, if rear ported. Even speakers that have honest ratings of -3db at 55 hz, when placed close to rear walls can sound quite substantial in bass output in a room that size. I think placing them just a foot out from the rear and side wall may be too close for most ports, and can create problems in a small space. Try about 20" inches out and from the side walls to start with. Corner bass traps may be needed.