Specific Specs to Recommend a Bookshelf Speaker

Are they going on stands or on an actual bookshelf?

Since the speakers are going on actual shelves, you are going to have to do some experimenting. There's just no telling how this is going to sound, given your situation.

Here's a couple of options. First, you can go into a store that has a return policy, like Best Buy, and try something from them. They have those little speakers by Mirage. Something like that may work. If you feel guilty about buying something and returning it, don't. Just be honest with them and say how you are going to set the speakers up. If they recommend something that doesn't work for you, its not really your fault.

Another option, and probably a better one, is to call a place like The Cable Company, and tell them your situation. They specialize in lending out audio components to customers for in home demo's. I've used them myself many times and find them to be one of my most valuable resources.

One last thing I want to note is that I assume you don't have a good local dealer that you can go see. If you do, I would definitely recommend you stop by. You may be very surprised. A good dealer is almost always willing to come out to your house for an in home demo.