I would say 2-3 feet from the wall with acustic foam covering the area on the wall behind them, and the speakers themsevles sitting on acoutic pads (like 30 dollars in guitar center). That should be fine, also the speakers should be placed 4 feet apart or genrally equidistant from your head if greater distance is needed. 8-)

IMO, it depends on room acoustics but I use the "triangle theory". About 4 to 6 feet apart should be good enough for you.