Its a valid question but difficult to answer. There are so many variables in question, just picking a pair of speakers on the basis of ported or sealed, probably won't do any good. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the vast majority of bookshelf speakers were never intended to actually be put on a bookshelf. I think you definitely need to experiment in order to find out what will work.
Bookshelf Speakers; Ported vs. Acoustic Suspension
I am building a new home and will have built-in bookshelves on one wall of a 15' x 12' room. I am planning on bookshelf speakers on either side of a 50" TV which has an opening of 60" W x 36" H x 24" D. I was thinking of purchasing ported design speakers (Silverline Minuet Supreme Plus) but was concerned about a ported design with only 15" of space between each speaker and the rear wall of the cabinet. Any experience here? Would I be better off with an Acoustic Suspension Design (NHT Classic 3)?