I do lots of FMQ with no more than 2 ft to the left of my machine. I have the table my machine is on pushed into the corner and have no trouble supporting the quilt. Would like a little more space behind the machine but I'm working in a small space too. Don't move out into the middle of the room. Let the walls support the quilt. You probably won't need hooks unless you are doing something very, very big and very heavy. I have done a king sized with my set up without needing hooks.
Also a comforter may have a higher loft than is comfortable for learning FMQ. You might find it easier to work with something a little flatter.