The name of this cozy wood-frame cottage on Defoor Avenue says it all. Chairish is all about seating: formal seating for dining rooms; outdoor seating for patios and porches; casual seating at the breakfast bar. In between, owners Eve and Drew Chan pick up one or two of a kind chairs from area antiques dealers and stores that might make a color or style statement in your own living space. Dining tables to pair with the chairs are also in stock. Mixed in with the seats are some decorative pieces as well.

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A new country French end chair is finished with a rush seat and a rustic finish to make it look older.

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Ladder-back chairs stand before one of several antique Persian rugs. The front-porch ceiling is decorated with bronze and copper candleholders.

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Ladder-back chairs stand before one of several antique Persian rugs. The front-porch ceiling is decorated with bronze and copper candleholders.

IF YOU GO Chairish • Where: 1657 Defoor Ave., Atlanta • Hours: 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday • Phone: 404-351-5717 • More information: www.drewchan1881.com

The Chans were in the chair business even before they opened the store more than two years ago. Most of their business was custom orders, a service they still offer.

Before you get to the chair selection, buyers step into an enclosed front porch whose beadboard ceiling is covered with hanging candle holders. The copper or bronze and hand-blown colored glass pieces are brought in from Turkey and sell for $25 to $65. Each holds a votive candle or tea light that adds a warm glow to a porch, patio or room.

But on to the main attraction: Chairs come with ladder backs; in country French styles; as low-backed bar stools; and benches. Most are finished with hand-woven rush seats, but upholstered options can be ordered for delivery in about six weeks.

An assortment of wood stains and paint colors let buyers customize their chairs to suit their decor.

"We even have customers who bring in a kitchen door or a table leaf and have us match the color," said Eve Chan.

To go with the chairs, pick up a new solid wood table that's been refinished to look old.

Buyers can also order cypress Adirondack porch chairs, benches, swings and tables starting at about $345.

Throughout the store shoppers will find little gems: An antique teak transom imported from Java ($240) that can double as artwork; a set of leather, teak and brass campaign chairs; a marble-topped end table; a triple-wick soy candle; hand-painted wall platters from Turkey ($35 to $65).

There's an assortment of antique Persian rugs in various sizes; a 7-by-10 goes for $1,180.

"I just pick up things that appeal to me," said Eve Chan, "which is why I have candles and platters that have nothing to do with chairs."

BEST-SELLERS

The low-backed bar stools are one of the hottest-selling items in stock. "People like them because they don't impede your view of the kitchen or keeping room," said Eve Chan. "And they're more comfortable than backless stools."

Prices range from $128 to $265.

TRENDS

Buyers are big on the chairs and tables that are finished with a rustic, distressed finish.

"These are new pieces, not antiques, but they look like they've aged naturally," said Eve Chan. Her husband applies the finish by hand — even carving out a few knot holes that look like they've been in the wood since it was first cut.

And, adds Chan, the French country look is always in style.

IN THE AREA

Chairish is one block from the Chattahoochee Avenue warehouse district. It's also a short stroll to the new shops and restaurants at Howell Mill Road and Bellemeade Avenue.

WHAT YOU'LL FIND

"I just pick up things that appeal to me, which is why I have candles and platters that have nothing to do with chairs."

EVE CHAN, co-owner of Chairish