PotteryBarn AUBREY - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The Aubrey Stand Alone Desk is a piece of furniture designed for use as a desk, offering a combination of storage and workspace. It is presented with assembly instructions in English, French, and Spanish, indicating its international market. The desk's design suggests a classic or traditional aesthetic, featuring paneled sides and drawers, likely constructed from wood or wood composite materials.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Aubrey Stand Alone Desk is to provide a dedicated workspace for various activities, such as writing, computer use, or other tasks requiring a flat surface and storage. It is designed as a standalone unit, meaning it does not require attachment to other furniture or walls for support. The desk incorporates multiple storage compartments, including drawers and possibly cabinets, to help organize office supplies, documents, and other personal items, thereby maintaining a tidy and efficient work environment. The overall structure appears to be robust, intended for long-term use in a home or office setting.

Important Technical Specifications:

While specific dimensions are not provided in the manual, the visual representation indicates a substantial desk with a rectangular top surface. The desk is composed of several main parts: a large top surface (A), two side cabinet-like structures (B and C), and a central connecting piece (D) that likely houses a drawer. An additional flat panel (E) is shown, which might be a shelf or a drawer bottom.

The hardware required for assembly includes:

F: Ø 1/4" x L38mm screws (12 pieces) – These are likely used for connecting major structural components.
G: Ø3 x 15mm screws (4 pieces) – Smaller screws, possibly for attaching smaller components or drawer slides.
H: A bracket (4 pieces) – These could be corner brackets or supports for the desk's structure.
I: An L-shaped tool (1 piece) – This is an Allen wrench or hex key, commonly used for tightening screws with hexagonal sockets.
J: 1/4" (Ø12) x 2mm washers (12 pieces) – These washers are used with the larger screws (F) to distribute pressure and prevent damage to the material.
K: 1/4" (Ø10) x 2mm washers (12 pieces) – These smaller washers might be used with other fasteners or for specific connections.
Anti-Tip Kit (L): (1 piece) – This is a crucial safety feature, designed to prevent the desk from tipping over, especially if it has heavy items in drawers or if children might climb on it. This kit typically includes straps, brackets, and screws to secure the furniture to a wall.

The assembly process involves connecting the two side cabinet structures (B and C) with the central drawer unit (D) and then attaching the top surface (A). The manual also shows the installation of drawer slides and the insertion of drawers. The use of "Styrofoam / espuma de poliestireno" (C) suggests packaging material, but in the context of step 1, it might refer to a component that needs to be removed or adjusted during assembly, or perhaps a protective layer within the desk structure itself. Given the visual, it appears to be a protective foam piece that needs to be removed from the drawer slides before inserting the drawers.

Usage Features:

The desk's design with multiple drawers and possibly cabinets offers ample storage, which is a key usage feature. The presence of an anti-tip kit highlights a safety-conscious design, particularly important for furniture that might be top-heavy or used in households with children. The "30'" hourglass icon on page 2 suggests an estimated assembly time or a time-sensitive step, though its exact meaning isn't explicitly stated. The desk is designed for stability, as indicated by the need to check and re-tighten hardware periodically. The overall aesthetic suggests it would fit well in various interior design schemes, from traditional to transitional. The standalone nature provides flexibility in placement within a room.

Maintenance Features:

The manual provides clear care instructions to ensure the longevity and appearance of the desk:

Dusting: Regular dusting with a clean, soft, dry, and lint-free cloth is recommended to keep the surface clean.
Spill Management: Spills should be blotted immediately and wiped with a clean, damp cloth. This prevents liquid from soaking into the material and causing stains or damage.
Cleaning Products: The use of chemical cleansers, abrasives, or furniture polish on the lacquered finish is explicitly not recommended. This indicates that the desk likely has a delicate finish that could be damaged by harsh chemicals, suggesting a need for gentle cleaning methods.
Hardware Maintenance: Hardware may loosen over time due to normal use. Users are advised to periodically check all connections to ensure they are tight and to re-tighten them if necessary. This is a critical maintenance step to maintain the structural integrity and stability of the desk.

The inclusion of these maintenance guidelines emphasizes the importance of proper care to preserve the desk's condition and extend its lifespan. The design, while functional, also requires attention to detail in terms of assembly and ongoing maintenance to ensure it remains a safe and attractive piece of furniture.