Duty on furniture being brought back to US?

As we were walking around some of the markets in london this weekend i fell in love with a few bits of furniture, some leather chairs and some other things.  It got us to thinking about the move back *i'm not even there yet!*.  

Does anyone know how long you must own something, or what the process is on bringing furniture back and if you have to pay duty on it?  I'd hate to purchase all this lovely stuff and be stung with not only the cost of shipping back but duty as well.

Thought i'd check with you all before going to US customs...  

Officially, duty is paid on items owned less than 12 months. Really, Customs cant tell what is 12 months old or less unless they find the reciepts (throw them away! it not like you can return it once youve moved). Many people just dont declare the item as "new" and thus avoid paying duty. Its quite common practice.

So buy that furniture if you love it!

yay!  I found an amazing leather armchair, looks just like one at pottery barn i wanted to buy but didn't want to pay the 1300 american (plus shipping!) to get it.

On sale for 275 sterling, that was a pretty good deal to me, even if i spend $$ sending it all back over later.  

OOoohhh.  I want my fiancee to purchase it now!

mmm... leather chairs...  pottery barn..... *drools* Can he get me one too?? lol

it was at a market in london!  my fiancee has the company name somewhere......on sale from 500 sterling to 275.  A STEAL....and i waaaaaaaant it!