You won’t believe this £3 B&M buy: can you spot the difference from a £7,260 designer icon?

Glossy, sculptural and oddly irresistible. A high-end look is sweeping living rooms, but the price tag might surprise you.

Across the UK, shoppers are snapping up a chrome bear ornament from B&M for pocket change, styling it like a gallery piece and sharing the results on TikTok. The catch for design purists is simple: it looks uncannily like a cult collectible that can cost more than a month’s rent.

From cult collectible to coffee‑table talking point

Bearbrick, the stylised bear created by Japan’s Medicom Toy in 2001, moved from niche art circles to mainstream design status over two decades. The figures come in sizes from 100% to 1000% and have been photographed in the homes of celebrities including Justin Bieber and BTS’s RM, elevating them from quirky toy to glossy symbol of taste.

Prices reflect that cachet. Top editions in the 1000% size sell for eye-watering sums. One high-shine model, the Amirex Texalium Be@rbrick 1000%, is listed around £7,260, while limited runs routinely fetch hundreds at premium retailers.

Shoppers say the £3 B&M chrome bear nails the same mirrored silhouette and sheen seen on designer pieces worth up to £7,260.

That context explains the buzz. The B&M version offers a similar profile and reflective finish for loose change, turning a supermarket dash into an interiors upgrade.

Why this £3 figure is everywhere

Home accounts on TikTok and Instagram have pushed the trend into overdrive. Clips show the chrome bear perched beside candles, stacked magazines and coffee table books, while comments ask which branch still has stock. Videos featuring the bear have clocked thousands of views, with users praising it as a “dupe” that looks pricier than it is. Some posts also show a matching “balloon dog” ornament — another nod to blue-chip art — at the same bargain price.

The appeal is clear. It’s small enough to work in rented flats and student rooms. It photographs well under soft lighting. And it speaks to aspirational taste without requiring a credit limit.

The value maths

• Price: £3 at B&M versus designer editions selling for hundreds to £7,260.
• Look: reflective chrome effect with a sculptural, minimalist silhouette.
• Impact: a high-contrast accent that lifts shelves, consoles and side tables.
• Risk: minimal — if you tire of it, you’re down the cost of a latte.

Cost-per-impact is the story: £3 delivers a focal point that reads “gallery” from across the room.

How to style the chrome bear

Think of the bear as a tiny mirror. Place it where it can catch light and bounce it back. A lamp base or a windowsill works well. Pairing with soft, matte textures — linen, boucle, paperbacks — helps the shine stand out rather than overwhelm. If you prefer symmetry, flank it with two candles; if you like a looser feel, sit it atop a stack of magazines with a small ceramic dish for contrast.

Use odd numbers for balance: bear + book stack + taper candle reads deliberate rather than cluttered. In narrow hallways, a single chrome accent draws the eye and makes the space feel brighter. On a shelf, keep a bit of breathing room around it so the curves stay visible.

Placed near a warm bulb, the chrome surface amplifies light and gives a room polish without the spend.

Care is simple. Chrome-effect ornaments show fingerprints. A soft microfibre cloth and a light touch keep smudges at bay. Avoid harsh cleaners that can cloud the finish.

Dupe culture and the design line

Lookalikes live in a grey area. A generic chrome bear ornament doesn’t carry the trademarks, artist collaborations or limited-edition status that make original Bearbricks valuable to collectors. For most households, the aim isn’t to replace an artwork; it’s to nod to a style language — glossy, pop-art, playful — without the premium price. If you care about provenance and resale value, the originals still rule. If you just want visual punch, a £3 homage makes sense.

Will you find one today?

Discounters typically ship in waves, so stock varies by branch. The ornaments are small-ticket, high-velocity items that can disappear fast after a viral post. Staff often suggest checking early in the day or trying neighbouring stores. Returns are usually straightforward if you find defects once home.

What to check in store

• Finish: look for scratches, pits or uneven chrome.
• Base: make sure it sits flat; add felt pads if you have wood furniture.
• Join lines: minor seams are normal; avoid visible gaps.
• Weight: a little heft helps it feel stable and more premium.

Who is buying — and why it lands now

With budgets squeezed, shoppers want small upgrades that make a room feel intentional. A reflective object adds depth to neutral schemes and pairs with the “quiet luxury” look without chasing designer labels. Students use it to personalise rentals. Home workers add it to video-call backdrops. Parents place it on high shelves where little hands can’t reach, getting the look without risking prized possessions.

Comparing your options

If you’re tempted, try this

Create a five-minute vignette. Stack two coffee table books, add the chrome bear, then a single tapered candle in an understated holder. Shift the trio slowly until the bear reflects the flame. You’ll get movement, shadow and shine for the price of a bus fare.

Fancy variety? Group two metallics with one natural element. Chrome bear + brushed brass tray + a small fern gives contrast and softens the glare. If your room is already glossy — lacquer, mirrors, glass — anchor the bear with a matte ceramic to avoid reflection overload.

What this trend tells us

People don’t just want cheaper stuff. They want clever design that photographs well, adapts to small spaces and feels considered. A £3 ornament doing the work of a high-end collectible shows how retail continues to translate gallery aesthetics into everyday decor. For the price of a cuppa, you can test a look, learn what works in your light, then decide whether to scale up or keep it playful.