We aren't encouraging abuse of material sample requests here, but rather collecting a few ideas for reusing samples after they've served their purpose. Maybe you renovated a bathroom and have tons of tile samples left over. Maybe you work in a design office that's purging their carpet sample library. These are a few ideas for scenarios like that and more:

• Fabric: Make pillow covers like those made of fabric swatches by Erin of Welcome Home. Or you can use fabric samples to make patchwork curtains, pillows, quilts, the list goes on.

• Tile: Try using old tile samples as coasters or a trivet. Or, if you have lots of them, you can even tile a patchwork floor like this one from Villa Lagoon Tile.

• Carpet: We love this entry mat made of Flor samples.

• Paint Chips: How can we forget this artwork made from paint chips by Nite Kongtahworn?

Have you reused material samples for something in your home? Please tell us about it in the comments below!

(Images: Welcome Home, Apartment Therapy San Francisco, Villa Lagoon Tile, bipolarbear, Nite Kongtahworn)