Paint chips refer to small pieces or samples of paint that are taken from a larger piece of painted material, such as a wall or a door. These small pieces are usually cut or broken off so that one can see the color and texture of the paint up close. Paint chip samples are often used by homeowners, painters, decorators, and others to choose the right shade and finish for their painting project. They provide an accurate representation of how a particular hue will look in real life, allowing people to make informed decisions about which color they want to use.