One of the fastest, most fail-proof ways to breathe new life into your home's decor is by swapping out your window treatments. Here are a few smart ways to help you choose the perfect curtains for your apartment and install them to best suit your specific space.

• Choose the right size. When choosing curtains or drapes, go for something that is approximately 2 to 2.5 times the width of your windows. As for the length, make sure that they touch the floor when you hang them at the top of the window (or slightly above).
• Keep it sheer. Unless you want to use your curtains for privacy, it’s best to go for something sheer so that you don’t block natural light.
• Choose high quality hardware. If you have the extra funds, choosing a pricier type of curtain rod can make all the difference. This creates a more luxurious look, and you may find that the rod stands up to daily use a bit better than cheaper options.
• Hang them high. Most interior designers recommend hanging your curtains all the way at the ceiling instead of just above the window. This creates a dramatic, catalog-worthy look and adds the illusion of height.
• Add Roman shades. If heavy curtains aren’t your style, add Roman shades in a color that matches the rest of your room instead.

8 Window Treatment Ideas [Apartments.com]
Decor PSA: Hang Curtains High & Wide [Apartment Therapy]
Ask a Designer: How Do I Choose Window Treatments? [House Beautiful]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/liz west

Incorporating throw pillows into your bedroom or living room is a cheap and easy way to update a home’s decor, but with the overwhelming number of options, it may be intimidating to choose the perfect ones. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best throw pillows for your space.

1. Consider the size. Are you purchasing throw pillows for a standard-sized couch or your king-sized bed? The size of the space makes a big difference when choosing the perfect pillows, so be sure to consider sizes before purchasing. Eighteen-inch square pillows are best suited for a bed or sofa, while oversized pillows of 24 inches or larger create a more lounge-style feel in a living room.
2. Choose a color scheme. Black and white throw pillows create a mod effect, while bright shades of pink, green, or blue liven up a drab space. Even if you plan on purchasing patterned pillows, stick with one singular color scheme for a designer-worthy look.
3. Don’t be afraid to mix and match. Get creative by mixing and matching different sizes, shapes, and patterns. If you stick to your chosen color scheme, it’s easy to pull off a more eclectic look.
4. Add pillows in unexpected places. Toss some large, cushion-style pillows on the floor, add some in a window nook, or place one on a desk chair for a cozy feel.

Decorating With Throw Pillows [Real Simple]
Tips On Choosing Throw Pillows [Décor Love]
How to Choose Decorative Pillows for the Living Room [Overstock]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Maegan Tintari