You've found a tap you love, it's from Modern National, and now you're wondering: is Modern National tapware actually good quality? It's a fair question when you're spending a few hundred dollars on something you'll use every day. At 2Magpies we've been working with Modern National for well over five years as an authorised reseller, so here's our honest Modern National review.
Who is Modern National?
Modern National is a Sydney-based Australian tapware and bathroom brand, established in NSW in 2012. Unlike many brands that simply rebadge someone else's products, Modern National manufactures its own tapware, with stringent quality assurance at every stage to reduce failures before a product ever reaches your bathroom.
Is Modern National tapware good quality?
In our experience, absolutely. It's one of the most reliable tapware brands we sell, and it's cost effective too. You get premium build quality without the premium designer price tag.
- Quality-controlled manufacturing – because Modern National makes its own products, it controls quality from start to finish.
- Solid brass and European cartridges – the cartridge is the heart of a mixer tap and the part most likely to fail on cheap tapware. Modern National uses European cartridges for a smooth, long-lasting action.
- WELS and WaterMark approved – models like the Star Mini basin mixer are WELS 5 Star rated at 6L/min, so they're water efficient and approved for installation in Australia. Learn more on our WELS and WaterMark page.
PVD vs electroplated finishes: what's the difference?
When you're comparing tapware finishes, you'll often see two terms: electroplating and PVD.
- Electroplating is the traditional method, used for finishes like chrome. It's durable, bright and easy to clean.
- PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) bonds the colour to the tap at a molecular level in a vacuum chamber. The result is a much harder finish that resists scratching, fading and tarnishing far better than standard plating or paint.
Modern National uses a PVD finish on its brushed nickel and brushed bronze tapware, so those popular brushed looks are built to last. If you want a brushed tap that will still look new for years to come, they're a great choice.
A premium lifetime warranty
This is where Modern National really stands out. Their tapware is backed by a lifetime product or parts replacement warranty, plus 1 year on labour. In the tapware world, a lifetime warranty like this is almost unheard of, and it shows how much confidence Modern National has in its products.
Customer service and after-sales support
A warranty is only as good as the company behind it. In our experience, Modern National's customer service is second to none, and their after-sales support has been the best around. When a customer needs a replacement part or advice, they respond quickly and get it sorted, which makes our job easier and gives our customers real peace of mind.
A huge range of colours and styles
One of the biggest reasons customers choose Modern National tapware is choice. The popular Star Mini basin mixer alone comes in chrome, matte black, gun metal, brushed nickel, brushed bronze, champagne, dusk and antique brass.
The style range is just as broad:
- Modern and minimalist – sleek pin-lever mixers and wall sets like the Star range suit contemporary bathrooms and kitchens.
- Classic and rustic – the Bordeaux and Montpellier ranges bring a traditional, French provincial and country look with cross handles and curved spouts, perfect for Hamptons, farmhouse and heritage renovations.
Whether you're after modern bathroom tapware or a classic look for your laundry or kitchen, there's a Modern National range to match.
Modern National tapware delivered Australia-wide
It really doesn't matter where you're located. Together, 2Magpies and Modern National service customers right across the country. We've supplied Modern National tapware to homeowners, renovators and builders in Brisbane and Queensland, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, and everywhere in between. Order online and we'll deliver to your door, with the same warranty and after-sales support wherever you are.
Things to consider
- Special finishes can cost a little more than chrome or matte black, but they last.
- Clean any finish with a soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaners and bleach, which can damage tapware from any brand.
- Check spout height and reach against your basin before you buy, especially with above-counter basins.
Our verdict: is Modern National tapware worth it?
Yes. After more than five years of selling Modern National, we can confidently say it's reliable, cost-effective Australian tapware from a Sydney-based company, with a lifetime warranty and after-sales support that's hard to beat. Browse the full Modern National tapware range online, or visit our Hamilton Hill showroom in Perth to see the finishes in person. Wherever you are in Australia, we'll deliver.
