Saki doesn't specify the exact time period of his story, but it's clear that it takes place in Edwardian England, the early 20th century era when King Edward VII reigned. During this period, England was at the height of its colonial dominance, and its citizens enjoyed substantial wealth and confidence due to the nation's global status. The affluent leisure class was likely overly self-assured, not recognizing that political developments in Europe, including military alliances among major powers, would eventually lead to World War I and the subsequent collapse of their privileged lifestyle. Saki frequently mocks this complacency in his stories.

"The Open Window" is set at the country estate of a typical upper-class family of the era. Wealthy Edwardian families often possessed country homes like this one. Mr. Nuttel, who suffers from an unspecified nervous condition, has been advised to seek solace in the countryside. At that time, it was believed that a slower pace of life, fresh air, and tranquility could heal those afflicted with nervous disorders, a common treatment approach before the advent of modern psychology. The formal nature of Nuttel's visit reflects the customs of the affluent classes during the Edwardian age. His use of a letter of introduction to meet people in his new community was a standard practice among the upper class of that period.

In the early twentieth century, England stood at the height of its colonial dominance, and its citizens relished in the wealth and confidence that came with their nation's global standing. The affluent leisure class, however, was perhaps overly self-assured, failing to recognize that political developments in Europe, particularly military alliances among major powers, would soon lead to World War I and the subsequent destruction of their comfortable lifestyle. This complacency is a frequent target of Saki's satire in his stories. "The Open Window" takes place at the country estate of a typical upper-class family of that era. Wealthy Edwardian families often owned such country homes. Mr. Nuttel, who suffers from an unspecified nervous condition, has been advised to seek solace in the countryside. During this period, it was commonly believed that a slower pace of life, fresh air, and tranquility could heal those with nervous disorders—a prevalent treatment method in England before the advent of modern psychology. The formal nature of Nuttel's visit is characteristic of the wealthy classes of the Edwardian period. It was customary among the rich at that time to use letters of introduction to meet people in a new community.

1910s: A retreat to the countryside is frequently suggested for city residents experiencing nervous conditions.

Today: While many individuals take vacations to alleviate stress, the "rest" cure is now an outdated approach for nervous ailments. Typically, doctors now recommend medication.

1910s: In refined circles, letters of introduction were a customary way to introduce oneself in a new area. These letters ensured that relocating to a new home did not lead to social isolation.

Today: Most people meet each other by chance in educational settings or workplaces rather than through pre-arranged introductions. However, dating services and personal advertisements remain popular.

1910s: Hunting was a favored pastime among the wealthy English classes during the Edwardian Era.

Today: Hunting is a widely enjoyed sport across all social classes and is rarely practiced solely for food procurement.